Traditionally, a wedding of Cham Muslims in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang lasts for three straight days, with a range of different rites and rituals involved.

As of today, the ceremony has been shortened to last from the evening until the next morning.

While in the past the groom would live with the bride’s family after marriage in line with the matriarchal social system of the Cham people, modern couples are given more freedom to choose their most convenient home.

At the wedding, the bride and groom would put on the colorful traditional costumes of their people despite modern development.

Cham weddings have also amazed outsiders with their tranquility and coziness due to the fact that no alcoholic drinks are allowed according to Islamic teachings.

All the beauty and homeliness of a Cham wedding can be observed through the ‘groom procession’ ceremony in the nuptials between Amine Saly and Sari Yan in Chau Phong Ward, Tan Chau District, An Giang Province.

Below are a series of photos by Me Thanh Thuan featuring a wedding ceremony of Cham people in An Giang.

These photos were one of the entries to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper's year-long competition themed “Vietnam – Country – People" concluding in October last year.

It won the competition’s consolation prize.

Friends of the couple attend the wedding party in traditional Cham costumes.

The house is colorfully decorated to welcome guests who have come to celebrate the good news.

An indispensable praying ritual carried out by the groom’s family the evening before the ‘groom procession’ ceremony

The bridesmaids are just as beautiful in their costumes as the bride herself.

Happiness shines on the faces of the groom’s family members on the ferry back home with the bride after the ‘groom procession’ ceremony.

The only drink available at the wedding party is iced tea.

Dishes served at a Cham wedding party include rice, beef curry, and soup. Guests are not required to leave ‘congratulatory money’ for the couple.

The bride and groom perform a ritual at the bride’s house. Traditionally, the groom must stay at the bride’s house for at least three days after the wedding.

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