But some do. Delia explains the Hutterite marriage tradition. Hutterites marry for life, and do not allow divorce. There is a separation if one member of a couple leaves the colony, she says, because a believing spouse should not be dragged down into a world of sin by an unbeliever. But the brotherhood does not grant divorce or seek alimony if a spouse leaves, and the spouse of an apostate member may never remarry.
Women are always married at their husband's colony, where they go to live after the wedding.
Marriages are no longer arranged, but couples must obtain the blessing of their families before they can get engaged. The week before the wedding, it is announced during church services at both colonies that the couple intend to wed. The week before the wedding, the bride is relieved of her normal duties so that she can concentrate on packing and preparing her clothing. On the Friday before the wedding, the groom and members of his colony come to get her and any of her family who will attend the wedding. They have church and supper together and then go Saturday to the groom's colony.