A collective Valentine's Day wedding in the Peruvian town of Bagua was disrupted on Friday (February 14) when a bride left her groom at the altar.

The event, sponsored by Bagua's municipality and live-streamed on social media, saw dozens of others couples tying the knot.

The ceremony took an unexpected turn when Elena Barrantes, one of the brides, responded 'I don't' when asked if she accepted her groom. Barrantes' abrupt departure left government officials, her groom, and witnesses confused.

The live transmission of the event was temporarily halted before resuming with the next couple.

Government-sponsored collective weddings are prevalent in Latin America, particularly among couples who cannot afford to pay for a marriage license. During these events, the government usually covers the cost of the license.