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    5. .wed

    Search For .wed Domain

    Type
    Generic top-level domain
    Registry
    Emergency Back-End Registry Operator Program - ICANN
    Launched
    Registration term
    1–10 years
    DNSSEC
    Supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .wed domain

    The .wed domain was a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Atgron, Inc. It was delegated to the root zone in January 2014. The registry's stated purpose was to create a niche, open TLD with policies designed to promote short-term annual registrations. Its Registry Agreement with ICANN was terminated in October 2020 after compliance proceedings.

    Who can register .wed domain

    Registration for .wed domains was open and unrestricted, meaning anyone could register one without specific eligibility verification. The registry's policies were designed to primarily serve couples and families planning a wedding. While open to all, the pricing and registration terms were structured to discourage long-term registrations by commercial entities or speculators.

    How to register .wed domain

    1. Search for your desired .wed domain name at any ICANN-accredited registrar to check its availability.
    2. Compare pricing and features, noting that registrars were required to obtain electronic acknowledgment from customers for registrations longer than two years due to a significant price increase.
    3. Complete the checkout process, which was standard for most gTLDs, to secure the domain name.
    4. After purchase, configure your domain's DNS settings and manage your registration through your chosen registrar's control panel.

    Typical uses of .wed domain

    The .wed extension was primarily used by couples and families to create websites for sharing their wedding planning journey and event details. It provided a direct, thematic alternative to using generic extensions or third-party wedding website vendor platforms. Users chose .wed for its clear, niche association with weddings, aiming for shorter, more memorable domain names connected specifically to their event.

    Tips for registering .wed domain

    • The registry implemented a pricing strategy where initial registrations or renewals beyond a two-year term were priced significantly higher than standard one or two-year terms.
    • Bulk registrations and renewals were only permitted if registrars confirmed they resulted from direct interaction with couples or families planning a wedding.
    • The registry's policies were designed to minimize domain name speculation, parking, and intellectual property violations within the TLD.

    Frequently asked questions about .wed domain

    Who operates .wed domain?The registry for .wed domains is Emergency Back-End Registry Operator Program - ICANN.
    Who can register a .wed domain?

    The .wed TLD was an open registry, so there were no formal restrictions based on geography, organization type, or trademark status. However, the registry's mission and pricing structure were explicitly designed to cater to wedding couples, intentionally making it less economical for long-term commercial registrations or domain speculation.

    Can I transfer a .wed domain between registrars?

    Transfers of .wed domains between accredited registrars were governed by standard ICANN transfer policies. Domain owners could initiate a transfer by obtaining an authorization code from their current registrar and approving the transfer request. It's important to ensure the domain was not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer.

    Why were .wed domains priced higher for terms longer than two years?

    The registry operator, Atgron, Inc., implemented this pricing strategy to align with the typical usage pattern of a wedding website, which is often active for 18 months or less. The significant price increase for longer terms was a deliberate policy to discourage domain name speculation and parking, thereby keeping more desirable names available for couples planning their weddings.

    What happened to existing .wed domain registrations?

    Following ICANN's termination of the .wed Registry Agreement in October 2020, the TLD was phased out. Existing registrations would have expired according to their terms and were not renewable, as the registry operator ceased operations. The TLD is no longer active or available for new registrations.

    Did the .wed registry have any special content policies?

    Yes, the registry had an Acceptable Use Policy and a Wildcard Blocking program mentioned in its application. These were designed to promote a wholesome environment and combat specific abuses, such as human trafficking. The registry pledged to actively enforce these policies to maintain the TLD's intended purpose for wedding-related content.