The Idaho-based content creators covered their wedding expenses and raised $132,000 for charity by selling tickets to their nuptials. The move sparked online debate, as American weddings are typically private affairs funded by the couple, with a guest list limited to close friends and family.
The idea began as a joke Jaxx made to her 21,000 Instagram followers. While planning their wedding in their hometown of Boise, they were shocked by the high costs, including $650 just for the cake cutting fee.
"It would be funny if we made our wedding a ticketed event," Jaxx said. To her surprise, Larsen agreed.
They decided to sell tickets for $1,000 each, donating all proceeds above their expenses to Village Impact, an organization that builds schools in Africa. The couple invited their 192,000 followers across Instagram and YouTube to attend.
VIP ticket holders enjoyed a multi-day experience that included the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, relationship counseling sessions, a "biohacking" breakfast (a meal incorporating wellness practices such as red light therapy, breathwork, and use of a $20,000 energy recovery device).
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Marley Jaxx and Steve Larsen's wedding in Idaho, USA, 8/2025. Photo: New York Post |
Marley Jaxx and Steve Larsen's wedding in Idaho, USA, 8/2025. Photo: New York Post
Ticket prices were determined based on feedback from social media users. Family and friends received complimentary VIP access for all three days.
Around 100 guests purchased $57 tickets for the Friday afternoon ceremony and reception, while others paid $97 for access to both Thursday's rehearsal dinner and the wedding.
The wedding proceeded despite online criticism accusing Jaxx and Larsen of trivializing marriage and calling their idea "insane."
Charging admission to the chapel proved a significant cost-saving measure compared to the average American wedding.
According to Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2025 is around $36,000. This figure aligns with The Knot's report, which places the average cost at $33,000, or approximately $284 per guest with an average of 116 attendees.
Jaxx and Larsen donated over $132,000 to build schools in Kenya. They were pleased to recoup their event costs, which included performances by trombonist Jonathan Arons, the band Team Ragoza, DJ Dynamix, and desserts from Stella’s Ice Cream, baker Michelle Sohan, and Mama’s Secrets cookies.
They are planning a trip in 7/2026 to build a classroom for underprivileged children using the funds raised. Jaxx noted that building one classroom with Village Impact costs $15,000, and a previous experience in Africa was life-changing for her.
At the reception, some guests donated enough to fund an entire classroom. One such donor admitted to not knowing the couple beforehand but found the wedding unique. People who arrived as strangers left as friends, and they will all participate in the charitable trip to Africa next year.
"Selling tickets helped filter out people who were just curious. The guests who came truly wanted to be there," Jaxx said.
Ngoc Ngan (New York Post)
