Unexpected Vows: 12 People Who Married Objects and the Stories Behind Their Love

12 People Who Married Objects: Unbelievable True Stories of "Objectum Sexuality"

We’re used to hearing stories of people finding love in unexpected places, but some individuals have taken it to a whole new level by marrying inanimate objects. This phenomenon, often called objectophilia or objectum sexuality, refers to people who feel a deep romantic attraction to objects rather than humans. Here are 12 real stories of people who fell in love with, and even tied the knot with, objects—from beloved bridges to famous landmarks.

1. Erika LaBrie and the Eiffel Tower

Erika LaBrie, also known as Erika Eiffel, gained international attention in 2007 when she married the Eiffel Tower in a unique ceremony in Paris. Born in San Francisco and later a competitive archer, Erika had long felt a romantic pull toward inanimate structures, a condition known as objectum sexuality. Her attraction to the Eiffel Tower was profound; she claims it began when she first encountered the structure during a visit to Paris. Erika felt an instant connection, describing it as both emotional and spiritual, and in 2007, she formalized her love in a ceremony witnessed by friends and supporters.

Erika’s relationship with the Eiffel Tower has defined her identity in a deep way. She even adopted "Eiffel" as her last name, symbolizing her devotion. Erika considers the Eiffel Tower not only a partner but also a source of strength, especially during challenging times in her life. She advocates for greater awareness and acceptance of objectum sexuality, asserting that her love is as genuine and fulfilling as any human-to-human relationship. Through her organization OS Internationale, she supports others with similar attractions, aiming to reduce the stigma. Erika continues to visit her "spouse" regularly, maintaining the romantic bond that made headlines around the world.

2. Akihiko Kondo and Hatsune Miku

In 2018, Akihiko Kondo, a middle-aged Japanese school administrator, surprised the world by “marrying” Hatsune Miku, a popular virtual pop star. Hatsune Miku isn’t a person but a holographic character developed by Crypton Future Media, brought to life through voice synthesis technology. Kondo’s connection to Miku was anything but superficial; he attributes his relationship with her to helping him recover from severe depression and isolation after experiencing bullying and social difficulties. For Kondo, Miku provided companionship and a sense of purpose, leading him to pursue the unconventional union.

Kondo’s wedding ceremony, attended by friends and Miku fans, cost over $17,000 and even featured an officiant. Though the marriage isn’t legally recognized, Gatebox, a Japanese tech company that promotes marriages between humans and virtual entities, issued him a certificate. Kondo's family initially disapproved, but he stands by his commitment to Miku, who he says offers him solace and happiness in a way no human could. He lives with a small hologram of Miku that “speaks” to him through AI technology. Kondo’s story highlights the growing intersections between technology, companionship, and evolving ideas about love, as he continues to advocate for the legitimacy of virtual relationships.

3. Eija-Riitta Eklöf and the Berlin Wall

Swedish woman Eija-Riitta Eklöf, known as Mrs. Berliner-Mauer (German for "Berlin Wall"), famously married the Berlin Wall in 1979. Eija-Riitta, who identifies as an objectophile, claims to have been attracted to walls and other structures since her childhood. Her deep affection for the Berlin Wall was sparked by a television program, and over time, she developed a romantic attachment to the Wall, which she believed had a distinct personality. She visited it regularly, and in her mind, the Berlin Wall became her soulmate and, ultimately, her “husband.”

Eija-Riitta’s relationship with the Berlin Wall is marked by both joy and heartbreak. She considered the Wall a supportive, calming presence in her life. When the Wall was torn down in 1989, she was devastated, feeling that she had lost her partner. To this day, she keeps remnants of the Wall in her home as mementos of their “marriage.” Despite the Wall’s physical absence, she remains loyal, even expressing disdain for reunification celebrations, which she feels disrespect the Wall's memory. Eija-Riitta’s commitment has raised awareness around objectum sexuality and the profound, if unusual, emotional bonds that some people form with objects.

