How couples celebrate weddings amid the Ebola Outbreak

Love and commitment remained at the heart of Jean Claude Érable and Solange Hahati’s wedding day, even as the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo forced them to celebrate under strict health restrictions.

There were no crowded dance floors, long embraces or large gatherings of family and friends.

Instead, the couple exchanged vows in a smaller ceremony that reflected the reality facing communities across eastern Congo as authorities work to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

The latest Ebola outbreak, centered in Ituri Province, has become one of the country's most serious public health challenges.

According to Congolese health authorities, more than 500 infections have been confirmed, with nearly 100 deaths recorded.

Efforts to control the outbreak have included limits on public gatherings, social distancing requirements and heightened health surveillance.

For Érable and Hahati, those measures meant significantly scaling back their wedding plans.

The couple had initially hoped to celebrate with around 300 guests, but government regulations allowed only 50 people to attend the ceremony.

“We had planned for 300 guests, but only 50 people were allowed to enter”, Hahati said.

“It was really difficult because we wanted to celebrate with our friends”.

Despite the disappointment, the couple chose to proceed with their wedding while following all recommended health precautions.

Family members and close friends attended the church ceremony, where guests maintained physical distancing and avoided many of the traditional forms of celebration common at Congolese weddings.

“We are adhering to the preventive measures and respecting social distancing”, said Érable.

“There is no obstacle because we are doing our best to respect all the measures put in place by the authorities”.

During the ceremony, the couple exchanged rings and vows in front of a smaller congregation than they had imagined.

After the wedding Mass, Hahati proudly displayed her ring while celebrating the occasion with those fortunate enough to attend.

To reduce health risks, part of the wedding reception was moved outdoors, allowing guests to spread out more easily and comply with public health guidelines.

Religious leaders say such adjustments have become increasingly common as communities adapt to the outbreak.

Reverend Aimé Lokanabego, who officiated the wedding ceremony, noted that several families have already postponed weddings because of the restrictions.

The church has also suspended or limited certain religious activities considered high-risk, including some baptism ceremonies and other large gatherings.

“This is how we are dealing with the Ebola epidemic at our level”, Lokanabego said. “The situation remains critical”.

As Congo continues its battle against Ebola, couples like Érable and Hahati are finding new ways to celebrate life's most important moments.

While the outbreak has changed wedding traditions, it has not diminished the commitment, hope and love that bring people together on their special day.