(from Marine Corps Order P5060.20 w/CH 1 dtd 5 May 03 paragraph 5016. FORMING AN ARCH OF SWORDS FOR WEDDINGS)

1. The arch of swords for weddings is authorized for commissioned, warrant, staff noncommissioned, and noncommissioned officers. The arch of swords ceremony is an old English and American custom, which gives a symbolic pledge of loyalty to the newly married couple from their Marine family. Only the newly married couple is allowed to pass under the arch.

2. The ushers normally form the sword detail, however other officers, warrant or staff noncommissioned officers may be designated as needed. Customarily, six or eight members take part in the ceremony. The usher’s form at the bottom of the chapel steps, in two equal ranks, at normal interval, facing each other, with sufficient room between ranks (3 to 4 paces) for the bride and groom to pass. The senior usher is positioned in the left rank furthest from the chapel exit. (See figure 5-21.)

Figure 5-21 Formation for the Arch of Swords

3. After the guests have left the chapel to observe the ceremony, the bride and groom exit the chapel and stand just outside the main entrance. The senior usher will then form the arch of swords by giving the command of “Draw, SWORD.” 

a. On the preparatory command of “Draw,” execute the first count of the movement as described in paragraph 5001.
b. On the command of execution “SWORD,” the sword is removed from the scabbard in one continuous motion to an angle of 45 degrees, points touching across the aisle formed by the ushers. At this point halt and do not complete the final counts of draw sword.

4. The bride and groom, and only the bride and groom, then pass under the arch. As the newlyweds approach the last two ushers, (e.g., the two farthest from the chapel entrance) they slowly lower their swords to halt the couple. The senior usher then says “Welcome to the Marine Corps Family” or “Welcome aboard Mr./Mrs. _________ (rank of military member can be substituted for Mr./Mrs.), and then announce the new couple to those assembled.” The last two ushers then slowly raise their sword back to the arch position and allow the couple to pass.
5. After the newlyweds have cleared the arch the senior usher gives the command of “Return, SWORD.”

a. On the preparatory command of “Return,” move the sword to the present position and then to the scabbard as described in paragraph 5010. 
b. On the command of execution “SWORD,” complete the movement of return sword as described in paragraph 5010.

6. The senior usher then dismisses the detail.
7. Though it is traditional that swords are never unsheathed in a chapel, the chaplain may grant permission to form the arch of swords indoors in the event of inclement weather. The ceremony would be performed at the rear of the chapel near or in the vestibule. The ceremony begins after the chaplain has concluded the wedding ceremony with the bride and groom passing under the arch of swords before the guests depart and is performed in the same manner as described above.