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There was a total solar eclipse in many parts of the US on Monday.
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Towns in the path of the total eclipse hosted wedding ceremonies during the event.
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Couples in Ohio and Arkansas exchanged their vows before the moon completely covered the sun.
A wedding day is always a special occasion, but for a couple who got married during the total solar eclipse on April 8, the rare astronomical event added another level of excitement.
Towns in Ohio and Arkansas located within the path of totality hosted mass wedding ceremonies for couples who wanted to capture the moment and get married during the eclipse.
Photos show how the atmosphere of the Eclipse Festival and dramatic lighting made for a special wedding experience.
On April 8, the moon passed between Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight in a total solar eclipse.
It will be another 20 years until another solar eclipse is visible from the US, making the 2024 eclipse a highly anticipated event.
In Russellville, Arkansas, 350 couples participated in a wedding extravaganza aptly named the Total Eclipse of the Heart.
There were hot air balloons, live music by Beatles tribute band The Liverpool Legends, and even flowers and a wedding cake for newlyweds, according to the event’s official website.
Country singer Craig Wayne Boyd, who won season seven of “The Voice,” performed the ceremony.
“I’m told that ‘Elope at the Eclipse’ is going to be the largest group wedding in Arkansas history,” Boyd said in a statement provided to Business Insider. “Being a part of the beginning of so many couples’ journeys at the same time is one check off the bucket list that I could never have imagined. What an honor!”
The couples exchanged vows moments before the ceremony.
Protective eyewear was essential to view the eclipse safely.
Then, the crowds watched as the sunlight waned.
The total in Russellville lasted just 4 minutes and 12 seconds, 4029 News reported.
The couples spent the first few minutes of their married life together taking in the sights of the total solar eclipse.
“The sun and the moon and the Earth have become one, and so are we,” said groom to ABC News’ Maggie Rulli during a full.
In Tiffin, Ohio, nearly 150 couples attended the “Elope at the Eclipse” event hosted by Destination Seneca County.
Destination Seneca County executive director Bryce Riggs told WEAU 13 News that local officials decided to hold a mass wedding since so many couples signed up for marriage licenses in the area.
Local judge Damon Alt, who officiated, ensured that the ceremony would last around four minutes – the full length.
The event also featured live music, champagne, and a wedding cake.
Two dozen additional couples exchanged their vows during the eclipse in Trenton, Ohio.
The mayor of Trenton presided over the huge wedding ceremony Ryan Perry, NBC News affiliate WLWT5 reported.
The couples exchanged rings just before the ceremony at Trenton Community Park.
In Trenton, the total eclipse lasted just under two minutes.
The ceremony ended with clear views of the early night sky.
“It’s something different — not your traditional celebration or wedding ceremony,” groom Zach Collums told ABC affiliate WCPO Cincinnati.
Read the original article on Business Insider
