Location can make or break a wedding. A religious building, a rented lawn, a barn-slash-restaurant, a... hole in the ground in the shape of a rat?
A gay couple in Chicago recently opted for the last one, saying "I do" in front of Chicago's newest and possibly weirdest attractions: a hole in a cement sidewalk in the shape of a rat.
The "Chicago Rat Hole," as it is known on Google Maps and among those currently attempting pilgrimages to the site, became a meme recently and has spawned skits and videos on TikTok. People put in coins, make wishes, and, of course, make sure to video themselves doing so.
No one had gone as far as having their wedding at the rat hole, until now. Raj Sarathy and his new husband arrived with a balloon arch and wedding planner, having made an impromptu decision to have their unique wedding at Chicago's newest attraction.
Sarathy told Book Club Chicago that he wanted something original for his wedding.
“I wanted something that was very groundbreaking...We looked at each other in the eyes and we said, ‘Why don’t we get married at the rat hole?’"
There was immediate excitement when the video went up.
@hellokitttyyyyyyyy/TikTok
People were all over the love that the rat hole has brought to the world.
@enigmazeal/TikTok
@dezdimona16/TikTok
People were quick to make the obvious pun.
@floral_father/TikTok
Very few were critical of the idea, but there were some nay-sayers to the happy couple's choice.
@jeankreemer/TikTok
Some folks were making plans to visit the rat hole, or use it for other celebrations.
@alexmartinez6875/TikTok
@elenadevour/TikTok
@audiophile2020/TIkTok
This brought up a good point: what if there are multiple celebrations planned?
@stuffidtellmytherapist/TIkTok
People from other parts of the U.S. were confused about the whole thing.
@pocket_lemons/TikTok
@namastanxiety/TikTok
That's fair. The backstory can be overwhelming, especially about a hole in the concrete.
@dandelions_n_feline_eyes/TikTok
It was like something out of a TV show, others said.
@stefani89__/TikTok
@q_mann/TikTok
@june_lmao/TikTok
But really, this is all very Gen Z, people pointed out.
@n3on_dreamie/TikTok
@dersocialist/TikTok
To sum, the rat hole has given a lot, including the matrimony of these two men.
@spenserbower/TikTok
@diddycat/TikTok
Who knows what types of gatherings the rat hole will watch over in the future.
Ash Stanton/Facebook
Laura Sprinkle/Facebook
Akira Karasu/Facebook
Cevanna Gilbert/Facebook
Troy Adam/Facebook
@GovPressOffice/X
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social