When it comes to weddings, people don’t hold back on going all out. Whether it’s a high-profile affair like Alia-Ranbir or a lavish wedding on a cruise, couples go to great lengths to make their day extra special. But, what if you could take things even further and get married in space? That’s what a Florida-based company called Space Perspective is offering. The company is hoping to give couples the opportunity to get hitched in outer space on its Neptune spacecraft, which can carry eight people for an ethereal experience. The spacecraft will be propelled into orbit using renewable hydrogen, eliminating the need for a rocket launch and its associated carbon footprint. It will also feature massive windows to give couples an unparalleled view of Earth’s splendour.
The waitlist for this otherworldly adventure is already light-years long, according to the company’s co-founder, Jane Poynter. Those interested can sign up for the opportunity at the Space Perspective website. But, be warned: this once-in-a-lifetime experience will not come cheap. Tickets start at $125,000 (approximately Rs 1.03 crore).
While the idea of tying the knot in outer space might sound like something straight out of a science-fiction movie, it’s actually more feasible than you might think. In fact, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko married his wife, Ekaterina Dmitriev, while he was on board the International Space Station in August of 2000. The couple married via video link and walked down the aisle to a David Bowie song. They even posed with a life-size cardboard cutout of their groom after the event.
More recently, the idea of getting married in space has gained momentum. In June, Virgin Galactic chief executive Richard Branson announced he would conduct the first ever space wedding on its maiden flight of SpaceShipTwo, which is scheduled for late 2024. The company’s customers will be able to join the spacecraft at 100,000 feet above Earth and spend three hours enjoying the stunning views of our planet.
Destination weddings have become a common phenomenon with people choosing to celebrate their big day on exotic locations. These are ideal for people who want to create an out-of-this-world experience for their loved ones and also get some Instagram-worthy pictures from the ceremony.
But, a space wedding is a whole new level of opulence. The couple can enjoy a six-hour space voyage in the Neptune spacecraft, which is equipped with reclining seats and enormous windows to give them an unforgettable view of our planet.
While the company may have some reservations about the legality of a space wedding, it hasn’t stopped the demand for this otherworldly celebration. It’s not too surprising given the popularity of space travel and the desire to make once-in-a-lifetime moments more memorable. This trend presents unique opportunities for the tourism and travel industry, as well as for companies that offer luxury space-related experiences. The emergence of space-themed weddings and honeymoon packages provides an avenue for these businesses to innovate and expand their offerings to meet the growing needs of the market.