When it comes to weddings, most couples are looking for a one-of-a-kind venue that perfectly reflects their personalities and love story. But now, some people are taking things to the next level by tying the knot in space.
Space weddings are a new trend that allows couples to say their “I do’s” in outer space or on the edge of space, thanks to companies like Space Perspective.
These companies are essentially offering a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you tie the knot high in the air so you can get some unbelievable clicks for your Instagram feed. It’s not quite as nerve-wracking as a real space flight but it will still give you that celestial feeling of being high up in the air and looking down at Earth from above.
Earlier this year, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko tied the knot with his American bride in a space wedding that was held in Houston while he was on a mission at the International Space Station (ISS). She walked down the aisle wearing a white gown from one of the most prestigious bridal salons in Houston and looked radiant. She blew him a kiss and he blew hers back, and at one point she even put on her own wedding ring while talking to him via video conference from the ISS. It was an incredible moment but it did come with some consequences for the pair. For starters, Yuri was denied a promotion that would have given him access to classified information because he had married an American while in space.
In addition to the normal repercussions of marrying an American while on a space mission, Yuri’s marriage also caused a stir with the Russian state because it was done without official permission. This is because under current Russian law, active cosmonauts must be permitted to marry by the Roscosmos security service before they can do so in space. In Yuri’s case, the officials were concerned that the marriage could affect the safety of his mission and potentially jeopardize his life.
The same concerns may apply to a future space wedding. But a new company named Virbela wants to make a name for itself by hosting a space wedding in the metaverse, an immersive virtual reality platform that simulates real life activities. Virbela launched its platform last year to host events and build community in the metaverse but has now started to focus on the wedding market as well.
A virtual wedding is different than a physical one because it can be hosted at any venue in the metaverse, and all participants are connected through the internet. Virbela is using this to launch its own virtual wedding services, with the aim of connecting people from around the world. The company’s founder says they are focusing on creating an authentic and memorable experience for their clients. The weddings are based on user requests and the Virbela team is working with local vendors to provide catering, music, decorations, etc.