Renaissance bridal customs originated during the Middle Ages. Wedding customs and fashions developed as increased foreign trade brought new ideas to Europe from far away places.
Renaissance marriages were often held at the bride's
house. Couples belonging to the nobility would have their weddings in
medieval castles.
During the later Middle Ages, the Catholic Church dominated culture and
as a consequence, Renaissance wedding ceremonies were most likely to take
place in a chapel or at the church door.
Renaissance marriage ceremonies and celebrations depended largely on the social class of the bride and groom. Inheritance and property rights were usually two reasons why marriages were often arranged. Agreements or contracts were drawn up describing the rights of both the bride and groom.
Often a title of nobility together with land ownership was conveyed with the nuptials.
