In perhaps the most unusual wedding of 2011, two pythons promised for better or worse in a ceremony with hundreds of onlookers.

Cambodia has a heavily Buddhist population and they believe that the gods can inhabit anything, a belief called animism. The pair of pythons are believed to be magical, bringing peace and prosperity.

From WFTV9:

"We married these pythons to ask for health and prosperity in our village," said 41-year-old Neth Vy, owner of female python named Chamrouen.

"We were told (by fortunetellers) that the two pythons are husband and wife and they need to live together, and if we don't marry them we will meet bad luck," said Neth Vy, who found the then-tiny python while fishing 16 years ago.

He said since the snake became part of the household, the family's living conditions had steadily improved and no misfortune had befallen them.

The male python, named Kroung Pich, was caught 12 days ago by Hin Mao, a 44-year-old, childless woman who said she regarded it as her son.

For the original AP article with more photos, click here.