Valentine's Day Vows Anyone?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
January 21, 2004
With Valentine's Day around the corner, couples everywhere are getting ready for romance, and some, no doubt, will take things a step--or rather, a giant leap--further this year. Did somebody say elope?
Radical as it might sound, eloping seems to be a hot trend. Not only is it romantic and spontaneous (compared to a traditional wedding), it's cheap! Most people associate a quickie marriage with Vegas, but the Britney way is no longer the only way!
If you think love is kitschy, nothing beats the home of the King. Make Elvis your best man at the Chapel in the Woods at Graceland. The most basic wedding package starts at $550. Once you've tied the knot, you can begin married life with a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich (Elvis' favorite).
California always seems to be ahead of the trends. May I suggest going north to the charming town of Calistoga? At the Hans Fahden Winery, you can get married in the picturesque Napa Valley and have the entire wedding (from cake to personalized wedding album) arranged for you. Packages start at $1,695. For details, visit www.enchantingelopements.com.
Because love is a lot like an exotic gumbo, consider getting hitched in the French Quarter of New Orleans by a Voodoo Priestess. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, night or day, to this wedding chapel, which boasts 24/7 service. Visit www.frenchquarterweddingchapel.com for more information.
Consider yourself a true Adonis? Why not tie the knot amidst the breathtaking scenery of a cliff overlooking the sea in Santorini. Kivotos Wedding Consultants offers packages starting at 1600 Euro (that's about $2,000). Visit www.weddingsantorini.com.
Because your love is surely "exciting and new," getting married aboard a cruise ship might be just the thing. The Wedding Experience plans wedding packages for Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, and Windstar cruises. Visit www.theweddingexperience.com.
Other quick and easy spots to exchange your vows include:
- Marriage Island along the River walk in San Antonio, Texas: www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
- The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota: www.chapeloflove.com
- The Municipal Building in Manhattan, NY: www.nycmarriagebureau.com
A few tips for a quickie marriage stateside:
- Get the necessary paperwork to apply for a marriage license completed ahead of time, or visit the local marriage bureau or county courthouse when you arrive. (Some states will waive the "waiting period" for out of state residents.)
- Arrive with identification documents: drivers license, passport, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, and US Alien Registration card.
- Bring your Social Security card.
- If you are divorced or widowed, official certificates will be required as proof.
Although it's easy these days to walk down the aisle, divorce is not nearly as simple. If you've got any doubts, you might want to stick to flowers, chocolates, and love letters this year--give the whole marriage thing a bit more time.
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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