Move over beach weddings, there’s a new ultimate destination for lovebirds: space. A company called Space Perspective is offering couples the chance to fly to the edge of space in a special capsule equipped with massive windows that offer spectacular views of Earth.
The company’s website states that couples who reserve a flight on their Spaceship Neptune can expect the “quintessential astronaut experience.” During the two-hour journey, guests will be able to take in the full beauty of the Earth’s curvature and its stark contrast against the blackness of outer space. “Astronauts describe looking down on our planet from above as a moment that transforms their outlook,” the website says. “This is why Space Perspective has designed your voyage to be both exhilarating and peaceful.”
According to the website, the Neptune will lift off the ground at a gentle 12 mph, making it accessible to anyone who is medically fit to fly on commercial airlines. The spaceship is propelled by renewable hydrogen, without the use of rockets and their associated carbon footprint. The windows are also a big selling point: the Neptune has the largest windows ever to be used in a commercial spacecraft, according to the website.
A couple that reserved a flight on Neptune for their July 2022 nuptials told BuzzFeed that they’re counting down the days to go “out of this world.” However, for those dreamers who aren’t quite ready for an intergalactic commitment, a Japanese company is offering a less astronomical alternative. For about 30,000 yen ($270), a newlywed can pay to have their names engraved on a personalised plaque that will be blasted into space and released by an orbiting satellite, reports Mashable.
In Russia, cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko married his wife while in orbit during a mission in August 2018. The ceremony took place at a celebration of the anniversary of the first manned space flight by Yuri Gagarin, which was the occasion of the couple’s meeting. Malenchenko is one of the most experienced cosmonauts in history, having logged more than two years in space.
For an out-of-this-world themed wedding, small details can help to create a magical vibe. Choose music that evokes the thrill of exploration, and decorate with touches like space-themed balloons and garland made out of star-shaped paper. Alternatively, a bride and groom can don astronaut or space-themed costumes for photos. And don’t forget the party favors! Springy Martian antennae headbands and toy ray guns make great gifts for guests that will give them something to hold on to long after the ceremony.