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The traditional marriage structure of the Dusun Subpan is divided into four processes, each with its implementation hierarchy. These include Merisik (preliminary inquiry), Proposing and Engagement, Delivering the Berian (dowry), Mangadaa-Adaa and the wedding ceremony, as well as the Manandoh and Manukab Batol ceremonies.

1. Merisik

According to the Supban tribe's belief system, the Merisik process can only begin after the groom’s family receives favourable dreams for three consecutive nights. These dreams are interpreted as a sign that the girl to be proposed to is blessed by the ancestral spirits and will bring happiness to the marriage. Once this condition is met, the groom’s family appoints a representative to conduct the Merisik process. This custom is performed to verify that the girl is unmarried and has attained puberty or maturity.

2. Proposing and Engagement

If the girl has not yet reached puberty, the engagement dowry consists of a yellow bracelet, RM1.00 in cash, and a hen. If she has reached puberty, the dowry includes only RM1.00 in cash and a hen. Typically, the groom's family must wait up to three days for a response to the proposal. If the proposal items are not returned within this period, it signifies that the proposal has been accepted. The groom’s family will be informed of the acceptance through a representative appointed by the bride's family. Following this, the engagement ceremony takes place, during which an engagement token is delivered. This includes RM50 in cash and a ring wrapped in a handkerchief. Once the engagement is formalised, the groom is obligated to provide monthly financial support to the bride throughout the engagement period.

3. Delivering the Berian (Dowry)

In the past, according to the customs of the Subpan tribe, the groom was only required to provide a dowry valued at approximately RM350.00. However, if the groom was the youngest son, the dowry amount increased to RM500.00, along with additional customary items. All expenses for food and beverages served to guests during the wedding ceremony, which typically lasted three consecutive days, were borne by the bride's family. This practice reflects the Dusun Subpan community's belief that a son-in-law is akin to gaining a son, who is expected to serve his in-laws fully. According to their customs, the son-in-law is required to live with and follow the bride's family.

However, in modern times, this system has undergone some changes. The wedding expenses are now provided by the groom’s side according to the bride’s family’s request. Typically, these costs range between RM10,000 and RM30,000, depending on the scale of the wedding. This shift is largely because modern couples usually do not live with their families but instead choose to establish their households. Another contributing factor is employment, which often results in couples living far from their families.

Additionally, during the ceremony of presenting the Berian, representatives from both the groom's and bride's sides will perform the ritual of ‘Menilik Putika,’ which involves determining an auspicious date for the wedding. This ritual is led by a Bobolian or an elder with expertise in divination to identify the most favourable time for the couple. The selected date is referred to as ‘Katam Kubol,’ and it will be mutually agreed upon by both parties.

4. Mangadaa-Adaa and Wedding Ceremony

A day before the wedding ceremony, both parties perform a traditional custom called Mangadaa-Adaa, where gongs are struck simultaneously by the groom’s and bride’s sides. This ritual must be conducted in unison to prevent any untoward incidents, particularly misfortunes befalling the couple or the upcoming wedding ceremony. Sometimes, musicians play the gongs continuously throughout the day, or they do so at specific times: in the morning, at 10:00 AM, noon, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Another significant aspect of this custom is that it serves as an announcement of the wedding ceremony that will take place the following day.

According to the traditional wedding customs of the Dusun Subpan tribe in the past, the wedding reception typically took place during the day and was followed by a celebration in the evening, continuing until the third day. However, if disputes arose, such as disagreements or issues between both parties, the wedding reception would be postponed to the evening or even until the early hours of the following morning, depending on the decision made by the village chief. During the resolution process, the bride and groom were required to stay awake throughout the night, as it was believed that doing so would ward off misfortunes or bad luck, including death.

However, in modern times, this tribe tends to prefer the Musilom or Mutarang type of marriage, which is considered simpler and less restrictive. Compared to traditional wedding customs that are rich in rituals and specific rules, this type of marriage is more flexible and practical. The wedding reception and celebration are usually held simultaneously, either during the day or at night, depending on the convenience of the couple's families. Additionally, the ceremony often includes modern elements such as a wedding cake-cutting event, symbolizing the integration of traditional aspects with contemporary elements in the community's wedding culture.

5. Manandoh dan Manukab Batol

On the third day, another traditional ceremony known as the Manandoh Ceremony will take place, accompanied by the Manukab Batol event. The highlight of this ceremony is the ritual of drinking Tapai (fermented rice wine) from a Tajau (traditional jar), initiated by the bride and groom to the sound of Gong (Canang) beats beside them. The ceremony is then enlivened with Mangalai and Gabiluk, traditional dance performances that add to the festive atmosphere.

The Mangalai event is the most joyous and becomes the highlight of the celebration as it involves all attendees. In this activity, a special handkerchief including the Dalundung (a traditional wedding headpiece), is discreetly placed on someone's shoulder (similar to the game of "passing the parcel"). The person selected, regardless of age or status, is required to dance. The event becomes even more entertaining as young women run around trying to avoid being chosen, sparking laughter and a lively commotion throughout the ceremony.

The next day, the bride and groom participate in a symbolic activity of opening a small farm together. This act signifies the beginning of a new life as husband and wife, emphasizing their shared responsibility in earning a livelihood and building a life together. This tradition carries the profound meaning of emphasizing the deep values of effort and cooperation in married life.

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