What time is it? Marriage time Etymology of the word `wed`:

`` O.E. weddian ``to pledge, covenant to do something, marry,`` from P.Gmc. *wadjojanan. Sense remained ``pledge`` in other Gmc. languages (cf. Ger. Wette ``bet, wager``);``

from the website
``http://www.etymonline.com/w1etym.htm``

The etymology of the word `wed` can also be found in the book:
``Word Origins:An Exploration and History of Words and Language``
by Wilfred Funk
c. 1992
ISBN # 0517265745

While it can be debated whether the Germanic or Old English origin is to be taken at face value, I think given the existence of the Germanic etymological source, it supports the conclusion of weddings having more a secular temperament in the West.

My apologies for not including the etymological source in the bibliography.