South Chungcheong Province held a joint wedding ceremony for couples with disabilities who had been unable to hold weddings due to economic or social circumstances.
The provincial government said the 26th South Chungcheong Province joint wedding for people with disabilities took place on the 8th at the Baekje Gymnasium in Gongju. Thirty-three couples from across the province lit ceremonial candles as family members, relatives and volunteers offered their blessings.
Some 1,000 people attended, including Deputy Governor Hong Jong-wan, family members, relatives and volunteers.
The ceremony opened with representatives of the bride’s and groom’s parents lighting the ceremonial candle. The program included presentation of the governor’s citation for contributions to disability welfare, distribution of support funds, the wedding ceremony and vows, a formal declaration of marriage, remarks from the officiant and a celebratory performance by the Gongju City Choir.
The couples received wedding gifts and household appliances donated by private companies and public institutions. The province said the items were provided to honor the time the couples have shared and to celebrate their new start.
Since 2000, the joint wedding ceremony has been held to give couples with disabilities who postponed their weddings an opportunity to hold an official ceremony. To date, 621 couples have participated in the program.
Deputy Governor Hong said, “I hope the light we lit today brightly illuminates not only the time ahead but also the road you have walked so far. I hope you support each other, face the same direction, and walk forward together.”
