PANDEMIC

The quiet absurdity of COVID-era restrictions is strikingly visible in these wedding photographs taken at Grand Place in Brussels.

The bride and groom enter the ceremony hall wearing masks. Moments later, they remove them — while their guests remain masked throughout. A small, almost surreal detail that perfectly captures the contradictions of that time.

These images have become a powerful reflection of an era that divided our lives into before and after.

It was also during this period that a new, unexpected wedding trend emerged: masks as part of the bridal look. White for the bride, black for the groom — sometimes personalized with initials, pearls, or delicate crystals.

On Brussels’ main square, Grand Place, the role of the “wedding palace” is played by the iconic Brussels Town Hall (fr. Hôtel de Ville, nl. Stadhuis). This remarkable 15th-century Gothic building hosts official civil ceremonies in its dedicated Wedding Hall.

After the ceremony, couples have the unique opportunity to step onto the Town Hall balcony for a photoshoot overlooking the breathtaking Grand Place — one of the most memorable views in Brussels.

If you are planning to get married here, the administrative process should begin 2 to 6 months in advance. The ceremony must take place no earlier than 14 days and no later than 6 months after submitting the official declaration.