Once consummated, the marriage is considered to be valid. In the Faith of the Seven, a marriage which has not yet been consummated can be annulled upon request to the High Septon or a Council of Faith. Once flowered, girls are deemed fit for bedding. Marriages to girls who have not yet reached their majority or have not had their first flowering are rare, although they do occur.
The head of house arranges betrothals for his family members. Following the ceremony, a feast is held, concluded by the bedding, which validates the marriage. Though weddings are diverse in their exact customs and traditions, all involve the exchange of vows in the presence of particular sacred witnesses such as a septon for the Faith of the Seven, a heart tree for the old gods, or a priest or priestess for the Drowned God or R'hllor.
Marriage in both Westeros and Essos is a religious ceremony.
