When it comes to a special day, couples spare no expense when it comes to making sure every moment is just right. This means that they may even have to take a risk or two in order to make the perfect memories and celebrate in a way that will live forever in their hearts.
There are many famous examples of extravagant weddings that have been held in large halls, religious places, on lavish cruise ships, and in mid-air on airplanes. But one couple is taking it to a whole new level and has plans to get married in space, which will definitely be out of this world.
Yuri Malenchenko is well known as an accomplished cosmonaut who made multiple trips to the International Space Station, performed spacewalks, and is the holder of Russia’s highest honor. But what really made him a household name was the first ever space wedding, which took place in 2003 and was conducted via video linkup between a bride at NASA headquarters in Houston and a groom on the ISS 402 km over New Zealand in orbit. He wore his standard flight uniform and added a bow tie for the occasion. He said his vows, and she responded — to the tune of David Bowie’s song “Absolute Beginners” — and he blew her a kiss, and she returned the gesture in kind.
The couple’s story was the talk of the town, but it also had some serious repercussions, as it set a precedent for other astronauts to marry while in space. It led to the Russian government trying to convince the couple to delay their marriage until they returned to Earth, but they refused and got married anyway. As a result, the contracts that cosmonauts sign before their missions now have a clause banning them from getting married while in orbit.
Now a company called Space Perspective is offering the opportunity for couples to say their “I do’s” in space by launching them into orbit on their awe-inspiring Neptune spacecraft. The company says that the journey, which will allow couples to see the curve of planet Earth and the limitless blackness of space, will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While this venture may not be as nerve-wracking or dangerous as a full space flight, the company’s website does note that the waiting list to go on a space wedding is already light-years long. For those who don’t have the time or money to do that, the Voyager Station space hotel could open in 2027 and will be similar to a cosmic cruise ship complete with restaurants, bars, and luxury guest suites. And if you’re worried about your guests getting bored, they can always wear springy Martian antennae headbands or toy ray guns as part of the festivities. Just be careful not to lose them! You never know when they might need those tools in an emergency.