30 Of The Wildest Objections That Have Ever Happened At Weddings

When you think about objections at weddings, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? We bet it’s a scene from a romantic movie where the main character’s secret love is at the altar, marrying some other person, and the main character arrives just in the nick of time to object.

And then, the confused almost-married character realizes that the feelings are mutual. And then they kiss and live happily ever after. So wonderful and heartwarming.

Well, these stories we have here have very little to do with romance but more with human envy, spite, and pure evil. They are more of psychological thrillers or horror movies.

It turns out that objections at weddings actually happen. And as you can imagine, it is never pleasant.

No one wants to hear an objection at their wedding. Reddit user @summeralexander14 asked: “People that have had someone object at your wedding, what happened?”

The question received 13.5k upvotes, and the thread was quickly filled with various stories, ranging from bad jokes to serious and life-changing objections. It is hard to understand why would someone intentionally try to ruin someone's wedding, but these answers gave us a better understanding.

We have selected 30 of the most interesting. Take a look:

1. Flash of lightning

At our friends marriage, there was a storm building outside. When the "does anyone object" part came up, there was a flash of lightning and a huge thunderclap. The power went out, and by candlelight the pastor said "I'm not counting that," and finished the ceremony. They were married 30 years, then she died from leukemia.The video of their wedding is awesome.Plethorian,Guy Churchward

2. Promise first

My dad marrying his third wife.My step brother and I were in the wedding party. He was about 6, I was 10. The preacher asks if anyone objects and my brother raises his hand so very politely. My dad asks why, and my step brother replies, "because I want you to promise to take me fishing whenever I want, first."vogera,Maryland GovPics

3. A sick trick

When my cousin got married to her wife, her parents, grandparents and a few other older family members stood up and walked out. They didn't say anything or try to stop the wedding, it was just a symbol of their disproval. My cousin was pretty devastated because she thought the attendance meant they had changed their mind and wanted to support her, but it was just a trick.AnyBodyPeople,Lee Haywood

The Psychology of Objections

Objections at weddings often stem from complex emotional dynamics, including unresolved feelings and interpersonal conflict. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, emotional responses during ceremonies can be heightened due to the significant social and personal stakes involved. This heightened emotional landscape often leads to spontaneous reactions that can manifest as objections, reflecting underlying tensions that may not have been fully addressed prior to the wedding day.

Furthermore, the pressure of such a public declaration can unearth feelings of love, loss, or regret, prompting individuals to act on these emotions rather than their rational thoughts. This phenomenon is rooted in the concept of emotional flooding, where a surge of emotions can overwhelm an individual's ability to think clearly, leading to impulsive decisions.

4. Weird joke

I was at my cousin’s wedding and someone screamed at the top of their lungs “OBJECTION, your honor” because my cousin is a judge.Day283,Karen Neoh

5. Big storm

My wife's uncle (who owned the farm we were getting married) stood up at the objection part. Immediately, his son (who was the man of honor) yelled at him to sit down. To his credit he did. For about 12 seconds then stood up again. He objected because there was a big f**king storm coming up the driveway and about to smack the ceremony and all of our hurrying couldn't beat it. My wife made it inside before getting drenched...no one else did. Got married inside instead.nutrap,Jussi Ollila

6. No harm in the end

My cousin was marrying a Korean guy she went to grad school with. His family had come in from abroad and were sitting all together on one side of the room. When they got to the objection part, this Korean girl yells out "NO!" and stands up and starts screaming in Korean at the groom. As everyone is trying to figure out what the hell is going on, an old lady calmly walks up to the girl and slaps her face. The girl starts sobbing as some more older women grab her and pull her outside.The explanation was that she was just a drunk friend that didn't want him marrying an American. Found out later that the girl was actually a childhood sweetheart that was screaming how the groom promised to marry her-- which was awkward since the two were related to each other in some way (was not quite sure how). Anyway, cousin and her husband are quite happy, so no harm in the end.ShoddyEvent420,myllissa

Research in social psychology indicates that public settings can heighten social pressure, often resulting in individuals acting against their usual beliefs. Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist and author, states, "In high-stakes environments like weddings, the expectations can create a pressure cooker effect, compelling individuals to voice dissent even when it contradicts their true feelings." The emotional weight of such events can intensify this phenomenon, making it more likely for individuals to express objections during moments of vulnerability. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for couples and families as they navigate the intricate relationships leading up to the wedding, as highlighted on her professional website estherperel.com.

