China's first tech-themed wedding ceremony held at SZ Science & Technology Museum

The Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum and Guangming District Civil Affairs Bureau jointly hosted the nation’s first-ever technology-themed collective wedding ceremony on August 29, the Qixi Festival, known as Chinese Valentine’s Day.

Entitled “A Cosmic Promise: Love Witnessed by the Universe,” the event combined cutting-edge science with cultural traditions, leaving newlyweds with unforgettable memories while highlighting the museum’s role as a bridge between technology and daily life.

The newlyweds pose for a picture at the “Quantum Magpie Bridge Tunnel” in the museum in Guangming District on Aug. 29. Courtesy of the museum

Tech Meets Romance

Breaking away from conventional wedding venues, the museum designed seven immersive themed zones, including the “Quantum Magpie Bridge Tunnel,” “Stellar Gravity Field,” and “Time Messenger Project.” Couples experienced interactive exhibits where scientific principles created a romantic atmosphere — such as dynamic quantum-entanglement light effects symbolizing eternal bonds, and a program allowing newlyweds to receive digital love messages from their wedding day on future anniversaries.

“I always thought science museums were purely rational places. I never imagined I’d have such a romantic wedding here,” said groom Mr. Zhang, pausing with his bride before the glowing “Quantum Magpie Bridge.” Another bride, Ms. Wang, described the “Time Messenger Project” as a way to preserve love through technology: “It gives our Qixi memories a permanent storage device.”

Vows Under the Stars

The highlight of the day took place inside the museum’s planetarium, a dome 12 meters in diameter and tilted at 23 degrees. Transformed into a vast digital night sky, the dome displayed constellations, planets, and the majestic Orion Nebula.

“Legend says the Cowherd and Weaver Girl gaze at each other across the Milky Way. Today, thanks to science, we can see the galaxy ourselves — and let the universe serve as a witness to your love,” said Prof. Zheng Yongchun, the museum director who guided couples through the astronomical wonders, blending romance with education.

A Platform Linking Science and Life

The wedding reflects the museum’s broader mission under its theme “Digital Civilization, Innovative Future.” By hosting a science-powered celebration of love, the museum hopes to reshape public perceptions that science museums are solely for serious education.

“Qixi embodies people’s longing for love. By combining it with technology, we want to show that science can also bring warmth and wonder to everyday life,” a museum spokesperson explained. “We aim to make the museum not just a place for learning, but also a place for happiness.”

Many couples said they plan to revisit the museum in the future with their children, sharing the story of their “universe-witnessed wedding.” The museum announced it will offer free playtime for these children as part of its family-friendly initiatives.

Looking ahead, the museum will continue exploring “technology + culture” and “technology + life” models, bringing the public more events that are both educational and engaging—proving that science can light up not just knowledge, but also life’s most cherished moments.