There are many factors to consider when choosing a wedding venue, including the size of your guest list and style of event. Whether you’re hoping for an elegant ballroom or a more laidback loft space, it can be hard to find a place that fits your vision exactly—but there are plenty of alternatives out there.
For example, you might think a warehouse doesn’t have enough room to accommodate your 200-person wedding, but with a little creativity and creativity it can be transformed into the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. One recent example was this space-themed wedding, which turned a repurposed warehouse into a cosmic celebration with floral pillars and antique candle holders for the ceremony and metallic streamers for the reception.
Another option for a unique venue is to use a public space like a park, museum, or botanical garden. This type of space is typically less expensive than a traditional hotel ballroom and offers more freedom for you to create the perfect ambiance, but be aware that you may need to spend additional money on renting decorations, linens, and decor. You should also take into account the fact that your ceremony will be surrounded by onlookers and it’s possible they could intrude into your special moment.
If you’re looking for something even more out of this world, Virgin Galactic CEO Richard Branson recently announced that he plans to host the first ever space wedding in 2024. The maiden flight of his Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo is scheduled to fly a couple from New Mexico to the edge of space, where they will exchange vows in a capsule and then descend into the ocean for splashdown.
Branson admits that a space wedding isn’t for everyone, but it could be the dream of every sci-fi fan. He says he expects to hold about a dozen weddings on the maiden flight and that future passengers will have the option of adding on a marriage license in space so their wedding can be officially recognized on Earth.
However, if you’re really interested in tying the knot on the edge of space but don’t want to spend the hefty price tag that comes with a full-on spaceflight, Florida-based company Space Perspective offers the next best thing. Their SpaceBalloon flights offer a six-hour ascent and descent that allows for a short ceremony and reception.
While a space wedding isn’t for the faint of heart, the idea does have precedent. In 2003, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko married his fiancee Ekaterina Dmitriev while he was orbiting in the International Space Station and she was on Earth. The ceremony was conducted via video link with an official officiant and the official legal papers were signed on the ground.
If you’re thinking of a space-themed wedding, be sure to consult with a professional planner who can provide valuable insights into your options for creating a breathtaking and memorable event. They can help you narrow down your options, provide ideas for maximizing available space, and address any unique challenges that you may face.