Abstract
Marriage ceremonies, first step to the foundations of the family, besides showing the importance given to the establishment phase of the family, also contain many cultural values such as people's entertainment, clothing styles, music and beliefs. Dating back to the Candaroğulları Principality in 1300, many nations have settled in the Çaycuma. As a result, marriage ceremonies with a wide variety of customs emerged bringing the differentiations in marriage ceremonies by generations. From this point of view, the aim of the study is to examine the marriage ceremonies held in the Çaycuma. The study was carried out with the cultural analysis method, one of the qualitative research designs. Interviews, including 25 people residing in Çaycuma, were conducted with the individuals. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the interview. Finally, it was determined that the marriage ceremonies in Çaycuma generally lasted 3 days and were held in the summer months. Elopment is common in marriages as well as arranged marriages. Meat dishes and baklava were served to the guests, and music made with tambourine or tin was used in the entertainments, as well as teams consisting of drums, zurna and köçek. During the wedding ceremonies, many interesting traditions such as, three days, breaking the glass / jug, climbing the doorstep of the mother-in-law were applied. With the research, it is aimed to record the marriage ceremonies held in Çaycuma region, which has many cultural elements. It is thought that the results will contribute to the protection of our cultural heritage.