A space wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s also a symbol of love that crosses borders and even the stars. And it’s becoming more possible than ever for couples to say their vows in orbit and take their cosmic union back down to Earth with them. But getting married in space isn’t without its challenges.
It was 16 years ago when the first space wedding took place, when Ekaterina Dmitrieva walked down the aisle at NASA headquarters in Texas while her Russian cosmonaut husband remained on board the International Space Station in orbit. The video link between the two was a sight to behold, as Dmitriev wore her white dress and walked toward her future husband in his standard space station uniform, complete with a bow tie for the occasion. He was 402 miles (640 km) over New Zealand at the time and walking down the aisle to a David Bowie song. At one point, Dmitriev blew her husband a kiss and he blew hers back.
But while the ceremony was stunning, it didn’t have any legal standing. This was because, at the time, Russia’s military didn’t allow its cosmonauts to marry non-Russian citizens while in space and on missions. Despite this, the couple were able to get married because Texas law says that marriage can be recognized even if the spouse isn’t present.
Since then, other cosmonauts have been permitted to marry their space-bound partners. And now, private companies are offering the chance to say “I do” while floating in microgravity. One such company is Space Perspective, which offers private zero gravity flights for up to six people. While you can’t technically fly to space, these parabolic flights create short bursts of weightlessness that feel like being in space and can make for an out-of-this-world celebration.
Getting married in space isn’t cheap, though. A ticket to a Space Perspective flight will run you $125,000. And of course, you’ll need to secure a spot on the upcoming flight and meet the necessary health requirements.
Another thing to consider is how many people will be attending your event. It’s always a good idea to have your guest list finalized well in advance, because this will help you plan for the size of the venue and any catering or other services that may be required.
If you’re serious about having a space wedding, it might be worth looking into professional photography and videography as well. It’s a great way to capture your big day for years to come and help you remember the special moments. The company that you book your space rental with should be able to recommend photographers and videographers who have experience working at their events and can offer recommendations based on the type of event you’re hosting.
While a space wedding isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely something to dream about. And with some careful planning and coordination, you can turn your celestial dreams into a reality. And who knows, if things go according to plan, maybe one day soon we’ll see a celebrity walk down the aisle in a space suit for a real-life out-of-this-world ceremony.