In a world obsessed with couples, weddings, and relationship goals, one French man decided to flip the script. Antoine Cheval, after facing years of heartbreak and rejection, didn’t wallow in self-pity. He did something radical instead—he married himself. That’s right. He stood at the altar, said “I do,” and made a lifelong vow to the one person he knew would always be there: himself.

It wasn’t a cry for attention. It wasn’t a stunt. It was a statement. A statement about self-worth, resilience, and the modern idea of what it truly means to love.

Who Is Antoine Cheval?

Antoine Cheval isn’t your average hopeless romantic. He’s a man who, like many, chased love and stumbled through its disappointments. After multiple failed relationships and unreturned proposals, he realized something important: maybe the validation he was seeking from others was something he needed to give to himself first.

That realization led him to the concept of sologamy—the symbolic act of marrying oneself. And he didn’t just entertain the idea. He went all in. Vows. Guests. Rings. Reception. Everything you’d expect from a traditional wedding—except the partner.

Antoine’s self-marriage wasn’t just personal. It was intentional. He used it to challenge outdated norms around love, to spark conversations, and to inspire others to value themselves just as deeply as they would a significant other.

Video: Shuler King – He Married Himself

What Is Sologamy and Why Are People Choosing It?

Let’s be real—sologamy might sound strange at first. But dig a little deeper, and it starts to make perfect sense.

Sologamy is the decision to marry yourself. It’s not legally binding, but it’s symbolically powerful. It’s about committing to love yourself, flaws and all, and to prioritize your own happiness.

People choose sologamy for different reasons. Some are healing from toxic relationships. Others are tired of waiting for someone to validate their worth. And many, like Antoine, simply want to celebrate who they’ve become.

Self-marriage says, “I’m enough.” And that message resonates more now than ever in a world that often tells us we’re only whole when we’re part of a couple.

The Ceremony: A Wedding with One at the Altar

Antoine’s self-marriage ceremony had all the usual trimmings—a well-decorated venue, heartfelt vows, emotional toasts, and close friends gathered in celebration. But the magic wasn’t in the scale—it was in the symbolism.

When he read his vows aloud, he promised to support himself through life’s ups and downs, to forgive his past, and to continue growing with love and respect. Powerful, right? That kind of inner commitment can shift how we approach everything—from relationships to careers to mental health.

And yes, there was a ring. And yes, he wore a suit. But this wasn’t for show. It was for him. For his journey. For the man who decided he didn’t need someone else to complete him.

Other People Around the World Doing the Same

Antoine isn’t alone in this movement.

In the UK, photographer Sophie Tanner tied the knot with herself in 2014 and wrote a book about her experience. She used the ceremony as a public declaration of self-love.

In Italy, Laura Mesi became a media sensation after she threw herself a lavish wedding in 2017 following her divorce. Her message? If you can love someone else, you better know how to love yourself first.

And in India, Kshama Bindu made headlines in 2022 as she participated in one of the first self-marriages in the country. She wasn’t trying to make a statement against love—she simply wanted to honor herself in a way that felt sacred.

From Europe to Asia and now to France, the idea is spreading. Slowly but surely, sologamy is becoming less taboo and more celebrated.

Self-Marriage Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s Empowerment

Let’s be clear—self-marriage isn’t about giving up on love. It’s not about isolating yourself or rejecting relationships. It’s about starting with yourself.

Antoine Cheval’s story reminds us that before we pour our hearts into someone else, we need to fill our own cup. Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s survival. It gives us the clarity to recognize toxic dynamics, the strength to walk away, and the confidence to stand alone when needed.

When you love yourself deeply, you raise the standards for how others should treat you. And isn’t that the kind of love story we all deserve?

Why More People Are Saying “I Do” to Themselves

You’ve probably noticed a shift lately. People are talking more about boundaries, mental health, and emotional self-care. The culture of “just find your other half” is starting to fade, replaced by a more honest question: Am I whole on my own?

That’s the heart of sologamy.

Whether it’s after a breakup, during a major life change, or simply on a journey of self-discovery, more individuals are taking the time to say, “I matter.” They’re holding ceremonies, writing vows, exchanging rings—even honeymooning solo—not because they’re lonely, but because they’re learning to love solitude.

It’s bold. It’s beautiful. And it’s long overdue.

Conclusion: Antoine’s Story Is Really About All of Us

Video: Antoine Cheval: The French Man Who Married Himself After Repeated Rejections

Antoine Cheval didn’t set out to become a symbol. He just wanted peace. But in choosing to marry himself, he ended up starting a conversation that so many people needed to hear.

His story is a reminder that love doesn’t always have to come from someone else. Sometimes, it starts in the mirror—with the decision to be kind to yourself, to honor your journey, and to show up for your own happiness.

In a world that constantly asks, “Are you seeing anyone?” maybe it’s time we start answering, “Yes—myself.”

Because at the end of the day, the longest relationship we’ll ever have is the one we have with ourselves.