If your dream is to say “I do” in the ultimate out-of-this-world location, a space travel company is giving you a chance to make that wish come true. A company called Space Perspective is offering couples the chance to get hitched in a capsule in space, looking down on Earth. The company says that you don’t need to be an astronaut, just have a willing partner and deep pockets.
The first space wedding happened 16 years ago, when Ekaterina Dmitrieva married Yuri Malenchenko via satellite video link from Houston, home of NASA mission control. She wore a white dress and he was on the International Space Station orbiting over Earth. He later wore his standard astronaut uniform for the occasion, adding a bow tie to mark the wedding.
It was a bold move — many thought that Malenchenko’s career would be over since the ceremony violated the terms of contracts that space crew members must sign before they take off for missions. But it didn’t ruin his life: he went on to become one of the most accomplished cosmonauts of all time, making several trips into orbit and receiving prestigious awards like the Hero of Russia award.
He was number two on the list of cosmonauts with the longest stay in space, and he has gone on to lead three more ISS missions. And after his return, he and Dmitrieva were married in a church in Yaroslavl, Russia, which is known for its Russian Orthodox churches. They now have a daughter together.
Despite the risk of getting caught up in the event, Dmitrieva said she didn’t want to postpone the ceremony and that “it’s very important for humankind to push forward into space.” She also pointed out that the couple didn’t have a lot of money to invest in their wedding, but still wanted to celebrate. “If you can’t afford to do it the traditional way, you can have a very nice wedding in space,” she told CBS News at the time.
If you’re interested in having a similar wedding, Space Perspective has a new package that will give you a seat on its Neptune rocket. The company’s website explains that the flight will provide “the quintessential astronaut experience” and that you’ll have time to enjoy drinks, music, and that view of our planet from far above.
The spaceship can hold eight people and one pilot in comfortable, reclining seats, and you’ll be able to FaceTime or livestream the moment that you say your vows. The site notes that the Neptune can also be customised to meet the needs of special occasions, and they have already started taking bookings. But the company has a long waiting list, and you’ll need to have some serious wallet power to get in on this cosmic romance. So if you’re ready to say “I do,” then we recommend that you start saving now.