In Jungian psychology, the wedding (or hierogamy) is a powerful archetype representing the union of opposites—most fundamentally, the masculine and feminine aspects of the psyche. Wedding dreams may indicate progress in the individuation process as these opposing elements move toward integration. Developmentally, wedding dreams often increase during periods when questions of intimate commitment are salient—not only when considering actual marriage but during any phase when deeper unions with others or within oneself are psychologically relevant. Some psychologists note that wedding dreams frequently appear during times of identity transition or integration, even when not related to romantic relationships. The wedding symbolizes the commitment to a new, more integrated identity after a period of change or development.

Across cultures, wedding ceremonies symbolize not just the union of individuals but the joining of families, communities, and sometimes spiritual dimensions. The rich symbolism of weddings in dreams draws on these multiple layers of meaning. In many spiritual traditions, the wedding represents mystical union—with the divine, with higher consciousness, or with ultimate reality. The archetypal "sacred marriage" or divine union appears in numerous religious and mythological systems. Contemporary culture places intense focus on weddings as peak experiences and visual spectacles. These cultural associations influence how weddings appear in dreams and may contribute to dreams of wedding preparations, attire, or social aspects of weddings.