Alcohol at Sikh Weddings: Yes, or No? Froyle Park Answers

Is There Alcohol at a Sikh Wedding?

Froyle Park: A Luxury Dry Hire Venue for Sikh Wedding Celebrations

At Sikh weddings, alcohol is generally a no-go, especially during the religious ceremony. The Anand Karaj usually takes place in a Gurdwara (Sikh temple), and because it’s such a sacred setting, serving or consuming alcohol there is seen as highly disrespectful.

That said, some families might include alcohol at pre-wedding events or the reception later on, but it’s always kept separate from the religious part of the day.

It’s certainly something that can be sensitive, especially when you’re juggling different expectations from family, religion, and let’s be honest, your own vision for the day. So, let’s unpack it a bit and talk about how a venue like Froyle Park can help make this part of the planning process way less stressful.

First Off: Why It’s a Big Deal?

In Sikhism, alcohol isn’t allowed. That’s a fairly clear guideline from the Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct). So, a lot of Sikh weddings, especially if there’s an Anand Karaj at the Gurdwara or a more traditional family vibe, will be completely alcohol-free.

But not everyone does things the same way. Some couples choose to keep the ceremony dry but serve alcohol at the Sikh wedding reception. Others might keep it low-key or have it in a separate area out of respect for elders or more religious family members.

The key is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to what feels right for you and your people.

A selection of colourful cocktails and mocktails, displayed in the atrium at Froyle Park with it's wonderful original exposed brick and stone work

Have the Chat About Alcohol Early

This is one of those topics you want to get out in the open early on. Chat with your partner, your parents, anyone whose opinion really matters – and your venue… which could be us, at Froyle Park.

Trust us, sorting it early saves a lot of awkwardness later. And if you’re working with a venue such as Froyle Park (the leading Hampshire and Surrey Asian wedding venue), you’re in good hands. We’ve hosted many Sikh weddings, so nothing you say will surprise us. We get it. We’re here to support your vision for your celebrations.

A Sikh Bride & Groom dressed in colourful cultural attire being drummed into their Sikh wedding reception by Dhol drummers at Froyle Park.

What Froyle Park Does Really Well

One of the best things about Froyle Park is how flexible and respectful we can be to your wishes over alcohol at your Sikh wedding, and anything else for that matter. Here’s how we handle it:

You decide the vibe: Want a completely dry wedding? Done. Want to serve drinks after the religious part’s finished? No problem. Want to keep it to a certain area of the venue? Easy.
Separate spaces: The layout means you can keep drinks out of sight during the ceremony or away from guests who’d prefer not to be near it.
No awkward transitions: If you’re planning a religious ceremony in the morning and a lively reception later, we’ll help make that shift feel smooth and natural.
No judgement, just solutions: Honestly, we just get it. You don’t have to explain every little cultural nuance, chances are we already know how to work with it, and are well-versed in delivering a day to treasure!

The Grand ballroom at Froyle Park, dressed beautifully with cream draping and gold accents in the tablewear

For Couples Sitting in the Middle with Regards to Alcohol

If you’re somewhere between “let’s go dry” and “let’s throw a full bar party,” that’s completely okay. You can absolutely find a middle ground that feels respectful but still lets you celebrate your Sikh wedding in a way that’s fitting to you.

Some ideas we’ve seen work really well;

Serve mocktails or soft drinks during the daytime events, then open a bar in the evening.
Keep alcohol limited to one area such as as a bar tucked away in another room.
Go dry but make the entertainment, food, and décor so good that no one even notices.
Froyle Park makes it easy to do any of that. Our team knows the balance, and we’re all about helping you create the day you want – without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Arial view of Froyle Park, showing the gardens, ceremony dome, fountain and stunning cherry blossom tree in full, pink bloom

Final Thoughts

Alcohol at Sikh weddings doesn’t have to be a stressful topic. It’s all about open conversations, finding your version of what feels right, and working with a venue that respects that.

Froyle Park gets it. We’re not just a stunning backdrop. We’re a a team who knows how to make things work for all kinds of weddings, including ones that come with a few more cultural layers.

So, whether you’re going totally dry, having a drink or two later, or creating a whole separate bar vibe, they’ll help you pull it off smoothly – and with zero drama.