Philippine couple married in hip-deep floodwaters

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 2, 2026

A couple in Hagonoy, Philippines, held their wedding ceremony in a Catholic church partially submerged by month-long floodwaters caused by persistent monsoon rains. Their decision to proceed despite advisories to postpone underscores the resilience of communities affected by severe weather that has led to dozens of deaths and widespread disruption.

A Philippine couple chose to proceed with their wedding ceremony in hip-deep floodwaters at a Catholic church in Hagonoy town, north of Manila, on Tuesday, despite ongoing heavy rains that have affected large parts of the country for over a month. The bride, Leian Lieza Galang, and the groom, Gilbert Chico, both in their 30s, held their vows at the partially submerged Saint John the Baptist church, attracting limited attendance amid the challenging conditions.

The couple’s decision came despite advisories from parish officials suggesting postponement due to rising floodwaters caused by persistent monsoon rains. The church had been inundated for nearly a month, and the surrounding community has been dealing with the impact of severe weather, including landslides and flash floods that have claimed at least 34 lives in August, according to official reports.

Photographer Mikko Rey Alfonso, who documented the event, noted that the ceremony was abbreviated and took place late in the morning. The bride was dressed in a white off-shoulder gown with a shortened train to accommodate the floodwaters inside the church, while the groom wore a coat, both willingly enduring soaked attire. The couple entered the church grounds together via a rickshaw with an elevated chassis, protecting their clothing until they reached the courtyard.

The wedding was a modest affair, attended by fewer than 15 guests. A video shared on the parish’s official social media page showed moments from the ceremony, including the bride embraced by her parents and a young boy carrying the wedding rings through water reaching his waist. Plastic flower bouquets decorated the otherwise empty pews, illustrating the unusual circumstances under which the event took place.

Chico, who works as a rigger in the Middle East, initially planned the wedding for December. However, an ankle injury sustained during a recreational basketball game prompted an early return to the Philippines. During this unexpected home visit, he decided to marry Galang before resuming his overseas work.

Despite the adverse conditions and warnings, the couple’s commitment to going forward with the wedding in a flood-affected church highlighted their determination to mark their union amidst ongoing difficulties in the region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.