NO KIDS ALLOWED: ADULT ONLY WEDDINGS SPARK DISCUSSION

Weddings on Guam have always been about more than just two people saying “I do.” They are family events, bringing together generations of aunties, uncles, cousins, godparents, and friends to celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones. But as wedding trends evolve, more local couples are choosing adults-only celebrations—a decision that has sparked plenty of discussion throughout the island.

For some, a child-free wedding is a practical choice. For others, leaving the kids at home goes against the very spirit of a family gathering.

Why Some Guam Couples Are Saying “Adults Only”

With wedding costs continuing to rise, many couples are looking for ways to keep their guest lists manageable. Since local weddings often include hundreds of guests, inviting children can add dozens more people—and significantly increase catering costs.

Some couples also envision a more formal atmosphere, especially for evening receptions where alcohol is served and dancing goes late into the night. Others simply want their guests—many of whom are parents themselves—to enjoy a rare night out.

“People spend years saving for their wedding,” says one local event planner. “They want to create the experience they dreamed about, and sometimes that means limiting the guest list to adults.”

Many younger couples are also influenced by mainland trends and social media, where child-free weddings have become increasingly common.

Why Some Families Take It Personally

But on Guam, where family and culture are deeply intertwined, asking guests to leave the kids at home can be easier said than done.

In CHamoru culture, celebrations are often centered around the entire family. Children are part of birthdays, fiestas, weddings, and funerals. Seeing nieces and nephews running around the dance floor or little cousins playing together is simply part of the experience many island families have grown up with.

For some parents, finding childcare isn’t always easy. And with many families attending weddings together, grandparents who would normally babysit are already on the guest list.

Others say excluding children can unintentionally send the message that part of the family isn’t welcome.

“It’s not that we don’t respect the couple’s wishes,” said one local mother. “But on Guam, family means everybody. That’s just how many of us were raised.”

Respect Goes Both Ways

Local wedding planners say they are seeing more conversations about expectations before invitations even go out. Some couples compromise by inviting children to the ceremony but hosting an adults-only reception. Others hire babysitters or provide kid-friendly spaces nearby.

Etiquette experts agree that couples have every right to decide who attends their wedding. At the same time, guests shouldn’t feel obligated to attend if they can’t make arrangements for their children.

And perhaps that’s where both sides can find common ground.

After all, on Guam, weddings have always been about family, love, and bringing people together. Whether a couple chooses a kid-friendly celebration or an adults-only affair, most agree that respect and understanding matter far more than what’s written on the invitation.

Because while the wedding itself lasts just one day, the relationships between families—and the memories made together—can last a lifetime.