When it comes to planning a wedding, couples leave no stone unturned to make the special day an unforgettable one. But some are going even further than the traditional church and hall ceremonies, and are choosing more unique settings to celebrate their love — like beside a forest stream or on a luxurious cruise ship. For those seeking a truly otherworldly experience, however, there is always the option of getting married in space.
A company called Space Perspective has come up with the idea of putting lovebirds into orbit in a carbon-neutral balloon that boasts enormous windows for the ultimate view of Earth. But those interested in this out-of-this-world ceremony will have to dig deep into their wallets, as prices start at $125,000 per seat.
The company says its six-hour Spaceship Neptune flight can accommodate eight passengers and a pilot in comfortable, reclining seats. It also allows for furniture rearrangement to accommodate a wedding, which can be held before, during, or after the flight. But you may need to rethink your budget for this celestial experience, as the waitlist is already light-years long.
This is not the first time a couple has wed while in outer space, but it will be the first wedding to take place in a commercial spaceship. The first-ever space wedding was performed in 2003, when Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko wed U.S. citizen Ekaterina Dmitrieva via a video link from the International Space Station, where he was working at the time. She wore a white dress, and he wore his standard astronaut uniform with a bow tie.
Despite the technical difficulties and high cost of such a ceremony, the couple had what they described as a “celestial, soulful connection.” When the mission was over, Malenchenko returned to Earth and married Dmitrieva in Yaroslavl, Russia, though she did not renounce her U.S. citizenship, and the two have since remained together.
Destination weddings have become all the rage in recent years, and many are taking advantage of the great outdoors to tie the knot in beautiful landscapes. But if you’re looking for something even more out-of-this-world, consider marrying in an alien landscape like Mars or a star-filled sky.
The company that organized the first-ever space wedding offers a similar service for those wanting to wed while in orbit. Its website notes that it can customize the experience for brides and grooms, and offer an array of extras if you’re willing to shell out the extra cash.
For an even more otherworldly experience, add some interplanetary touches to your big day, such as springy Martian antennae headbands and toy ray guns. These quirky favors will be perfect for post-ceremony spacewalk photos, and are sure to delight your guests!