An Australian court has annulled a marriage that a woman believed to be a social media prank. The bride discovered that her supposed Instagram prank wedding was legally binding. She had participated under the impression it was to boost the groom’s social media presence.
The Relationship and Proposal
The woman, in her 20s, met the man, in his 30s, on Tinder in September 2023. After dating for a few months, they planned a trip to Sydney. The man proposed during this trip and invited her to an all-white party two days later. The woman thought the event was a themed party, as they had attended similar events before.
The Alleged Prank Wedding
Upon arrival at the venue, the woman noticed no one else wearing white. The man clarified that the wedding was a prank intended for his Instagram content. She went along with it, believing it was just for social media. The groom told her she was chosen for the video so she wouldn’t feel jealous of another woman.
Discovery of the Real Marriage
The woman learned the marriage was real when the groom sought asylum and asked to be added to her permanent residency application. The groom revealed he had planned the marriage to assist his asylum process. She was shocked to find out that what she thought was a prank was, in fact, legally binding.
Court’s Verdict
The judge annulled the marriage, citing the implausibility of the bride agreeing to a legal wedding under these circumstances. The absence of her family and the lack of a church ceremony contributed to the court’s decision. The judge stated beggars belief that the woman would marry less than two days after the proposal.
Conclusion
The court’s decision underscores the importance of understanding the legal implications of marriage, even in seemingly trivial or playful contexts. This case highlights how social media antics can lead to serious real-world consequences.