China’s First “Hot Air Balloon Wedding” — Romance Off the Charts

▲ A hot air balloon wedding bathed in backlight, with the newlyweds radiating happiness. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

Whether it's an island wedding or a forest wedding, there are all kinds of celebrations for those seeking a unique and romantic experience. But have you ever thought about holding your wedding on a super-popular hot air balloon? Today (the 30th), at the Luye Plateau in Taitung, a couple took to a heart-shaped hot air balloon to host a romantic “hot air balloon wedding,” drawing crowds of onlookers and achieving romance levels that went through the roof.

In fact, Taitung County Government is holding an event titled “Love in the Sky—Love Locked in Taitung, Love Takes Flight” on September 28 this year. As a warm-up, the first hot air balloon wedding was held earlier today at the Luye Plateau. Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting personally officiated the ceremony and signed the oversized marriage certificate.

 
▲ Left: The newlyweds share a romantic embrace. Right: The oversized marriage certificate with County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting as witness. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

The first couple in Taiwan to marry via hot air balloon consists of groom Lee Yen-tsuen, a resident of Taitung County, and bride Hsu Tsai-ling from Hsinchu County. The pair considers the hot air balloon a source of pride for Taitung, and they hoped to hold a wedding featuring their hometown’s characteristics to create unforgettable memories.

To set a romantic mood, Taitung County Government decorated the grasslands of Luye Plateau into a romantic European-style outdoor wedding venue. The basket of the heart-shaped hot air balloon was arranged into a romantic “wedding globe.” After the ceremony, the couple took off in the heart-shaped globe for a free-flight experience. Before ascending, groom Lee Yen-tsuen kissed bride Hsu Tsai-ling upon request from media and guests, and then, to the cheers of thousands, the couple slowly rose into the sky. The newlyweds floated above the blue sky, with their married life and happiness soaring just like the hot air balloon.


▲ A rising hot air balloon witnesses love. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)