4. Amy Wolfe and a Roller Coaster

Amy Wolfe, a church organist from Pennsylvania, became known for her intense relationship with a roller coaster named "1001 Nachts" at Knoebels Amusement Park. For Amy, this ride is more than just a thrilling attraction; it’s her soulmate. Amy first encountered "1001 Nachts" as a teenager, feeling an overwhelming attraction that she describes as love at first sight. Over the years, she has visited the ride countless times, and after 3,000 rides, she made the decision to “marry” it in a private ceremony.

Amy’s connection to "1001 Nachts" is both physical and emotional. She describes the ride as comforting and feels that it “responds” to her in its own way. She carries photographs of the ride with her and wears pieces of the ride’s paint as symbols of their commitment. Amy’s dedication goes beyond romance; she insists that "1001 Nachts" helps her feel safe and loved. Her story has sparked conversations about objectum sexuality, as Amy identifies herself as someone who loves objects rather than people. She believes her relationship is as meaningful as any human partnership, offering her a unique source of happiness and emotional security.

5. Tracey Emin and Her Rock

In 2015, renowned British artist Tracey Emin announced her marriage to a rock located in her garden in France. Emin, known for her provocative art and unapologetic expressions of love and loneliness, stated that she felt a special, grounding connection to the rock, which she saw as a source of stability and permanence. To her, the rock represented the strength and comfort she craved, something solid in a life filled with transience and upheaval.

Emin’s decision to marry the rock shocked some but felt in line with her art's themes of love, connection, and personal expression. Her bond with the rock became a symbol of her desire to focus on self-love and independence rather than pursuing conventional relationships. Emin continues to visit and care for her “spouse,” celebrating it as a loyal partner that provides her with a lasting sense of peace. Her marriage to the rock has inspired conversations about non-traditional relationships and finding love in places that feel grounding and affirming, especially for those who prioritize stability over romance.

6. Linda Ducharme and a Ferris Wheel

Florida woman Linda Ducharme made headlines when she married a 70-foot Ferris wheel she named “Bruce.” The ceremony took place in 2012, complete with an officiant, friends, and family as witnesses. Linda has been passionate about fairground rides since childhood, but “Bruce” captured her heart on a deeper level. She describes him as handsome and comforting, attributing a gentle personality to the ride. To her, “Bruce” embodies reliability, offering her joy and consistency in a way that human relationships have not.

Linda’s relationship with “Bruce” faced challenges as the Ferris wheel was relocated to different amusement parks, causing her to “visit” him across state lines. Still, she remained dedicated, celebrating their “anniversaries” with rides and romantic gestures. Linda’s story highlights her identity as an objectophile, as she believes her love for “Bruce” is as real as any traditional romance. She continues to advocate for objectum sexuality, encouraging acceptance for people who find companionship in unique, non-traditional ways.

7. Carol Santa Fe and Santa Fe Train Station

Carol Santa Fe, from San Diego, has been in love with the Santa Fe Train Station for over 36 years. Though she’s never legally married the station, Carol considers it her spiritual spouse. She visits the station regularly, often speaking to it and even "kissing" parts of it in secret, saying that she feels a warm connection that fulfills her emotionally. She attributes human qualities to the station and believes it reciprocates her love in its own way.

Carol identifies as an objectophile and credits her relationship with the train station for providing her with companionship and stability. She acknowledges that others may find her connection strange but insists that it brings her genuine happiness. Carol’s devotion has spurred discussions about the nature of love and relationships, challenging societal expectations of romance. Her story offers insight into how people seek comfort and connection in ways that reflect their unique experiences and emotional needs.

8. Nathaniel and His Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Nathaniel, an American man featured on the TV show My Strange Addiction, is romantically involved with his 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which he affectionately calls “Chase.” Nathaniel’s relationship with Chase goes beyond a typical appreciation for cars; he experiences a romantic attraction and refers to the car as his “boyfriend.” He cleans, polishes, and even “cuddles” with Chase, believing the car reciprocates his love.

