\Nup"tial\, a. [L. nuptialis, fr. nuptiae marriage,
wedding, fr. nubere, nuptum, prop., to cover, to veil, hence,
to marry, as the head of the bride was covered with a veil;
cf. Gr. ? bride, nymph: cf. F. nuptial.]
Of or pertaining to marriage; done or used at a wedding; as,
nuptial rites and ceremonies.
      Then, all in heat, They light the nuptial torch.
                                               --Milton.

\Nup"tial\, n.; pl. {Nuptials}.
Marriage; wedding; nuptial ceremony; -- now only in the
plural.
      Celebration of that nuptial, which We two have sworn
      shall come.                              --Shak.
      Preparations . . . for the approaching nuptials.
                                               --Prescott.