A Melbourne court has annulled a marriage following allegations from the bride that she was deceived into believing the wedding ceremony was merely a social media prank. The woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, testified that she thought the December 2023 wedding was orchestrated to boost her husband’s Instagram following. The couple’s relationship began in September 2023 on a dating app, with their first in-person meeting at a church the next day.

From ‘white party’ to the wedding ceremony

The bride, in her mid-20s, and the groom, in his late 30s, maintained contact for three months after their initial meeting. In December, the groom invited her to a “white party” in Sydney. Upon arriving, she was stunned to discover the event was, in fact, their wedding ceremony.

The bride testified in court that she wanted to leave but was reassured by the groom, who allegedly told her it was “a simple prank” designed to generate content for Instagram.

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Allegations of manipulation

The bride stated that she only realized the marriage was legally binding when her husband asked her to add his name to her application for permanent residency. She alleged that the marriage was a ploy for his benefit.

The groom, who has approximately 17,000 Instagram followers, denied being a social media influencer and refuted the bride’s claims. He argued in court that he had proposed to her just one day before their wedding and that she had subsequently moved into his home.

Court scrutinizes groom’s testimony

The court found significant discrepancies in the groom’s account of events, particularly regarding their living arrangements and the timeline of his proposal. The judge noted that a notice of intention to marry had been signed on November 20, well before the alleged proposal date, casting doubt on the groom’s version of events.

The bride’s religious background also raised questions. The judge found it implausible that she would agree to a civil ceremony instead of a church wedding, considering her faith. “Her participation under such circumstances made no sense,” the judge remarked.

Verdict

The court ruled in favor of the bride, annulling the marriage and concluding that her consent had been obtained under false pretenses. The case sheds light on the potential for misuse of social media and the complex legal implications of personal relationships in the digital age. While the groom disputed all allegations, the court’s decision underscores the need for clarity and genuine consent in marital agreements, particularly when trust and personal benefits are at stake.