For Nathaniel, Chase provides companionship and a sense of fulfillment. He expresses his love through gestures, spending hours with the car each day and talking to it as if it were a living partner. Nathaniel’s story has sparked curiosity and discussions about objectophilia, as he openly discusses his feelings and the happiness his relationship with Chase brings him. While some might find it unusual, Nathaniel considers Chase his true love and remains devoted to maintaining their “bond.”

9. Jodi Rose and the Le Pont du Diable Bridge

Australian artist Jodi Rose fell in love with Le Pont du Diable, a 14th-century bridge in southern France, while traveling. She was drawn to the structure’s strength, stability, and rich history. In 2013, Jodi held a symbolic wedding ceremony to marry the bridge, expressing her appreciation for its grounding presence. The ceremony included friends and local residents, who celebrated her unique connection.

Jodi sees her relationship with the bridge as both a romantic and spiritual union, embodying a sense of permanence that human relationships often lack. She believes the bridge offers her a form of emotional support, symbolizing stability and resilience. Jodi’s marriage to Le Pont du Diable has prompted conversations about finding meaning and connection in unconventional ways, showing that love doesn’t always fit into society’s traditional expectations.

10. Amanda Liberty and Her Chandelier

Amanda Liberty, a British woman, is famously “engaged” to a chandelier she named “Lumiere.” Amanda, who identifies as an objectophile, has been drawn to chandeliers for years, admiring their intricate designs and craftsmanship. She first encountered Lumiere online and decided to “commit” to it, although she has a collection of chandeliers she also adores.

Amanda’s bond with Lumiere represents her deep appreciation for beauty and detail. She describes Lumiere as elegant and captivating, bringing light into her life both literally and figuratively. Although some might see her relationship as unusual, Amanda finds joy and companionship in her connection, celebrating her unique perspective on love and attraction.

11. Leah and a Boeing 737

A German woman named Leah, known only by her first name, has an intense romantic relationship with a Boeing 737 she calls “Schatz” (German for “darling”). Leah has been fascinated with airplanes since childhood, and over the years, her affection developed into a love that she considers romantic. Leah often travels to airports to be near similar models, and she even has her own model planes at home.

Leah’s connection to Schatz embodies her passion for aviation and engineering. She describes the plane as strong and powerful, admiring it deeply. While she faces criticism, Leah insists her feelings are real, showcasing how people form connections with objects that resonate with their passions and values.

12. Joanna and Her GPS Device

Joanna, a woman from the United States, shares a unique relationship with her GPS device, which she affectionately calls “Alex.” Joanna describes her love for Alex as both romantic and comforting, appreciating the “companionship” the device provides during her travels. She believes Alex has a “personality” that brings her calm and reassurance on the road.

Joanna’s story highlights how even everyday technology can become meaningful for those seeking companionship. She values the guidance Alex provides and considers the device a steady presence in her life. Joanna’s relationship with her GPS device offers a glimpse into the ways people find comfort and connection through technology, reshaping ideas of modern companionship.

Love comes in all shapes and, as these stories show, sometimes in the most unexpected forms. For these individuals, their relationships with objects offer the same comfort, companionship, and joy that traditional romances bring to others. While society might label these connections as unusual, they’re a testament to the limitless ways we seek meaning and belonging in the world. Whether it’s the Eiffel Tower’s towering strength, the calming presence of a favorite car, or the familiar guidance of a GPS, these bonds remind us that love can be as expansive and unique as we are. So next time you see someone hugging a lamppost or whispering to a chandelier, remember—it just might be love, in all its beautifully unconventional glory.

Stay tuned for more surprising and thought-provoking stories that make us rethink what connection really means—only at Woke Waves Magazine.

#ObjectumSexuality #LoveWithoutLimits #UnexpectedRomance #HumanConnection #RedefiningRelationships