A company is offering couples the opportunity to say “I do” on the edge of space. It won’t be quite as nerve-wracking as a full-on space flight, but it will still give you an unforgettable view of the third rock from the sun. The waiting list is already light-years long.
The first space wedding happened 16 years ago, when Ekaterina Dmitriev married her new husband Yuri Malenchenko from Earth as he orbited in the International Space Station. She walked down the aisle to a song by David Bowie via video link. Malenchenko is a hero of Russia’s space program, having been on five missions and spent over two years in space. He’s also the holder of the record for the longest space walk.
Dmitriev and Malenchenko’s decision to marry from orbit didn’t go over well with some Russian officials, who attempted to dissuade them from the event, citing legal complexities and Soviet-era rules requiring that military officers get permission to marry foreign citizens. Officials also feared that the couple could face trouble should something go wrong on their mission.
However, the Russian government eventually gave their blessing to the ceremony. Dmitriev later remarked that she and Malenchenko had a “celestial, soulful connection” and that the wedding reflected humanity’s desire to explore the universe.
Space Perspective’s offering of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to marry on the edge of space costs about $125,000 per person. That’s on top of the price of booking a seat aboard a regular space travel flight. Unless you’re a professional astronaut, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to afford both, so you should decide which option is most important to you before you sign on the dotted line.
There are several other options for couples wanting to marry in an offbeat way. Many urban spaces and museums offer open flex spaces that can be themable with a few carefully selected decorations and the right music. Lofts are another popular option that can be transformed into a romantic setting with some lighting and thoughtful decor. Often Raw Space rental fees are lower than traditional venues, but they usually come bare bones, so you’ll have to rent everything from tables, chairs, flatware, china, and more. This can add up quickly, so it’s important to make sure you have a realistic budget and that you’re comfortable taking on some DIY work.
If you don’t have the budget for a space trip, you can still make your wedding out-of-this-world with small details. Dress your officiant and guests in iconic NASA astronaut flight suits or choose a shiny metallic theme for your affair. For a fun touch, offer guests springy Martian antennae headbands or alien-shaped sunglasses as wedding favors. They’ll make for perfect post-ceremony spacewalk photos!
Before you decide on your ideal venue, make sure you and your partner have had a candid conversation about what your priorities are. Are stunning photos at the top of your list? Or perhaps you want to treat your loved ones to a delicious sit-down meal and a night of dancing. Once you’ve established your priorities, you can start looking at venues that will help you achieve those goals.