Inside the Jordanian Royal Wedding of HRH Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al-Saif

Photo: RHCJO

Congratulations to HRH Crown Prince Hussein and HRH Princess Rajwa Al-Saif, who were married in Jordan on June 1! The highly-awaited nuptials took place at the Zahran Palace where the couple tied the knot in an Islamic ceremony, also known as katb ktab, in the presence of over 140 guests including Royal Hashemite family members, royals from around the world, and heads of state. A perfect blend of the formalities and diplomatic aspects of a state banquet and the joyousness and traditions of an Arab wedding ceremony, the day was one to remember by those in Jordan and beyond.

Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al-Saif’s wedding ceremony was held at Zahran Palace

Photo: Royal Hashemite Court

The special day began with the parents of the groom, Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, welcoming guests at the historic palace as the Jordanian Armed Forces Musical Band performed alongside them. Following the groom’s arrival, the three joined guests at the gazebo in the palace’s garden, while the bride arrived at the palace escorted by the Crown Prince’s younger siblings, Prince Hashem, and Princess Salma. Prince Hashem then walked Al-Saif to the gazebo for the religious ceremony and signing of the marriage contract, which was presided by Royal Hashemite Court Imam Dr Ahmed Al Khalaileh. After it ended, the space erupted in celebratory sounds as women performed the Zaghrata or ululation to express their joy. The newly-married couple proceeded to greet guests before heading to the Al Husseiniya Palace in a motorcade procession for the wedding reception.

The Red Motorcade

Photo: RHCJO

Rooted in history, the Red Motorcade began in the era of HM King Abdullah I, Jordan’s founder, who used a procession of white horses with riders dressed in dark blue trousers and red blazers to arrive at significant national events. The motorcade is now used on events of national importance and features eight bright red armed Land Rover vehicles and 11 motorcycles, while on special occasions, horse and camel riders join the lineup and the Jordan Armed Forces Musical Band plays military music on bagpipes. The motorcade members and riders are dressed in full Jordanian military regalia and the national red and white checkered headdress, known in Arabic as the Shemagh.

Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al-Saif’s reception took place at Al Husseiniya Palace

Photo: RHCJO

At the palace, the arrival of the newlyweds was announced via the customary zaffeh or wedding march, with drums, bagpipes, singing, and clapping. The couple was then led to the reception in the outdoor courtyard by a military zaffeh by the Jordan Armed Forces Musical Band, dressed in traditional red and white Shemagh. After passing through an honorary Arch of Sabers, the couple took the stage, where they were joined by King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, as well as the bride’s parents, to greet the over 1,700 guests present. The evening also included a lineup of performances paying tribute to the groom’s military career, the bride’s Saudi Arabian heritage, and traditional Jordanian artistry, and the cutting of the wedding cake.

Photo: RHCJO

Guests including Royal Hashemite family members, foreign and Arab heads of states, and high-ranking officials later came together for the wedding banquet which also took place at Al Husseiniya Palace.

Kate, Princess of Wales and William, Prince of Wales. Photo: RHCJO

The decor for the royal wedding

Photo: RHCJO

Each wedding venue on the big day saw unique decor showcasing understated elegance, while combining modern details with Islamic art, Jordanian handicrafts, and the country’s native flora.