Addis Ababa, high in the Ethiopian highlands, has a wedding culture all its own: limousines decorated with ribbons, wedding parties dancing eskista in hotel gardens and celebrations that continue for days. Planning a wedding in Addis Ababa means understanding Ethiopia’s seasons, its calendar and its religious fasts.
Seasons and the Ethiopian calendar
Ethiopia’s main rainy season, kiremt, usually runs from about June to September. Weddings are less common then, especially outdoors. The Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, falls in September, and the months after the rains, along with January, are popular for weddings. Addis Ababa’s altitude, around 2,300 metres, means cool evenings, so plan for wraps and heaters.
Fasting periods
Many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians avoid marrying during the church’s fasting periods, such as the long fast before Easter. Muslim families plan around Ramadan. Check religious calendars with your families before you choose a date.
The wedding week
Ethiopian weddings often involve several events. Before the wedding, some families hold a telosh, where the groom’s family brings gifts to the bride. The wedding day itself includes the ceremony, a procession of decorated cars, photographs in parks and gardens, and a reception with music and dancing. After the wedding, the melse celebration often follows, with the couple in traditional dress, including the bride’s kaba, a cape, and more feasting.
Venues
Hotels in Addis Ababa host many receptions, with ballrooms and gardens. Some couples hold receptions in large tents at family homes. Popular photo locations include parks and gardens around the city.
Food and drink
Expect injera with a range of wats, kitfo, tibs and vegetable dishes, with tej, honey wine, and plenty of coffee. If the wedding falls during a fasting period, fasting dishes without meat or dairy may be served.
Attire
Many brides wear a white gown for the ceremony and the habesha kemis, the traditional white dress with woven borders, for other events. Read our Ethiopian wedding attire guide for more.
Paperwork
For the legal side, see our guide to civil marriage in Ethiopia. Foreign partners should also read marrying an Ethiopian citizen.
Wedding in Addis Ababa: common questions
When is the best time for a wedding in Addis Ababa?
The dry season from October to May is popular for a wedding in Addis Ababa, while the main rains fall from June to September. Read about Addis Ababa.
What is the melse?
The melse is a ceremony held after the wedding, when the couple wear traditional dress and the families celebrate again.
What do brides wear?
Many Ethiopian brides wear the habesha kemis, a white cotton dress with woven borders, for traditional events.
