by Kimberly Keagan
When we think of nineteenth-century weddings, we imagine lace gowns, horse-drawn carriages, and church bells pealing across the countryside. But some couples weren’t satisfied with a walk down the aisle—they wanted a flight into the clouds.
Hot-air balloons had captured the public imagination since the late 1700s, and by the late nineteenth century, balloon ascensions were the must-see attraction at fairs and celebrations. Aeronauts often drew crowds of thousands, and newspapers eagerly reported their daring exploits. In a culture fascinated by invention and spectacle, it was perhaps only a matter of time before someone decided to turn a balloon ride into the ultimate wedding adventure.
On July 12, 1890, the British magazine The Gentlewoman poked fun at American extravagance with this tongue-in-cheek report:
“It is possible, perhaps, even in this realistic age, that there still exist unsophisticated folk, who believe that matrimony is, figuratively speaking, the gate to the seventh heaven of bliss. This was, however, actually realized in a literal sense the other day when Mr. C.G. Stowell was united to Miss Lottie Anderson in an anchored balloon. After the ceremony was over, the bridegroom, who is a professional aeronaut, cut the cords which bound them to earth, and they have not since been heard of!”
According to the article, 10,000 curious onlookers had witnessed this “interesting experiment” somewhere “on the other side of the pond.” To British readers, it was a perfect example of American showmanship—bold, brash, and more than a little reckless.
Truth Behind the Tale
As entertaining as the story was, it wasn’t entirely accurate. A Washington State newspaper, the Tacoma News Tribune, provided the more down-to-earth version:
“Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Stowell, who made their wedding tour in a balloon under the guidance of Professor J.K. Allen, of Providence, R.I., from Lowell, at the fair grounds July 4th, landed after an hour and 40 minutes in the clouds at what is known as Breakneck Hill in the town of Byfield, Mass. The adventurous couple had an uneventful tour, but a decidedly eventful arrival on terra firma…”
The “eventful arrival” was almost disastrous. Heavy rains had soaked the balloon, weighing it down until it bobbed dangerously close to the ground. When the basket brushed the earth, the gallant bridegroom tried to help his new wife out. The moment she stepped onto solid ground, however, the balloon suddenly shot upward, lightened of its precious cargo. Only the quick thinking of aeronaut James Allen saved the day—he grabbed Mrs. Stowell and hauled her back in. With everyone safely aboard again, Allen took charge of the landing, and the wedding ended with cheers rather than tragedy.
Balloon Weddings: A Late 19th Century Spectacle
While the Stowells’ midair nuptials raised eyebrows, they weren’t the first to take marriage vows in a balloon. Two years earlier, on September 27, 1888, Margaret Buckley and Edward T. Davis were wed with aeronaut James Allen present in the balloon’s basket. A remarkable photograph of the occasion, preserved in the Smithsonian Institution’s archives, shows the couple and their wedding party posing proudly before their unusual “venue.”
Balloon ascensions had become wildly popular by the late nineteenth century. Crowds flocked to fairs and festivals to watch aeronauts rise into the sky, and balloonists became celebrities in their own right. Adding a wedding to the spectacle was the natural next step.
Why Wed in the Air?
For adventurous couples, a balloon wedding offered more than novelty:
*Adventure: What better way to begin a life together than “on a high note”?
*Modernity: Balloons were symbols of progress, invention, and exploration.
*Spectacle: A midair wedding guaranteed headlines and bragging rights.
And perhaps, for some, the idea of starting married life by literally “taking off together” carried its own romantic symbolism.
The Legacy
Balloon weddings never became common, but the handful that occurred captured the imagination of the press and the public alike. They remind us that Victorians weren’t always as staid and serious as we picture them—they loved novelty, daring displays, and celebrations that pushed the boundaries of tradition.
So while most brides of the era dreamed of walking down the aisle, a few chose to soar into matrimony, quite literally, on cloud nine.
Would you dare say “I do” in a balloon, or would you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground?
Kimberly Keagan is a former corporate financial writer (not very romantic) who now crafts historical romances filled with strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, faith, and a touch of humor. Her Gilded Age romance, Perfect, is her debut novel.
Unexpected
Hearts on Display, Book 2
Coming September 23, 2025!
In a world obsessed
with appearances, can they risk everything for a love that’s real?
A story of romance, resilience, and the power of faith, Unexpected is filled
with heart, wit, and the courage to step into the light.
Perfect for fans of:
- grumpy/sunshine dynamics
- hidden identities
- workplace rivals-to-lovers
- maternal matchmakers
- fiercely competent heroines
No comments:
Post a Comment