Branson plans to be first man to marry couple in space

Sir Richard Branson is vying to become the first man to marry a couple in space, using his Virgin Galactic venture.

The entrepreneur plans to conduct the first sub-orbital wedding next year on a flight 70 miles above the earth's surface.

The 58-year-old was ordained last year in an online church in order to officiate the union of Virgin America marketing director Dimitrios Papadognonas and Coco Jones on a flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas.

Now, the billionaire plans to use his ordained status to set a new world first.

"We have had two booking involving marriage, one to get married in space and the other for the couple to have their honeymoon in space," a Virgin Galactic spokesperson told the Mail on Sunday.

"Virgin Galactic adviser George Whitesides and his new wife Loretta Hidalgo booked a £200,000-a-ticket honeymoon on Virgin Galactic's maiden flight.

"It is possible that Richard could obtain a license to conduct the marriage," the spokesperson added.

Customers flying aboard the new venture's craft will spend two hours in space, experiencing extreme G forces, brief weightlessness and unparalleled views of earth.

More than 200 people have already booked tickets, including Princess Beatrice - who will be the first royal in space - and Professor Stephen Hawking.

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