Group wedding takes place at ice and snow festival

To the tune of composer Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March, and amid the heady fragrance of roses, 34 couples in wedding gowns and suits had their special moment at Fanghong Jinianta Square along the Songhua River bank in Harbin on Jan 8.

The couples, who visited the square on Jan 8, were from 15 provinces and cities in China, hitting a new record for the number of couples to marry there. The group wedding also involved 17 soldiers who have contributed to Harbin.

Chilly weather in Harbin didn’t cool the enthusiasm of the newlyweds; on the contrary, it gave them a chance to demonstrate their love for their partners.

The couples walked slowly along Central Avenue, while posing for photographers to capture the unforgettable moments.

There they said their vows, exchanged rings and tied the knot witnessed by officials, friends and family members. 

The group wedding is a part of the 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Along with the ice and snow festival, it has been successfully held 34 times, with 1,123 new couples from five continents marrying over the years. It has slowly gained in popularity and boosted Harbin’s winter tourism.

Newlyweds walk along Central Avenue to attend a group wedding ceremony held at Fanghong Jinianta Square along the Songhua River bank in Harbin on Jan 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Newlyweds walk along Central Avenue to attend a group wedding ceremony held at Fanghong Jinianta Square along the Songhua River bank in Harbin on Jan 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Newlyweds walk along Central Avenue to attend a group wedding ceremony held at Fanghong Jinianta Square along the Songhua River bank in Harbin on Jan 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Newlyweds pose for a group photograph in Central Avenue, Harbin on Jan 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

A group wedding ceremony takes place at Fanghong Jinianta Square along the Songhua River bank in Harbin on Jan 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com]