Taichung Mayor Lu to Officiate Aerial Wedding Ceremony Over Okinawa, States No Other Visits Planned

(Central News Agency reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, July 14) Taichung's civic group wedding is set to take flight—literally. On October 20, Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen will officiate a wedding ceremony mid-air during a flight to Okinawa, Japan. When asked about potential side visits, Mayor Lu stated today, 'There are no other scheduled trips; I am simply fulfilling my role as officiant.'

Taichung's Civil Affairs Bureau held a press conference yesterday to announce the opening of online registration for the 2026 Taichung Citizen Group Wedding. Bureau Director Wu Shih-wei announced that this year's event will take place on October 20, with online registration open from today through August 14. The city will escort 66 newlywed couples to Okinawa, Japan, where Mayor Lu will officiate a 'sky wedding' mid-flight—an unprecedented first in the nation.

Regarding speculation about additional itineraries upon arrival in Okinawa or visits to mainland Japan, Mayor Lu, speaking to reporters after attending a city council meeting, stressed that the trip is strictly for the group wedding, with no other visits planned.

Mayor Lu noted that group weddings have long been held by local governments, with each year bringing new innovations. Taichung has previously hosted ceremonies in diverse locations, and its gift packages have been well-received. However, after years of gifting household items like pots and pans, the city sought fresh ideas. After collective brainstorming, the concept of an in-flight group wedding emerged—novel and nationally pioneering.

Lu explained that instead of spending the budget on numerous household goods, the city decided to allocate all funds toward airfare. In past years, only a few couples won flight tickets through a lottery; this year, every participating couple will receive one. 'Holding the ceremony in the sky makes it truly unique,' she said. After registration opened yesterday, over 150 couples applied within the first day—an unprecedented response compared to previous years. Lu affirmed the city would conduct the lottery fairly, transparently, and impartially, as demand is clearly high.

When asked whether the group wedding might serve as a cover for other diplomatic visits or future overseas trips, Lu firmly denied it: 'No, absolutely not.' She emphasized her sole purpose is to ensure the wedding's success. Having served as the group wedding's host and officiant for years, she intends to fulfill that role faithfully. However, she acknowledged the event has drawn greater attention this year, achieving the city's marketing goals. 'We welcome all couples to apply,' she concluded. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150714