In a bizarre case blending social media stunts and real-life consequences, an Australian woman successfully annulled her marriage after discovering that a “prank wedding” orchestrated by her partner for Instagram was, in fact, legally binding.

The ordeal began in late 2023 when the woman, whose identity remains confidential, met her partner on an online dating platform. Their relationship quickly progressed, leading to a proposal in December of the same year. Days later, the man, a social media influencer with over 17,000 Instagram followers, invited her to what he described as a “white party” in Sydney.

The Shocking Ceremony

Upon arrival, the woman was startled to find no other guests, only a photographer, a celebrant, and the celebrant’s assistant. She recounted in court how her partner pulled her aside to explain that the setup was a “prank wedding” intended to generate content and boost his social media following.

“He said it was all for Instagram,” she testified. While skeptical, the woman reluctantly agreed to participate, believing it to be harmless role-playing. She thought a civil marriage could only occur in a court setting and dismissed the ceremony as a publicity stunt.

Despite her doubts, she contacted a friend who reassured her that it couldn’t be real, citing the absence of a notice of intended marriage—a legal prerequisite in Australia. Convinced, she played along, exchanging vows and even kissing her partner on camera.

The Revelation

Two months later, the man asked her to include him as a dependent on her permanent residency application. When she declined, stating they weren’t technically married, he revealed the shocking truth: the ceremony had been legally binding.

Court documents showed that a notice of intended marriage had indeed been filed before their Sydney trip—without her knowledge. Her alleged signature on the document did not match her real handwriting, further solidifying her claim of being deceived.

“I’m furious that I didn’t know it was a real marriage,” she told the court. “He lied from the start and manipulated me into this situation.”

The Court’s Decision

The judge ruled in favor of the woman, stating that she was “mistaken about the nature of the ceremony performed” and had not provided genuine consent. He acknowledged her belief that she was merely acting for a social media prank.

“She adopted the persona of a bride to enhance the credibility of the video,” the judge stated, emphasizing that her participation lacked the informed consent required for a valid marriage.

Marriage Annulled

In October 2024, the marriage was officially annulled, bringing an end to the woman’s ordeal. The case highlights the ethical and legal risks of blending personal relationships with social media-driven ambitions.

As the influencer’s stunt backfired spectacularly, the case serves as a cautionary tale about consent, trust, and the consequences of blurring reality and performance in the age of social media.