7. Heartbreaking

I grew up in a super fundamentalist Christian community. My best friend fell in love, but her parents were pissed because they wanted to do an arranged marriage for her, so they locked her in the house for months. Finally I helped her escape and she got married in a very small ceremony.She used to be very close to her brother, so she invited him. He was also angry about her eloping, so he wore all black, including black sunglasses, and stood there looking pissed the whole time.We specifically asked the pastor to not do the "does anyone object" thing because we didn't want to give anyone the chance. When her brother realized the pastor wasn't going to say it, he tried to stop the wedding anyway. My brothers had to escort him out.The whole thing was f**king heartbreaking.JamesandtheGiantAss,Riversdale Estate

8. Show support or leave

As the story goes, my parents’ wedding was officiated by my mother’s grandfather. When asked if there were any objections to my parents’ wedding, my father’s parents rose and stood silently. This was not a surprise; my mother and my father’s parents did NOT get along at all. Everyone knew this, so it wasn’t a surprise.In response to their silent disapproval, my great-grandfather lauded their silent standing by saying something along the lines of “Ah, the parents of the groom have risen in support of the couple. Thank you!”It’s unclear how the attendees responded, but my paternal grandparents left silently at that point. I never met them, but I think I’m glad I didn’thbe327,photobom

9. Oh, Matt...

I was at the wedding of that rare beast - a work colleague who was actually a good friend as well. Only a couple of work people were invited by her, including a guy we'll call Matt, because that is his name. Matt and the bride had dated for a while a few years ago, but had remained good friends after.So the ceremony starts, no sign of Matt... we get to the bit 'does anyone have any lawful objections etc' and the church goes quiet, then the heavy wooden door to the church door bangs open and there is Matt, looking red faced, flustered and upset and you could see the thoughts run through everyone's mind... 'Oh s**t'... and Matt limped awkwardly to a pew in the back and sat down quietly.He'd overslept and twisted his ankle running to the church, that was all - so no objection, no drama, but damn we all though for a second it was going to kick off. My friend the bride even saw the funny side, about 3 months later.WiredAndTeary,Blaise Alleyne

Coping with Rejection

When objections arise, the emotional fallout can be profound for all parties involved. Dr. John Gray, a renowned relationship author, states, "Rejection sensitivity can lead to heightened emotional responses during significant life events, such as weddings." According to his insights on marsvenus.com, individuals with high rejection sensitivity are more likely to react negatively to perceived threats, including objections at weddings. To cope with such emotionally charged situations, individuals can benefit from practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading self-compassion researcher, emphasizes that "techniques such as deep breathing, cognitive reframing, and self-compassion can help mitigate emotional distress." Couples preparing for marriage might consider premarital counseling to address potential issues and enhance communication skills, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment.

10. Very awkward

My dad's seen an objection - he volunteers at a church. The bride and groom were siblings, and their father hadn't told them until he objected (I believe he was estranged to both of them). They already had a kid apparently.Any_Lake_288,Kevin

11. The Cookie Monster oracle...

Not someone who had someone object at their wedding, but....

My older sister torments me about the second wedding I went to as a kid (first being my parents wedding).

Apparently attention seeking 4 year old me thought this gap of silence needed to be filled with my best cookie monster impression, so during the silence I yelled "Cookie Monster om nom nom nom."

Obviously everyone looked around at me in shock for breaking the silence, before the bride and most of the congregation burst out laughing.

