If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married in outer space, a Florida-based company called Space Perspective is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples who are ready to take the plunge. Their SpaceBalloon, which launches from land or sea, takes passengers all the way to the edge of space, where they’ll have six hours to say “I do” while looking down on Earth’s third rock from the sun.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the whole thing is actually pretty affordable – just $125,000 per person if you book a private wedding flight. And that doesn’t include the cost of the spacesuit, which is an extra $250,000 if you want to feel the full effect.
Despite the fact that most people don’t have access to billions of dollars in order to pull off this kind of nuptial extravaganza, it seems like a few adventurous couples have managed to get married in space at least once or twice. In one instance, a Russian cosmonaut married his U.S.-born wife while he was on a mission in 2003. That particular wedding was a little different, however, because it was conducted via video conference with Ekaterina Gordyshko, who was sitting on the International Space Station (ISS). A bow tie and wedding ring were sent up to the ISS earlier in the day in a package on a Progress cargo spacecraft.
After the ceremony ended, Yuri Malenchenko returned to Earth and his bride greeted him at the airport in Yaroslavl, Russia. The couple was used to long distance romances, as they lived in the United States and Russia while he trained for his upcoming space missions. After the wedding, they settled down and had a daughter together.
The wedding on a spaceship isn’t the only one of its kind, though. Two other astronauts got married in space while on a spacewalk, and another pair tied the knot onboard the ISS in 2012.
Space Perspective is also offering a more budget-friendly option for couples who can’t quite afford to fly into orbit just yet. Their Space Lounge capsule can hold nine people including the pilot, and they can even rearrange the furniture to accommodate a special event like a wedding.
According to Space Perspective co-founder Jane Poynter, the waitlist for getting hitched amongst the stars is already light-years long. But she says the company will begin taking reservations in 2024 for those who are ready to take the plunge.
Space Perspective offers a wide range of other out-of-this-world adventures, including a trip to the moon and even the edge of space. The latter isn’t as nerve-wracking as a full-on space flight, but it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who gets the opportunity. To learn more about booking your own once-in-a-lifetime journey, check out Space Perspective’s website. And while you’re there, why not watch a few 1950s space flicks or stream footage from NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers? It will help to get you in the right frame of mind for a truly otherworldly event.