A planned wedding in China that featured one groom and two brides was abruptly cancelled after it triggered a wave of public outrage and prompted action by local police.
Photo With Two Brides Sparks Controversy
The controversy began when an unusual wedding invitation surfaced on Chinese social media. It featured a man in a black suit standing between two women in white bridal gowns. The image, reportedly from Bijie in Guizhou province, rapidly circulated online and ignited intense debate over its legality and social appropriateness.
High-End Venue, Public Backlash
According to The Paper, quoted by the South China Morning Post, the wedding was scheduled for April 19 at the upscale Century Jiayuan Banquet Centre in Bijie. The invitation included the groom’s name alongside those of both women, leading to confusion and widespread criticism.
Police Confirm It Was a Prank
Authorities stepped in after the image went viral. Police later confirmed that the ceremony was a prank and clarified that one of the two women in the photo was the man’s ex-wife. “Persuasion and education” were given to those involved, and the event was formally cancelled. The man has since stated he plans to legally register his marriage with his current girlfriend soon.
Banquet Hall Cancels Booking
The venue responded by canceling the booking. In a statement issued on April 17, the banquet management said: “When we received the reservation, we were unaware it involved a three-person wedding. Due to the extensive public attention it garnered, we realised it was quite unconventional. Our management decided to cancel the booking, as it does not comply with the law.”
Legal and Social Backdrop
Bigamy is illegal under Chinese law. While no formal charges have been filed against the trio, it’s unclear whether further legal action will be taken.
Not a First in China
This isn’t the first time a wedding stunt has made waves in China. In 2022, a man in Jiangsu province shared staged photos of himself with his wife and her friend, claiming he intended to marry both. He was later punished for disturbing public order, though details of the penalty were not disclosed. He admitted it was all a ploy for online attention.