This is the only wedding in my extended family that ended in divorce (4-5 years down the line) and as such I am one of the people that get stared at everytime this moment happens in a wedding. The oracle known as Cookie Monster.

BazzaSmith,Robert Stinnett

12. Married but not aware...

Priest here. Where I am, the only objection people can make is a legal one. It doesn’t matter if they merely don’t approve.I had one objection at a wedding, where the person who spoke claimed the groom was already married. That’s enough to stop the wedding. Turned out they were Serbian (which I knew) and didn’t know our legal system. The groom hadn’t realised the church wedding was also the legal wedding, so they’d married each other in a civil ceremony a few days before. That was fun to sort out!Peteat6,lmnop88a

The role of attachment styles plays a crucial part in how individuals respond to objections at weddings. A clinical psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley notes that individuals with anxious attachment styles may be more prone to react defensively or impulsively in emotionally charged situations. Research indicates that these attachment styles develop early in life and can influence adult relationships profoundly.

Understanding one's attachment style can facilitate better emotional responses during significant events. For instance, those with a secure attachment style tend to navigate conflicts with greater ease and communicate their feelings more effectively. Couples can benefit from exploring their attachment styles, which can lead to healthier interactions and reduce the likelihood of objections arising out of unresolved issues.

13. Run!

Not an objection, but my mom says that during her first wedding (not to my dad), literally EVERYONE, including her own family and the groom’s, was telling her behind the scenes that she could just “run off” or simply call off the ceremony entirely. But she paid them no mind and went on with the wedding.A month later he got physically abusive with her. She packed her bags the same day and thankfully got out of it quickly.redsaturns,Dennis Sylvester Hurd

14. Wonder why they are estranged...

I was at a wedding where there were three parties: the bride's, the groom's, and the groom's mother's. She hated the bride, thought she was not good enough for her son, etc. I was friends with both bride and groom, and they had to invite the groom's mom and dad, but they had the priest avoid the "Objection" part of the ceremony.At the reception, there was a moment where the groom's father danced with the bride, and a few minutes later she stormed off the dance floor. The groom's dad had offered her $5,000 cash to walk away right then and there and have the marriage annulled. The reception featured a flambeau entrée, and everybody was watching the groom's mother, half expecting her to grab one of the flaming skewers from one of the waiters and hurl it at the bride.They're still married 30 years later and have two kids, but I believe they are estranged from the groom's family for some reason...AAlHazred,Shal Farley

15. So funny!

Not quite an objection but sharing anyway:When my dad and stepmother married, my litte brother was a toddler and had a hilarious and contagious laugh. Right when the objection part came up he decided to fill the moment of silence and then couldn't stop laughing at himself in a vicious cycle.Had to stop the wedding so everyone could regain thier composure, b/c he had everyone else laughing so hard!space_D_BRE,Matthew Hurst

Cultural Considerations

Cultural norms and values significantly influence the dynamics of wedding objections. In many cultures, weddings are not just personal commitments but also public affirmations of familial and societal alliances. Research from the University of Oxford highlights how collectivist cultures often prioritize family honor and community solidarity over individual desires, which can lead to increased pressure on individuals to voice objections when they feel family interests are at stake.

This cultural backdrop underscores the importance of communication and understanding within families, especially during significant life transitions. Encouraging open dialogues about expectations and feelings can help mitigate the chances of objections arising at weddings, allowing families to honor both individual autonomy and collective values.

16. Bad joke. Really bad...

Not my wedding but at a friends, a family member paid some kid $20 to run in and say "Daddy don't marry that woman!" like it was his child. Did not go over well as a prank at all....bourbonisall,Presidio of Monterey

17. No olives!

First wedding in Vegas, found a homeless guy to be a witness in exchange for a sandwich from subway, objected because it didn’t have olives like he wanted.RIPTheseVirginEars,Luis Villa del Campo

18. Sick!

My husbands (now former) female best friend said, "you know his parents prefer me. They want me to marry him but I turned him down" the morning of my wedding.My ILs hate her.Mental_Vacation,Tiomax80

Emotional responses during weddings can often be traced back to unresolved relational issues. A developmental psychologist points out that past experiences, particularly those involving betrayal or significant loss, can resurface in high-stakes environments like weddings. Research shows that emotional triggers related to previous relationships can cause individuals to express objections as a way to process their unresolved feelings.

