Getting Lassoed At Your Wedding–The History of the Wedding Lasso Rosary

Why is a Wedding Lasso Rosary Used?

Weddings are ceremonies steeped in tradition. When it comes to planning a wedding, many couples choose to incorporate customs into their religious ceremony that are unique to their culture. While weddings today have long abandoned ancient customs that were once popular (such as Roman brides wearing herbs under their veils as a symbol of fertility) many traditions remain.

One such tradition is the wedding lasso rosary, popular in Mexican, Filipino, and Spanish communities. During the religious ceremony, a large rosary is placed around the bride and groom as a symbol of unity. Although the wedding lasso rosary is popular in certain cultures, a popular trend among brides today is looking to other cultures for wedding inspiration. If you’re looking for a unique and symbolic ritual to incorporate into your upcoming wedding ceremony, the wedding lasso rosary just may be what you’ve been searching for.

Lasso Rosary Used at Wedding

Let’s take a closer look at this tradition.

What Is a Wedding Lasso Rosary?

A wedding lasso rosary, also called el lazo, is an oversized rosary, large enough to be entwined (lassoed) around the couple. After the couple has exchanged their vows, their wedding sponsors (witnesses) called el padrino and la madrina, place the rosary around the couple’s shoulders, starting with groom’s shoulder and then the bride’s shoulder, to form a figure eight shape. The priest recites a prayer, similar to the following: "Let the union of binding together this rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary be an inspiration to you both. Remember the holiness necessary to preserve your new family can only be obtained by mutual sacrifice and love." The couple wears the lasso throughout the remainder of the service. At the end of the ceremony the lasso is removed by the priest or by the wedding sponsors who placed the lasso around the couple.

What Does the Wedding Lasso Rosary Symbolize?

The “lassoing” act is a symbol of unifying the couple together in marriage for their entire lives. This custom is similar to the lighting of a unity candle used in many Catholic weddings. The couple is to share the responsibility of marriage and raising a family. The figure eight also represents the mathematical symbol for infinity--no beginning and no end. The number eight in the Bible is also the number of new beginnings. The use of rosary beads in this ritual is also significant; using a rosary reflects that the bride and groom are forever bound together in unity by God.

A Marriage is represented by infinity - no beginning and no end

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Why Are Brides Choosing to "Be Lassoed" At Their Weddings?

Even couples of non-Mexican, Filipino, or Spanish descent are choosing to include this symbolic practice in their weddings. Why? You’ll often hear brides say they want “something different” for their wedding, something that’s “unique and meaningful”. Whether it’s a tradition that’s been handed down from generations in your family, or a newly adopted tradition from another culture, it’s these special touches that make your wedding distinctive and expressive. The lassoing part of your ceremony will definitely pique your guests’ interest, especially if they’re not familiar with this tradition.

What Does a Lasso Rosary Look Like?

A rosary lasso is made by linking two rosaries together, joined in the center by one crucifix. There are different styles of lasso rosaries to choose from to reflect your taste. Our lasso rosaries are made of different materials and finishes so you can find the one that best complements your wedding theme. If you’re a bride-to-be who’s planning a formal, black-tie ceremony the Pearl Lasso Wedding Rosary is the perfect rosary to match your refined wedding. Another great option for an elegant-themed wedding is the Pearl Lasso Wedding Rosary with Silver Tone Accents, or the shimmery Crystal Lasso Wedding Rosary with Silver-tone Accents.

Example Wedding Lasso Rosaries

Silver Tone and Crystal Wedding Lasso Rosary

Silver Tone and Crystal Wedding Lasso Rosary

Gold Tone Crystal Bead Lasso Wedding Rosary

Gold Tone Crystal Bead Lasso Wedding Rosary

Intimate Wedding Ceremony

For the simple, intimate wedding ceremony, the Glass Hearts Wedding Lasso Rosary is a choice we recommend. The frosted heart-shaped beads are an endearing reflection of your love.

What Is the History of the Wedding Lasso Rosary?

This symbolic ritual is believed to have originated from the Aztecs dating back to the 14th or 15th century.

How to Use Your Wedding Lasso Rosary After Your Wedding

The wedding lasso rosary isn’t just for your wedding day; it’s a memento that’ll live on long after your day is over. Mementos are important to many brides--from pressed bouquet flowers to photos --these items help to preserve the memory of their wedding day. Unlike pressed flowers or photos, your lasso rosary will also become an heirloom piece. Imagine future generations using your wedding lasso for their wedding ceremony. Some couples choose to put their lasso rosary on display after their wedding, while others prefer to keep it safely tucked away to be handed down from generation to generation. You can purchase the Deluxe Velour Keepsake Box to ensure your wedding lasso rosary is protected.

Have you heard of the wedding lasso rosary?

What traditions do you plan on using for your wedding?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

  • […] is the blessing said at the Holy Mass during the placing of the marriage lasso over our shoulders by the […]

  • Maria says:

    Can I include lasso and arras in a non Catholic ceremony??

    • Theresa says:

      I’m wondering that also. My daughter is getting married and wants to use my Lasso “symbolically” in her non catholic ceremony.

    • Rachel Villagomez says:

      Yes, of course, you can include this in any type of ceremony- inside or outside. And they can be made of anything. I am going to have a lasso of colorful flowers.

  • Christian gourdin says:

    What is the material in the photo with the couple? Where can we purchase a lazzo like that already made? Thank you

  • Louise says:

    We had a Lazzo at our wedding 37 years ago and were honored to have it because it gave a deeper meaning to our wedding and our future . The Rosary is a beautiful symbol to our Virgin Mary and the faithless she had in becoming our Saviors mother.

  • yvette says:

    in a non church wedding is a lazo needed

  • Louise Sisneros says:

    We were given a Lasso Rosary for our wedding on September 22, 1979 and will be celebrating our 39 th Anniversary. We have been through a lot in those years. But can reflect how we felt on that big day and how much it has kept us together through thick and thin . It was a beautiful part of our love and our wedding and will continue even in death do us part. Dean and Louise Sisneros of Colorado

  • Josie Valadez Bollwitt says:

    In 1963 my Aunt and Uncle gave us our Lazo as a wedding present. They bought it in Mexico that summer. My husband is of German decent and had never seen this tradition done and thought it was very special. Our son used it in his wedding in 1989 and his son, our grandson, plans to use it in his wedding in 2020. My mom’s family always called it by another name and I’m really not sure how to spell it, but it sounded like manquena. I’ve tried researching this word, but have found nothing that comes close. It must be an indigenous word from a certain part of Mexico. My Mom and Aunt have passed, so I can’t ask them about it. So sorry I didn’t ask more questions. My husband and I have been married 55 going on 56 years. I feel so honored that our grandson wants to use this tradition.


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