Wedding experience in the metaverse virtual universe

Weddings in the metaverse allow distant relatives of the bride and groom to be present as avatars.

Traci and Dave Gagnon first met in the virtual world seven years ago. They then fell in love in real life and got married in the metaverse last September. They held a parallel event, at the same time the bride and groom walked up the aisle at a club in New Hampshire (USA), their two avatars also appeared on the online aisle in the virtual universe.

"In the metaverse we feel something new and different. In a way, maybe the world has really changed and opened up many ways to approach the seemingly impossible," Traci Gagnon said. with Euronews.

The groom said that, literally, their avatars in the metaverse kiss at the same time they both do the same thing in real life.

Profile photo of Traci and Dave Gagnon in the metaverse.

According to Euronews, since Covid-19 raged, many couples have used online platforms like Zoom to organize online weddings. With Traci and Dave Gagnon, the metaverse experience allows them to go one step further.

"One of my best friends, Tom Booth, said he wouldn't be able to attend the wedding in New Hampshire because he was worried about my health. He traveled a lot and met many people. Booth was very upset about it until I talked about the metaverse," Dave said.

"Can I still have a toast?" asked Tom Booth. Dave Gagnon told his friend that he can even speak in the virtual world. "Everybody who attended the wedding in real life and in the metaverse could hear the sweet words that Tom Booth shared," the groom in the metaverse said.

Traci said that not only the bride and groom but also the guests were very happy to be able to design their own avatars. "Some people say I look like Dolly Parton and a lot of people say Dave looks like Jeff Bezos. Those are good compliments," Traci shared.

Weddings in the virtual universe are gradually being accepted by many people around the world. In India, couple Janaganandhini Ramaswamy and Dinesh SP decided to hold the country's first Harry Potter themed metaverse wedding on February 6. One of the biggest reasons why they wanted to do a virtual wedding was so that guests who couldn't make it to the actual ceremony could be present in the metaverse. One of those special people is the late father of the bride, who "appears" in an avatar.

As this technology gradually becomes popular, one big question is whether weddings in the metaverse are legal?

John Cassels, team leader of European law firm Fieldfisher, told Euronews: "Marriage in the metaverse is certainly legal in the real world in the sense that it breaks no rules. That is, not doing what the law prohibits, but the legal constraints of a metaverse wedding are not many."

Cassels also added that marriage in the metaverse is not legally binding, but that doesn't mean it won't cause trouble.

"Activities in the metaverse are still risky, they can be used as evidence in lawsuits. If a couple breaks up but is not married in the real world, the 'wedding' in the metaverse can be viewed. consider if there is a request for the division of assets," Cassels said.

Similar to assets the couple invests together in the metaverse such as virtual real estate, cryptocurrencies are also subject to regulatory scrutiny. Cassels believes that interesting intersections between new technology and the law have emerged. Scams like the carpet draw in the NFT market are a prominent example.

"On a positive note, the metaverse is being set up to become an important digital channel. As its role becomes clearer over time, it's likely that the legislation will have to be updated to evolve with it. virtual life," said Cassels.

Aside from the legal questions regarding metaverse weddings, many are also concerned that relationships in the virtual world could replace relationships in real life.

However, with his actual experiences, Dave Gagnon believes that the virtual world cannot be replaced but can help connect people in the "new normal".

"Metaverse can never replace the warm feelings of being with a sweet, beautiful soul that you want to spend your life with. Talking and interacting still need to happen in real life," Dave said. speak.

"Technology is always evolving. Just like electricity, you can prepare a romantic dinner with a man or get him injured. Technology is always used for good and bad. But there is an effect. It's undeniable that it helps bring people together. That's what we can feel right now," Traci said.