To address this, pre-wedding counseling can help couples discuss potential emotional triggers and develop strategies for managing these feelings. Engaging in exercises that promote emotional transparency can foster understanding and empathy, ultimately strengthening the couple's bond and reducing the likelihood of objections occurring.

19. Grandpa didn't have a choice...

Not an official objection, but when my mum was marrying my dad, my grandpa (her dad) circled her around the church over and over again telling her he didn’t have to stop, she didn’t have to go in, and they could just drive away.It didn’t work. They’re still married 30+ years later. Eventually grandpa learned to like dad.anewae,Vic Handa

20. Grandma's plan didn't work

It wasn't verbal, and no one will admit it was 100% on purpose.My husband's grandmother intentionally made him an hour late to our wedding, hoping we would just call it off.She gave him directions to her timeshare that was her gift to us for the wedding night - except she conveniently gave him the wrong one. The one that was on the other side of the city from both the wedding and the correct one, and that he had to cross Interstate 4 (one of the worst highways in Florida, and possibly America) during 5pm traffic on a weekday to get to.Everyone chalked it up to "oh, she's a senile old lady, she just got mixed up."No she wasn't, and no she didn't. She was only senile when she could use it as a cover for being malicious. I could detail many other examples, but I won't.What happened? The wedding started an hour late, so we lost an hour of the reception, and we're still married 13 years later.NoxRiddle,Dmitry Kolesnikov

21. Mom was right

My mother wrote 'help me' on the bottom of my shoes so when we kneeled during the ceremony everyone behind us would see it. It was pretty passive aggressive. But she wasn't wrong. Marriage lasted less than a year.keiths31,Quinn Dombrowski

The Role of Communication

Effective communication is paramount in the lead-up to any wedding, especially when it comes to navigating potential objections. Research from the University of Michigan emphasizes that couples who engage in open discussions about their expectations and concerns are less likely to experience conflicts on their wedding day. This proactive approach allows partners to address any underlying issues that may lead to objections.

In practice, couples might consider setting aside regular times to discuss their feelings about the wedding and their relationship. This not only prepares them for the wedding itself but also fosters a habit of openness that can prevent misunderstandings. By prioritizing communication, couples can create a stronger foundation that supports both their relationship and the celebration of their union.

22. Sister had a plan...

I was told by my husband’s family his sister planned to object. The week before she told us she would go to my husband’s next wedding because we won’t last long. It’s been 10 years and I’m still happy she didn’t go, lol.Idk102585,Robert Kintner

23. "How to stop a wedding" manual

A friend, call her Blonde Doctor, was getting married in five days and I definitely didn’t care for the groom based on his past behavior. I was joking around with a different friend and sent them a link to a wiki-how on “How to stop a wedding”. Went back to a text conversation with Blonde Doctor, and it turns out I accidentally sent her the link to the wiki-how, not my other friend. Whoops.It ended up being a fairly awkward wedding. Two years later, they’re divorced and we’re friends again.EDIT: Yes, Blonde Doctor is a Scrubs reference. Whenever I am telling a story and I don’t want to reveal personal information, I just refer to people as either Blonde Doctor or Keyser Soze.AbeVigoda76,US Department of Education

24. Aunt was right

My ex-wifes Aunt said to me on the wedding day..." you dont have to do this ya know "I should have listenedDorothy_The_Winosaur,Robert Kintner

Understanding the psychological impact of public declarations, such as marriage vows, can also help mitigate objections. Studies indicate that public commitments heighten emotional stakes, leading to increased anxiety and pressure. This phenomenon is often referred to as 'commitment anxiety,' where the significance of the vow creates fear of failure or disappointment.

