In case you haven’t already got the memo, you don’t have to get married in a white dress in a church.
Fancy flying to the moon for your wedding?
What about a traditional Thai blessing like Kate Moss and Madonna?
Or perhaps the ocean is a good metaphor for the depth of feelings you share with your fiance?
Whatever takes your fancy, there’s a weird and wonderful nuptial package to make your wedding album stand out from the rest and give your guests a day to remember.
From balloons and Vedic ceremonies to medieval hand-fastings and Buddhist blessings, here’s a round-up of some imaginative ways to tie the knot and celebrate your love for one another.
1. Balloon brides
An increasing number of couples are getting hitched in hot air balloons and there’s some stunning backdrops to choose from like in New Mexico.
The balloons can host up to 12 passengers and a small party might even spot cupid up in the clouds.
Just be sure to bring your minister and your witnesses.
2. Hand-fasting and jumping over the broomstick
For centuries, couples have ‘jumped the broomstick’ and promised each other friendship and fidelity in a hand-fasting ceremony that was traditionally Pagan.
It’s a fun way to celebrate your love and is still offered as a non-legally binding ceremony in the UK, such as at Tutbury Castle.
3. Vedic wedding
Don your best robes and flower garlands for a Vedic wedding, a traditional Hindu ceremony, at places like Bhaktivedanta Manor.
With water and fire blessings, these are tremendously opulent and will see the bride and groom together for several lifetimes (if you believe in that sort of thing).
4. Tsok Puja
Celebrate the Tibetan Buddhist way with a social gathering, a Lama’s blessing and offerings of plenty of food.
A ‘Tsok puja’ takes up to about an hour and consists of chanting, and a little quiet time for some mantra recitation in the middle.
You can also enjoy the ceremony without the wedding, like at the Kagyu Samye Dzong in London.
5. Wedding on the slopes
Combine your love of skiing with your nuptials and hope to God your marriage doesn’t go downhill too soon!
Companies like Wed ‘n’ Ski offer packages for snow enthusiasts, with ceremonies taking place while they’re skiing or snowboarding.
There’s even an option in Switzerland to wed in an igloo. Go on, melt a heart.
6. Prisoner of love
Give a whole new meaning to the term ‘ball and chain’ by getting married in a former prison.
The Malmaison Oxford is based in a medieval castle and used to be a prison.
But it is also, I’m told, a beautiful venue for weddings.
7. Cabaret kisses
Fancy being a burlesque bride and a groom with glowsticks?
Then dance on to Cafe de Paris, a notoriously decadent London nightclub and cabaret spot that can be hired for wedding receptions, too.
8. Cave wedding
The path to love doesn’t always run smoothly, so why not have your wedding among the Slovenian mountains?
Predjama Castle is set against the rocky backdrop of a towering cliff and is the largest cave castle in the world.
And, you can host your wedding inside the enormous cavern of its cave.
9. Thai long drum parade and a water blessing ritual
Kate Moss and Madonna both had Buddhist blessings to show their affection and cement their relationships.
The best place to go to have your own is Thailand.
There are a number of all-inclusive packages, including for a traditional Thai wedding at the Manathai Koh Samui.
10. At sea
Cruise lines often offer weddings at sea.
Norwegian for example, offers an itinerary featuring the exchanging of vows at the summit of an Alaskan glacier, helicopter ride, sparkling wine, flowers, and a wedding certificate and cake.
Go on, sail off into the sunset together.
See the original in Metro UK here!
Being Erica 