Russellville, Ark. – Total solar eclipses occur when the New Moon comes between the Sun and Earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, the umbra, on Earth. This creates a visually dramatic celestial display for those located in the path of totality.
A total solar eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024. It will be visible over the US, Mexico, and Canada. Astronomy Magazine lists Russellville, Arkansas as one of the Top 10 locations in North America to view this rare celestial display, as it lies directly in the middle of the eclipse’s path of totality.
For couples who happen to be in love “to the moon and back”, the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival in Russellville is offering a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Astro-loving partners during this rare event.
All a couple needs is a wedding license and something special to wear. A wedding officiant is provided who is ready to marry them – along with dozens of other couples who are just as excited as they are to start a new life together. Decorations, flowers, wedding cake, and a bottle of sparkling fruit drink are all provided at no cost to the bride and groom. The Liverpool Legends, the world’s most popular Beatles tribute band, will be performing a song for the couple’s first dance.
The celestial ceremony concludes just minutes before totality takes place with over 4 minutes of complete darkness with only the stars and a thin circle of light around the moon resembling a huge wedding ring in the sky!
According to data gathered in 2021, a typical wedding in Arkansas ranges around $14,900. Mass weddings, sometimes called group weddings and elopements, are now more popular than ever in the US. In addition to offering the free wedding ceremony, the festival will be gifting each of the couples who register to be married at the event with gift cards and discounts from area businesses including jewelry, furniture, restaurant meals, travel, and a hot air balloon ride!
For more information about “Elope at the Eclipse”, see: www.totaleclipserussellville.com/elope