Before the pandemic struck, this would be prime wedding season, but the coronavirus has upended one of our most treasured institutions in ways we could never have foreseen. And so couples are having to make a decision: postpone? Invited just a handful of people? Or elope and have a Zoom wedding. Here, we explore weddings around the world in the time of COVID.
India
It took place at Megha’s house. She wore a stunning gold saree of her mother, and got married to Tushar with 30 people in attendance and many more joining virtually via video calls and Zoom. Gautam Khullar Photography shot the most memorable day of the couple’s life in a beautiful manner, ensuring throughout that strict safety measures were followed. In Gautam’s words, “We took proper precautions of masks, gloves and sanitizers which were worn throughout the shoot without fail”
—“A Lockdown Wedding With Only 30 People”
USA
Tom Kennedy, owner of Armed Forces Proxy Marriages, has seen a significant spike in business … The Montana-based company performs proxy marriages for couples, as long as at least one partner is in the military or a resident of the state. Kennedy says his company is “getting hammered” and that “the phone rings nonstop.”
—“Coronavirus weddings: How some can say “I do” among so many new don’ts”
Australia
Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell got married at the Australia Zoo … hours before a curfew from the Australian government set to slow the spread of coronavirus would have restricted the wedding to five people. “The Australia Zoo family are thrilled for Bindi and Chandler, we wish them a long and happy future together as husband and wife,” the zoo confirmed in a statement.
—“Australia enacts strict gathering policy; Bindi Irwin sneaks in ‘small, private’ wedding amid coronavirus”
Russia
There were no hugs and kisses with friends and family when Gerda Baranovskaya and Pavel Tyun married in a Moscow registry office, but dozens of guests plied the happy couple with congratulation messages and heart emojis on a wedding Instagram live feed.
—“Flower emoji replaces bouquet as Russian couple wed over livestream”
Germany
They used a plexiglass screen to separate themselves from the officiant at their recent wedding ceremony in the civil registry office in the Eimsbüttel District in Hamburg. They wore protective masks embroidered with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” for a quick photo after the ceremony.
—“‘Not how we imagined it:’ How German couples are getting married amid the corona crisis”
South Korea
Accountant Ha Ji-soo, 36, and office worker Park Ji-ye, 29, got hitched in Seoul on April 4, in what is now known as South Korea’s first interactive livestreamed wedding. Family and friends of the couple logged on to watch the 45-minute ceremony helmed by an emcee, with two singers performing and loved ones taking turns to convey their congratulations in real time.
—“Coronavirus: Livestreamed wedding, drive-through meeting in South Korea”
Practically everyone has their masks on, no matter what the activity. It seems that people have found ways to deal with this ongoing fight against COVID-19 in their own ways. Even weddings are now held with masks; even the bride and the groom wear them with their wedding dress and tuxedo.
—“The World Watches Korea”
For an in-depth look at this fascinating country, consider purchasing our print guide to South Korea.
Nigeria
Despite churches in Nigeria emerging from lockdown to once again hold weddings, they’re trying to cut down on the number of guests. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led many couples to get married online through video conferencing platforms bug Nigeria’s large wedding industry, which is geared towards entertaining large numbers of guests, is struggling to adjust to the new reality.
—“Nigeria’s Fast-Growing Wedding Industry Struggles During Pandemic”
Explore Africa’s biggest city with some of its best writers in our print guide to Lagos, Nigeria.
