A couple married under water in a swimming pool on Monday in a ceremony lasting 36 minutes 33 seconds, hoping to set a world endurance record.

Chandan Thakoor (33) and Dipti (31), who got engaged in mid-air a fortnight ago, opted for scuba gear instead of the traditional wedding clothes for the ceremony 12 feet (3.7 metres) under water in a pool in Vashi, near Mumbai.

"The wedding was like a dream come true," Chandan, dressed in a grey suit and red tie, told mediapersons at a post-ceremony press conference.

The happy couple said they had felt no fear despite staying submerged for more than half an hour, but the water pressure had left them feeling a little giddy and breathless.

"It was an emotional moment for us," Dipti said. "There was excitement and a great feeling that we had set out to accomplish a feat and had succeeded."

Diving instructor Ravi Kulkarni (35), who had trained the couple for more than a month before the big day, gave a commentary on the ceremony for nearly 500 invitees, and for dozens of press photographers and television camerapersons.

The bride's father was among relatives who entered the water to participate in the ceremony, their clothes weighted down to hold their shape.

The pool was decorated to resemble a temple with orchids and marigolds and intricately carved pillars.

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