Romance and Marriage in Valmyr

Romance
As far as romance is concerned in Valmyr, the courting of individuals is regulated highly in the upper class families, and celebrated in middle and lower class. The love between two individuals is deemed to be a wonderful and lucky thing. The presentation of flowers and jewellery to the significant other and their families are common place as a sign of well-wishing. There are very few courtship traditions other than this, favoring a standard approach.

Weddings
In Valmyr, weddings are a highly celebrated event. Often the entire community is invited to come celebrate the union of two individuals, though eloping has always been a common alternative. In the event of a royal or noble wedding, often many noble families will travel great lengths to celebrate. In the case of a royal wedding, all of the highest born nobility will travel from the entire continent to be a part of the celebrations in the city of Wel. It is considered a great offense to not be invited or to reject an invitation to a wedding in Valmyr unless they truly cannot make it for an important excuse. The wedding is arranged by the families of those getting married. Marriage in Valmyr is most commonly done out of choice, but some are betrothed, especially in noble families.

Though the actual wedding ceremonies differ slightly per province and even locally in the province, they all begin with a gathering ceremony which is usually held in a church in the late morning. The ceremony includes acts such as handfasting, traditional vows and sharing a drink from a cup and is held under Myr and Erul. The bride tends to be given away by a male who is close to her, meaning it could be a family friend or father, or brother. The ceremonies do not last long, usually around the twenty minute mark. After this ceremony, a massive feast is held for all those who attended until the late evening when those who are married are carried off by their guests to be taken to a private residence.

Polygamy
As a special note as far as marriage is concerned, in Havruken society it is perfectly acceptable for polygamy of a man to marry two different wives legally. However, he may choose another two additional mistresses if he so chooses to. These wives are restricted from marrying any other. Polygamy is strictly only acceptable in noble and wealthy families. It is also found sometimes on the Iceborn Islands, but less commonly. Polygamy is not found acceptable anywhere else in Valmyr. Polygamy in Welreil and Tzrel will likely result in severe punishments from the Holy Church of Eternal Summer, though this is dependent on the church finding out.