What You Need to Know Before Booking a Space Wedding
A space wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for couples to celebrate their love and adventure in an out of this world setting. While the idea of getting married in orbit may seem like a fairytale, companies are now offering to fly couples to the edge of space to exchange vows and experience the breathtaking views of Earth below them. Here’s what you need to know before booking a space wedding. While a space wedding may sound farfetched, the first one ever took place in 2003 when Ekaterina Dmitrieva, a NASA astronaut of Russian descent, got married to Yuri Malenchenko, a former cosmonaut and five-time space shuttle veteran who ranks second in total time spent in orbit. The couple performed the ceremony via a satellite video link between Houston and the International Space Station. She wore her white dress and he his standard flight suit, adding a bow tie for the occasion. They were congratulated by their spaceshipmates on board the ISS and by President Putin from the ground. Although the space agency did not explicitly forbid him from marrying a citizen of another country, Malenchenko was later denied a promotion because he could no longer access classified information as a part of the Russian space program. He also faced backlash from his colleagues for violating protocol and using the mission as a personal event. If you want to make your dream a reality, you can still get married in space by booking with a company such as Space Perspective, which offers flights for weddings and other special occasions. The price tag will vary depending on where you are getting married, the size of your group, and the duration of the experience. It’s a good idea to hire an experienced wedding planner for your space wedding who can provide valuable insights into maximizing the available space and helping navigate any potential challenges. Another key consideration is how to ensure that seated guests have clear lines of sight during the ceremony. If they have to peer around corners or roof supports, it can create an uncomfortable experience for them and make it difficult to participate. It’s also a good idea to book a venue with ample lighting and decor to add to the ambiance. If you’re planning a space wedding, look for a venue that will allow you to bring your own vendors and customize the ambiance to match your vision. If you’re unsure where to start, browse photos of space weddings to see how other couples have made the most of their venues. From industrial loft spaces to historic estates, you’re sure to find a location that fits your unique style. Just be prepared to pay more for a location in high demand or that requires extensive customization. You’ll likely also want to consider hiring a photographer and videographer to capture your once-in-a-lifetime event.