Taichung City Government Hosts First-Ever Aerial Joint Wedding, Inviting 66 Couples to Fly Directly to Okinawa

By Central News Agency Reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, July 13 The Taichung City Government's annual civic joint wedding ceremony is going airborne this year with the city's first-ever collaboration with an airline. Civil Affairs Bureau Director Wu Shih-wei announced today that 66 newlywed couples will be invited to board a direct flight to Okinawa, Japan, where a wedding ceremony will be held at cruising altitude, with online registration now open.

The Taichung Civil Affairs Bureau held a press conference today to announce the opening of registration for the 2026 Taichung City Joint Wedding Ceremony. Director Wu stated that online applications will be accepted from today through August 14. Selected couples will receive round-trip air tickets to Okinawa, and eligible newlyweds are encouraged to apply.

Wu said the joint wedding ceremony will take place on October 20, during which the city government will escort 66 couples to Okinawa, Japan. Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen will officiate the wedding ceremony mid-flight, creating a uniquely themed 'aerial wedding.' The event aims to encourage young people to confidently start families through innovative and memorable experiences.

Regarding eligibility, Wu explained that couples who registered their marriage between January 1 and August 31 of this year are eligible to apply. If applications exceed the 66-couple quota, selection will be made via public lottery. The city government will subsidize round-trip airfare for selected couples; however, accommodation, meals, and other expenses in Okinawa will be borne by the couples themselves.

Wu also expressed gratitude to the airline for assisting with seat arrangements, as well as to Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin, Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission Chair Lin Ting-chao, sponsoring enterprises, temples, and other organizations for their collaborative support in making this romantic journey possible.

The Civil Affairs Bureau noted that online applications will be accepted from 12:00 PM on July 13 through August 14. If more than 66 couples apply, a public lottery will be held on August 19, with results announced by August 26. Eligibility verification will be completed by September 5. Selected couples will depart from Taichung International Airport on October 20 aboard a specially designated 'Happiness Flight' bound for Okinawa, Japan, embarking on a personalized romantic journey. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150713