As the wedding industry continues to evolve, more and more couples are eschewing traditional venues for unique locations like a forest stream, rustic horse stable, or even a mountain top. But a few brave souls are going one step further by saying “I do” in space!
The first space wedding took place in 2003 between US citizen Ekaterina Dmitrieva and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko. She was at NASA headquarters in Houston, wearing a white dress, and he was on the International Space Station wearing his standard flight uniform—though he did add a bow tie for the occasion. A video linkup allowed them to say their vows, with Dmitrieva reciting them into a microphone and a Russian colleague standing in for the groom on the ground playing Mendelssohn’s traditional “Wedding March.”
But now a company called Space Perspective is offering couples a chance to go much farther. The Florida-based business is selling the chance for a couple to get married in space by sending them into orbit aboard a carbon-neutral balloon equipped with giant windows that will give them the ultimate view of Earth. So far, the wait list for this once-in-a-lifetime experience is light-years long.
Those who don’t want to make the trip to outer space can still celebrate their love with an out-of-this-world theme by incorporating astronaut costumes, meteorite centerpieces, and sci-fi-inspired favors. Give your guests the opportunity to don iconic NASA astronaut flight suits for a real-life sci-fi wedding or opt for springy Martian antennae headbands and toy ray guns for a more vintage science fiction look. These fun touches will make your wedding an instant hit for your millennial guests, who are sure to post their pictures on Instagram.
Space-inspired weddings can be expensive, but a professional planner can help you stay on budget by maximizing the available space and suggesting the right rentals for your needs. Another key tip is to consider what the weather might be like at your venue; a space that’s exposed to the elements may require more setup time and extra decorations to make it look as magical as you’re envisioning.
The ceremony space is the heart of a wedding, and it’s important to choose one that sets the tone for your big day. When touring venues, pay special attention to the area where you’ll exchange your vows—it should be large enough for your guests to be able to see and enjoy each other without straining.
Public spaces like museums, town-buildings, art centers/theatres, and parks can be a cost-effective choice for your ceremony site. However, these types of venues often come as a blank slate with lower initial rental fees but require significantly more investment in rentals for things like flatware, china, glassware, and decor. It’s also essential to consider the potential travel and set-up time involved as you tour these locations, especially if they’re not local.