In a bold move that’s turning heads and challenging traditions, an Eagle, Idaho couple is selling tickets to their wedding. Marley Jaxx and Steve Larsen, both entrepreneurs, are taking an unconventional approach to funding their big day and supporting a charitable cause. Instead of relying on traditional gifts, they’re offering guests the opportunity to purchase seats at their wedding, with a portion of the proceeds going to Village Impact, a charity focused on building schools in Kenya. This innovative strategy not only helps them avoid wedding debt but also contributes to a meaningful cause.
This article explores the couple’s unique decision, the reactions it has sparked, and the potential implications for the future of weddings. We’ll delve into the details of their fundraising efforts, the vendors who have joined their cause, and their vision for inspiring other couples to embrace nontraditional approaches to their special day. Discover how Jaxx and Larsen are redefining wedding norms and making a difference, one ticket at a time.
From Second Chances to Shared Visions
Marley Jaxx and Steve Larsen, both seasoned entrepreneurs from Eagle, Idaho, found love amidst the challenges of the pandemic. United by their passion for marketing, event hosting, and YouTube content creation, their connection deepened as they attended local business events. With previous divorces in their past, they recognized a unique opportunity to blend their entrepreneurial spirits and personal values as they embarked on planning their wedding.
After getting engaged on New Year’s Day of 2025, Jaxx and Larsen considered the traditional wedding options: eloping, a small gathering, or a large extravagant affair. As they began to plan, they quickly realized that conventional wedding expenses could lead to significant financial strain. Determined to avoid debt and support a cause close to their hearts, they conceived the idea of selling tickets to their wedding.
The decision to sell wedding tickets was not taken lightly. The couple carefully weighed the potential benefits and drawbacks, understanding that their approach would challenge conventional norms. Their goal was to create a memorable experience for their guests while also making a meaningful contribution to Village Impact. They aimed to raise between $50,000 and $100,000 for the charity, enough to cover the costs of building several classrooms in Kenya.
“Financial strain is the number one cause of conflict in a marriage,” Jaxx noted. By taking control of their wedding finances and repurposing leftover funds for charity, they sought to begin their marriage on a strong, stable foundation.
The $650 Cake-Cutting Fee: A Turning Point
The turning point in their wedding planning came during a visit to a local venue. The couple received a quote that included a staggering $650 cake-cutting fee. This unexpected charge highlighted the exorbitant costs often associated with traditional weddings. “I kind of lost it. I was like, what? This is crazy,” Larsen recalled, expressing his disbelief at the seemingly arbitrary fee.
This experience solidified their resolve to find a more innovative and financially responsible approach to their wedding. They began to question the conventions of the wedding industry, which often inflate prices and pressure couples into overspending. Jaxx and Larsen recognized that they could create a more meaningful and memorable experience for themselves and their guests by taking a different path.
The concept of charging guests for their seats at the wedding emerged as a way to offset the high costs and redirect funds to a worthy cause. Instead of receiving traditional wedding gifts, guests would contribute to the event’s expenses, allowing the couple to provide a unique and unforgettable experience. Any money left over would go directly to Village Impact, enabling the construction of classrooms and supporting educational opportunities for children in Kenya.
The couple believed that their approach would resonate with like-minded individuals who were seeking a more conscious and impactful way to celebrate their special day. They envisioned a wedding that not only celebrated their love but also made a tangible difference in the lives of others.
The Paid-Seat Wedding Concept: How It Works
The core concept of Jaxx and Larsen’s wedding involves selling tickets to guests, transforming the traditional gift-giving model into a contribution-based system. Rather than expecting toasters or generic gifts, guests are invited to pay for their seat at the wedding, covering the costs of the venue, catering, and entertainment. This approach allows the couple to create a higher-quality experience while avoiding personal debt.
“Instead of buying a toaster or bringing a gift, pay for your seat at the table and then the couple gets to create an experience,” Jaxx explained. By charging a modest fee for attendance, the couple can ensure that their wedding expenses are covered, and any surplus funds can be channeled directly to their chosen charity.
To accommodate different preferences and budgets, the couple offers a range of ticket options. The standard ticket covers the basic costs of attending the wedding, including food, drinks, and entertainment. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, a VIP ticket option is available, which includes additional perks such as a pre-wedding relationship retreat, a post-wedding biohacking brunch, and access to expert speakers and therapists.
Family members are exempt from the ticket requirement, reflecting the couple’s desire to share their special day with their loved ones without imposing a financial burden. However, other guests are encouraged to contribute, understanding that their attendance directly supports both the wedding celebration and Village Impact’s mission.
