On April 8, 2024, as millions of Americans witnessed the rare total solar eclipse, more than 300 couples gathered to tie the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in Russellville, Arkansas to mark the solar eclipse.
The couples said “I Do” in a field at a free "Elope at the Eclipse" event just moments before the moon blotted out the sun Monday afternoon.
The festival was dubbed "Total Eclipse of The Heart".
Couples paid $100 (Ksh. 12,000) for festival access and a toast, an officiant and a celestial-themed wedding cake inspired by the cosmos were all included for their big day.
Couples were asked only to show up with a marriage license and bring their own attire. Friends and family members were also allowed in for free.
The memorable ceremony ended minutes before the solar eclipse's path of totality, which created a thin sliver of light around the moon, resembling a wedding ring in the sky.
Rodney Williams, the event organiser, said that he chose the day because of the emotional effect attributed to watching the eclipse and the everlasting impact it would have on lovers.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the eclipse and a lot of couples have unique reasons for wanting to be married during that time,” said Williams.
“It’s really grown way above my original expectations. I think the emotions from seeing the eclipse take place are just going to be a synergistic effect that heightens everything and brings tears to the eyes. Seeing the smiling faces and hopefully seeing stars and just being a part of that is going to make me happy."
While some couples opted for traditional wedding gowns and suits for the unusual nuptials, others were spotted wearing medieval attire as they exchanged rings.
A huge cheer erupted in the field as the mass celebrant declared them all legally wed.
Russellville, which was ranked by NASA as one of the best places in the US to watch the eclipse, was expected to be in the eclipse’s path of totality for roughly four minutes.
Monday's total solar eclipse saw the moon pass between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow and blocking the face of the sun.
Arkansas was the third state to see the historic solar eclipse and 13 states overall were in the path of totality.
The next total solar eclipse that can be visible from the U.S. won't be until August 2044.