The The Apostolic Church – Ghana has announced a significant change to its marriage rites, officially banning the popular wedding phrase and act, “you may kiss the bride,” during church ceremonies.
The directive, reported by 3News on March 28, 2026, forms part of broader efforts by the church to uphold what it describes as acceptable Christian and cultural standards in matrimonial practices.
Decision Rooted in Cultural and Spiritual Concerns
According to church leadership, the move is intended to address what it views as growing excesses and inappropriate conduct associated with modern wedding celebrations. The church believes some imported practices do not align with Ghanaian values and biblical principles.
Church authorities emphasised that the ban is not merely symbolic but part of a deliberate attempt to preserve modesty and sanctity within Christian marriage ceremonies.
Shift from Western Wedding Traditions
The phrase “you may kiss the bride,” widely popularised in Western wedding culture, has increasingly become a standard feature in many Ghanaian marriages. However, the Apostolic Church argues that such practices are not rooted in its doctrinal teachings.
By removing the act, the church seeks to distinguish its marriage rites from secular or foreign influences and reinforce its identity as a Bible-based institution.
Reactions and Implications
The directive is expected to spark conversation among congregants and the wider public, particularly as weddings in Ghana often blend religious, cultural, and modern elements.
Observers say the decision could influence other conservative Christian denominations to reassess certain ceremonial practices, especially those perceived as inconsistent with traditional values.
Background
The Apostolic Church – Ghana is one of the country’s prominent Pentecostal denominations, with a strong emphasis on biblical doctrine, discipline, and spiritual conduct. Its policies often reflect a conservative interpretation of Christian teachings.
While the long-term impact of the ban remains to be seen, the decision underscores an ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in Ghana’s religious and social spaces. For many, it raises broader questions about how far churches should go in regulating personal and cultural expressions within sacred ceremonies.
