Wedding coins, known in Spanish as las arras or arras matrimoniales, are 13 coins that one partner gives the other during the ceremony as a promise to share everything they have.
The 13 coins represent Christ and his 12 apostles. The tradition comes from Spain and is common today in Mexican, Latin American, Hispanic, and Filipino weddings, in both Catholic and other Christian ceremonies.
Recently I had the honor of performing a Coin Ceremony at a wedding. I like the symbolism, and its history. This tradition is usually associated with Hispanic weddings, and originated in Spain.
Thirteen (13) coins (either gold or silver) represent Christ and his 12 apostles. It is a simple ceremony where the Bridegroom gives the Bride these coins to represent his responsibility as a provider, and his trust in his Bride with his material possessions. Usually a few words or vows are exchanged.
Her reception of the coins symbolizes her dedication and responsibility in looking after these possessions.
What Does “Arras” Mean?
The word comes from the Latin arrha, meaning a pledge or a deposit given to confirm an agreement. You will also see the tradition called las arras, arras matrimoniales, arras de boda, or simply the wedding coins or unity coins. In the Philippines the same custom is known as the arrhae.
Where the 13 Coin Tradition Comes From
The custom is traced to medieval Spain, where coins or rings were handed over as a pledge at a betrothal. Spanish colonization carried it to Mexico and across Latin America, and on to the Philippines, where it remains a standard part of Catholic weddings.
The meaning has shifted over time. The coins originally stood for a dowry and for the groom’s promise to provide. Many couples today treat them as a symbol of equal partnership, with both people committing to share everything they own.
Who Buys the Arras?
The partner who presents the coins is often not the person who bought them. In many Latin American weddings the padrinos de arras, the godparents or sponsors, purchase the coins and give them to the couple as a gift. A close relative or a friend can take that role instead. The coins usually arrive in an ornate box or pouch, and after the wedding many couples keep that box on display at home as a family heirloom.
The wording goes something like this:
There is no single official script. This is the wording our officiant uses, and couples are welcome to adapt it.
Minister
May these coins be a symbol of Bridegroom and Bride’s mutual love, fidelity and trust.
Bridegroom
I (Bridegroom) give you (Bride) these 13 coins as a symbol of my unquestionable trust and confidence I place in you as my beloved wife. As we united our lives today I share all material responsibility with you.
Bride
I (Bride) accept these coins and assure you of my total love and dedication in looking after you, your possessions and my unconditional love.
The Coins
The coins can also represent different values that the couple want to share between themselves, as pictured on these gold coins:
- Love
- Harmony
- Cooperation
- Commitment
- Peace
- Happiness
- Trust
- Respect
- Caring
- Wisdom
- Joy
- Wholeness
- Nurturing
Where the Coin Ceremony Fits in the Wedding
The coin ceremony is short, usually a minute or two. It is normally placed after the vows and rings, alongside other unity traditions such as the lasso or the unity candle. Couples often pair it with the veil or a unity candle moment.
Couples who would rather not coordinate the pieces themselves can look at our Diamond luxury package, which bundles photography, videography, florals, cake, catering, DJ, bar service, and coordination into one price.
If you are planning a ceremony in Tucson, most Saguaro Buttes wedding packages include a rehearsal with a certified coordinator, so your officiant and wedding party can walk through any traditions you are adding. You can browse our wedding packages or see ceremony setups in our photo gallery.
Wedding Coin Ceremony FAQs
Why are there 13 coins?
The 13 coins represent Christ and his 12 apostles. Some couples also assign a value to each coin, such as love, trust, and respect.
What are the wedding coins called in Spanish?
Las arras, arras matrimoniales, or arras de boda. The word comes from the Latin arrha, meaning a pledge or deposit.
Do the coins have to be real gold or silver?
No. Arras sets are sold as gold-toned or silver-toned coins and are chosen for their symbolism, not their value. Some families do pass down a set of real gold or silver coins.
Who buys the arras coins?
Often the padrinos de arras, the godparents or sponsors, buy the coins and present them to the couple as a gift. A close relative or friend can take that role instead.
What happens to the coins after the wedding?
The couple keeps them. The coins usually come in a decorative box or chest, and many couples display that box at home and pass the set down as an heirloom.
Is the coin ceremony only for Catholic weddings?
No. It is most common in Catholic ceremonies, but the tradition is used in other Christian ceremonies and in civil ceremonies too. Couples outside the culture sometimes include it to honor family heritage.
Is the coin ceremony the same as the lasso?
No, they are two separate traditions that often appear in the same wedding. The lasso, or el lazo, is a cord or rosary placed around the couple in a figure eight. The arras is the exchange of 13 coins.
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