More than 100 new families to be created at the III All-Russian Wedding Festival

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More than 100 couples from different regions of the country have already joined the III All-Russian Wedding Festival, which will take place on 8–9 July at the National Centre RUSSIA. They will become the main participants in the mass wedding ceremony held on the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. Those wishing to join the celebration of love and family values can apply on our website.

Among the participants are Roman Rumachik and Tatyana Kryuchkova from the Stavropol Territory. The groom works at the family-run Valley of Health farm, takes part in volunteer activities and provides humanitarian assistance to participants in the special military operation. Tatyana is a future educator and volunteer who helps children facing difficult circumstances. Her own life experience taught her the importance of family support: she grew up in the large and close-knit Kryuchkov family, which once became her source of strength during a challenging period in her life. And when the Kryuchkovs won the "It Runs in the Family" contest of the Presidential Platform "Russia — Land of Opportunity" several years ago, Tatyana realised that family is the greatest strength and the most reliable support in life. The couple met in 2024 and, after going through many experiences together, decided to unite their lives.

"The All-Russian Wedding Festival symbolises for us the fact that family has always been and will always remain the country's main value. We want our marriage to become part of a great and kind story, so that on this day we feel not simply like a couple, but like part of something special that unites people from all across Russia. We grew up in families where we were taught that traditions, love and loyalty are the foundations of life, and the festival supports exactly these values. It is important for us to show that a modern-day family can be happy, close-knit and active, and the festival is a wonderful opportunity to say this openly," say Tatyana and Roman.

Anton Rusmilenko and Viktoria Yurko from the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area will also marry on the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity during the festival. The groom is a representative of the indigenous Khanty people, while the bride is Russian. The couple clearly remember the date they first met — 6 December 2022. On that day, Viktoria was taking part in the final of the "Miss and Mister Students of Russia" competition, and Anton noticed her on stage and immediately came to introduce himself. Their relationship successfully endured the challenge of distance: while Viktoria worked in Tyumen, Anton completed an internship in Salekhard. Some time later, Viktoria moved to join her sweetheart. In 2025, during the City Day celebrations in Salekhard, Anton proposed to her.

According to the couple, family traditions are extremely important to them. Anton spent several years researching his family history, collecting relatives' memories and working in archives. The result was an extensive document featuring a detailed family tree tracing the destinies of 175 people. Both families deeply respect the heritage of their ancestors. Finding mutual understanding comes naturally to them, as strong family bonds and a close connection with nature are shared values in both Khanty and Russian culture.

"We both grew up in large and loving families and know the value of support and unity. We want to marry at the III All-Russian Wedding Festival at the National Centre RUSSIA because we believe that family is the most important thing. We want to become part of the great love story of our vast country. Our dreams are simple: to have our own home where we can gather close relatives and friends, raise children and create our own family traditions," say Anton and Viktoria.

Also among the participating couples are Viktor Mikhelev and Darya Ustimova from Orenburg. Together they represent the third generation of educators in their families: Darya works as a schoolteacher, while Viktor is an educator at a boarding school for orphans and children left without parental care. The couple met while working together at a summer camp. What began as an acquaintance on a volleyball court gradually turned into friendship and then true love. They speak warmly about their families and take pride in their older relatives. Viktor's grandmother worked as a nursery school teacher, while Darya's grandmother spent 45 years teaching primary school children. The mothers of both future newlyweds continued the teaching dynasty, and now the younger generation is following in their footsteps.

"We immediately decided that the All-Russian Wedding Festival was exactly where we wanted to begin our family life. For us, it is an opportunity to share our love with thousands of other couples and immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. We want to pledge eternal love and loyalty in the heart of Russia. In our understanding, family is a place of strength and a quiet harbour where people love one another not for achievements, but simply for who they are. It is also a bridge between generations. A father's advice and a grandfather's stories are invisible threads that make us stronger. When you feel the support of several generations behind you, it becomes easier to pursue your goals and move forward," say Viktor and Darya.

On the first day of the festival at the National Centre RUSSIA, 8 July, the central event will be the mass wedding ceremony bringing together couples from all over the country. The celebration of love will also feature the transfer of the particle of flame from the All-Russian Family Hearth "Heart of Russia". Newlyweds will receive a symbolic part of the flame from couples who married at previous festivals. The flame originates from Murom, the city associated with Saints Peter and Fevronia, the patrons of marriage. On the second day, educational lectures and a gastronomic programme will be organised for newlyweds, their guests and everyone interested in wedding traditions.

The first All-Russian Wedding Festival took place in 2024 as part of the International RUSSIA EXPO. During the event, 221 couples officially registered their marriages. In 2025, the festival was held at the National Centre RUSSIA, where another 206 families were created. The event has since become annual and will continue to be held on the feast day of Saints Peter and Fevronia.