Family Celebrations. Though there was no official state marriage license and religious ceremony, the ancient Egyptians celebrated the beginning of a marriage. The Late Period (664-332 B.C.E.) text called The Story of Setne Khaemwast narrates the marriage of Ahwere, a daughter of Ramesses II (circa 1279-1213 B.C.E.), and Naneferkaptah, her brother. The story was written long after the actual lifetime of Ramesses II and his children, and probably reflects elite marriage customs of the period after 664 B.C.E., as well as the belief—even among Egyptians—that brothers and sisters married in earlier times.

Marriage in the Story. Ahwere and Naneferkaptah fell in love and their parents, in this case Pharaoh, arranged the marriage. The bride went to the groom's house, where she received presents. Her own father gave the largest present. The couple...