To counteract this, couples can benefit from engaging in rituals that affirm their commitment privately before the public declaration. A psychologist from Stanford suggests that creating intimate moments that celebrate their love can alleviate some of this anxiety, allowing the couple to approach their wedding with greater confidence and clarity.

25. "Conscientiously objecting"

It didn’t quite happen but a work friend who was a libertarian had planned to stand up during my wedding ceremony and deliver a speech objecting organised marriage as a form of government control, explaining that it’s wrong to be forced to register your relationship with the state in order for it to be legally recognised and such. Luckily he shared his plan with someone with similar political views who convinced him it would have been a jerk move so instead he no showed and put a long post on Facebook about his reasons for “conscientiously objecting”.TimedDelivery,Sean P. Anderson

26. Wow. Busy guy

Exgfs coworker wedding. The groom’s side chick shows up absolutely hammered right when the ceremony started. Screaming at him saying she’s supposed to marry him. She was carried out by a few of the groomsmen. Ceremony went on like nothing happened. Find out about 1 year later that he was still cheating ( with that chick and another one)ok_koreal,Lee Haywood

27. Some good came out of it...

My maternal granddad said to my mum on her wedding day, to not marry my dad as he wasn’t good enough for her. He was right of course, but if she’d listened I wouldn’t exist.trev2234,Ernest McGray, Jr.

Reframing Objections

Objections at weddings can often be viewed through a lens of negativity, but reframing these moments can provide valuable insights into relationship dynamics. A therapist specializing in conflict resolution points out that objections can serve as opportunities for growth and understanding. Research shows that conflicts, when navigated properly, can lead to deeper emotional connections and enhanced communication skills.

Couples and families can benefit from viewing objections not just as disruptions but as invitations to explore emotions and underlying issues. By fostering a mindset of curiosity and openness, they can transform potentially painful moments into opportunities for healing and strengthening bonds.

28. Yes, that clergy problem... so important...

I had a small chunk of my family boycott my wedding, not because of my choice of groom but because of my choice of clergy. They even promised to pay for another clergy.I kept the clergy and they did not attend. After several years they are still spiteful and have burned many bridges aside from mine.PhobiusofMobius,Charles Hutchins

29. Should have listened...

On my first wife my entire family objected, they said I was making a bad choiceThey were right, I shouldn't have married her. So happy I divorced her 2 years later...honestly should have divorced her sooner, honestly shouldn't have married her to begin with.Thank god I had no kids with her.SonDontPlay,Diem Legal

30. Facebook post is better

My dad objected leading upto my wedding. Even went as far as making a Facebook(he's 60+) and letting a bunch of people know he was against it.There was no way he could object at the wedding cause he didn't come.i8bonelesschicken,Mark Ordonez

What do you think? Are these objections justified?

We understand that it’s difficult to see someone close to you marry the wrong person, but if you’ve kept your mouth shut during the dating period and the wedding preparations, you have no right to object at the wedding.

Too late…

Psychological Analysis

Objections at weddings often highlight unresolved emotional issues or conflicts that have been simmering under the surface. People may act on impulse during such high-stakes moments, driven by feelings of jealousy, fear, or a desire to protect their loved ones, which can lead to unexpected outbursts. Understanding these dynamics can help couples prepare for potential objections by fostering open communication and addressing any lingering concerns before the big day.

Analysis generated by AI

Objections at weddings, while often dramatic and unexpected, can reveal deeper emotional currents at play. Understanding the psychological principles behind these moments can help couples and families navigate the complexities of relationships with greater empathy and awareness. As noted in various studies, effective communication, emotional regulation, and an understanding of cultural dynamics are crucial in mitigating the chances of objections occurring. With appropriate preparation, couples can foster a supportive environment that honors both individual feelings and shared commitment, ultimately leading to a more joyous celebration.