Raising Money for Village Impact: A Charitable Wedding
Central to Jaxx and Larsen’s wedding plan is their commitment to raising funds for Village Impact, a charity dedicated to building schools and supporting education in Kenya. The couple has set a goal of raising between $50,000 and $100,000, which would be enough to fund the construction of several classrooms.
The couple’s connection with Village Impact runs deep. Two years prior, they traveled to Kenya to assist in building a school, an experience that profoundly impacted their lives. “We went to Kenya with them two years ago and helped them build a school. And we were like, ‘what if we bring them into the wedding too?’” They were touched by the organization’s mission and the transformative impact of education on the lives of children in underserved communities.
In addition to ticket sales, the couple plans to solicit donations from guests during the wedding reception. They hope that attendees will be inspired to contribute further to Village Impact’s cause, helping to provide more children with access to quality education.
The couple believes that their wedding can serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness and support for Village Impact. By sharing their story and the charity’s mission with their guests, they hope to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in the world.
Celebrity and Local Vendors Join the Effort
The couple’s unique wedding concept has attracted attention from high-profile vendors, many of whom have offered their services for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Michelle Sohan, who won “best tasting cake in the world” at a competition in Milan, Italy, is flying in from Jamaica to create the couple’s wedding cake.
Other contributors include a viral trombonist from “America’s Got Talent,” award-winning DJs, and local businesses such as Stella’s Ice Cream, which is providing specialty treats for the wedding. The vendors are excited to be part of such an innovative and meaningful event.
“The number of (vendors) that have come and asked to be involved with it, I think, is the most shocking part,” Larsen said. “Every day, there are more and more people coming in. How can I contribute?”
The vendors’ willingness to contribute underscores the appeal of Jaxx and Larsen’s vision. By aligning their wedding with a charitable cause and creating a unique and memorable experience, they have attracted partners who share their values and are eager to be part of something special.
Reactions: Praise and Criticism
Jaxx and Larsen’s decision to sell tickets to their wedding has sparked a range of reactions, from enthusiastic praise to sharp criticism. Some have lauded the couple for their innovative approach and their commitment to supporting a worthy cause. Others have expressed concerns about the potential for exclusivity and the commercialization of a sacred event.
“Some people love it, some people hate it,” Larsen said. “We know that there are a lot of people who’ve been offended by it, but once we start explaining it, they’re like, that actually makes sense.”
Those who support the couple’s decision often highlight the benefits of avoiding debt and contributing to charity. They argue that the traditional wedding model is often unsustainable and that Jaxx and Larsen are offering a more responsible and meaningful alternative.
Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about the potential for excluding guests who cannot afford to purchase tickets. They also question whether the act of charging for attendance detracts from the spirit of generosity and celebration that is typically associated with weddings.
A Future for Other Couples?
Jaxx and Larsen hope that their wedding will inspire other couples to consider nontraditional approaches to their special day. They envision a future where weddings are more financially sustainable, socially conscious, and aligned with the values of the couples involved.
“I hope it becomes normal the way that like Uber and Airbnb was crazy until it became the norm,” Jaxx said. By demonstrating that it is possible to create a meaningful and memorable wedding without incurring significant debt, they hope to empower others to break free from conventional expectations.
The couple plans to document their wedding journey in a documentary series about entrepreneurial couples. They hope that their story will provide valuable insights and practical guidance for other couples who are seeking to plan their own unique and impactful weddings.
Ultimately, Jaxx and Larsen believe that weddings should be a reflection of the couple’s values and priorities. By embracing innovation and challenging traditions, they hope to pave the way for a more diverse and meaningful wedding landscape.
Conclusion: Redefining Wedding Norms
Marley Jaxx and Steve Larsen’s decision to sell tickets to their wedding represents a bold and innovative approach to funding their special day and supporting a charitable cause. By challenging conventional norms and embracing entrepreneurship, they have created a wedding that is both financially responsible and socially conscious.
Their story highlights the potential for couples to reimagine the wedding experience, aligning it with their values and making a positive impact on the world. By sharing their journey and inspiring others to consider nontraditional approaches, Jaxx and Larsen are paving the way for a more diverse and meaningful wedding landscape.
As the wedding industry continues to evolve, it is likely that more couples will seek out innovative ways to finance their celebrations and make a difference. Jaxx and Larsen’s example demonstrates that it is possible to create a memorable and impactful wedding without succumbing to the pressures of debt and conformity. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that weddings can be a celebration of love, a reflection of values, and a catalyst for positive change.
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