When you’re planning a wedding, it’s important to find a venue that speaks to the theme and vibe of the event. If your relationship is out of this world, a space themed destination wedding might be just the ticket. From planet-inspired backdrops to the latest technology from NASA’s Perseverance rover, here are some ideas for hosting a cosmic celebration.
While the idea of a space wedding is breathtaking, it’s not without its challenges. From short durations of space trips to movement in microgravity and strict attire regulations, getting married in space is no easy feat. However, if you’re passionate about space exploration and meet the necessary health requirements, it may be possible to say “I do” in orbit.
The legal side of a space wedding is also tricky. Because space doesn’t belong to any one country, it’s difficult to determine which laws apply in orbit. However, according to international law and the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, a couple can get married in space if both parties are willing and able to do so.
Space Perspective is a company that’s hoping to make it easier for couples to marry on the edge of the universe. The organization plans to send lovebirds into orbit aboard a carbon-neutral balloon equipped with giant windows that offer the ultimate view of planet Earth. So far, the waiting list is light-years long.
As for the ceremony, the company says it will follow a traditional five-part structure that includes an Invocation, a Vows Exchange, a Ring Exchange and Closing Remarks. However, the company encourages couples to infuse their ceremony with a little stardust to create an interplanetary experience. To help them do so, they suggest watching a few 1950s sci-fi flicks or streaming footage from Curiosity and Perseverance.
A destination wedding in space can be a bit more affordable than one on Earth, depending on the location and availability of the venue. For example, a space-inspired event in the desert would probably cost much more than a similar ceremony on a mountaintop or bayfront property.
In addition to venue costs, couples who wish to marry in space will have to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the destination. Most commercial space travel companies charge around $34,000 for a trip to the edge of the atmosphere, and it’s common for their wait lists to be years long.
For those who are unable to make the jump into outer space, a virtual space wedding may be an option. In 2003, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko married his fiancee while he was on the International Space Station and she was on Earth. The ceremony, which followed Texas law regarding proxy marriages, was conducted via video link between Houston and the station, where Malenchenko wore a flight suit instead of a tuxedo. He and his best man, a fellow cosmonaut, played Mendelsohn’s traditional Wedding March music on a keyboard. They sealed their union with a kiss.