While some of the most memorable weddings have been held in traditional venues like hotels and quaint country manors, more and more couples are opting to get married in raw spaces — barns, warehouses, breweries, hangars and galleries. With a blank slate on which to plan, these unique spaces can be a great way for couples to really let their creative juices flow!
One such wedding took place in 2003 when a U.S. citizen married a Russian cosmonaut while he was on his space flight. Although the ceremony was not legal in Russia, the couple was able to marry under Texas law because they were both citizens of that state and did not need permission from NASA to hold their marriage.
But the Russian space agency was not so easily swayed. They argued that male cosmonauts, who have access to secrets and are often on risky missions, should not be allowed to take the risk of getting married without first obtaining the permission of their home state. But Yuri Malenchenko, a Russian astronaut who was on his fifth mission, had no such reservations.
During his orbit, Yuri and Ekaterina had a video conference with the mission control center and were able to have the wedding. The video was later broadcast live to the space station, and Yuri could also send out emails to their guests.
As far as weddings go, this is a pretty wild concept. And yet it isn’t the first time a marriage has taken place in the sky.
If you are considering a space wedding, here are some things to keep in mind:
The Venue Size
While raw spaces can be spacious, there’s no such thing as a small venue. So if you’re trying to find a space that fits your guest list and style, it’s crucial to accurately estimate how many people will be coming to your big day.
The ambiance of your venue is another important factor in the overall feel of your event. So if you’re planning a wedding in an industrial space, try to use different types of lighting to soften the hard edges and create a softer atmosphere.
Likewise, if you’re hosting a wedding in an urban loft, you may want to consider using pipe and drape for the ceiling to make it appear more intimate, suggests Chancey Charm Charleston wedding planner Samantha Wiley.
Other aspects to consider include heating and air for your space, which can be a challenge in some repurposed spaces, especially those with exposed brick. But with a little bit of careful planning, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your wedding and avoid any potential pitfalls.
How to Use a Raw Space
There are so many options when it comes to raw spaces, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. However, if you’re willing to think outside of the box and work with an expert wedding planner, you can make sure your space is a success!