A space wedding is a ceremony that takes place in a location that is outside of the confines of Earth. It can be celebrated in the sky, underwater or even on Mars. It is a popular choice for couples who want to have a special day that is out of this world. It is not easy to plan a wedding that is held in space, but there are some tips that can be followed to make the process easier.
One of the most important things that needs to be done is figuring out the cost for the venue. This includes the rental fee as well as any other costs associated with the event. This is especially true for non-traditional venues that may be outside of the normal pricing model for weddings. Typically these types of locations will have a lower rental fee but will need to be outfitted with things like tables, chairs, flatware and china. These extras can add up quickly and can make or break the wedding budget.
It is possible to get married in space, but it is usually only a possibility for astronauts who are currently on a mission or are planning on going into orbit. A company called Space Perspective is planning on offering this experience in the future, but it will come at a steep price. They are offering a trip that will take passengers to the edge of space and give them the opportunity to say their vows in a very unique setting.
In 2003, a Russian cosmonaut named Yuri Malenchenko married a woman from the US while on the International Space Station (ISS). The couple had been dating long distance as Malenchenko was in training for his next flight and she lived in the US. As she walked down the aisle to David Bowie’s “Absolute Beginners,” he appeared on a video linkup from the space station, 402 miles above New Zealand. He wore a formal flight uniform instead of a tuxedo and, following Texas law, the wedding was performed via proxy (a friend of his stood in for him at the ceremony in Houston).
The marriage did not go unnoticed by his superiors and Malenchenko was denied a promotion to the position of first deputy head of the Cosmonaut Training Center. However, he continued to fly into orbit and made two more trips to the ISS.
For those who have the deep pockets to afford this type of wedding, it will be available in 2011. Rocketplane Kistler Japan and event planner First Advantage are partnering to offer a one-hour space ceremony for grooms and brides. The cost is $2.2 million, which will include a live broadcast, a reception for guests on the ground, an original space wedding dress and a photo and video album to prove that you got married in space before you free-falled back down to Earth.