Love is still in the air

Everyday somewhere in the world someone says "I do." Even in Nevada, the home of the quickie divorce, love rules with over 150,000 marriage ceremonies performed annually.

January is my favorite time of year because it brings in the young brides who said "Yes" to that Christmas proposal. If you asked me what the favorite part of my job is I would say it is planning honeymoons. It is such an honor to be entrusted with one of the most important moments in a young couple's life.

There is nothing more rewarding that hearing that bride or groom proclaim you made their dream come true. But even better than planning the honeymoon is helping to plan the wedding in a new and exciting destination. The fun part is choosing the method for the madness.

Whether floating over the Carson Valley in a hot-air balloon or walking down the aisle under a starlit sky, there are several exciting options on how to get hitched! Las Vegas is one of the most diversified places to get married or renew your vows.

You can get married easily in a drive-thru window, on a helicopter, or strapped into a ride that shoots 160 feet into space and defies gravity.

If starting your life together atop the highest structure in the Western United States, while reaching four times the pull of gravity and leaving you weightless for a few seconds isn't a rush, well I don't know what is.

Okay, yes there is that corny stereo type of Elvis saying "You may kiss the bride" and "Thank you very much." But some of the most beautiful wedding chapels in the world are in Nevada. My cousin was married in Reno, and I remember thinking "c-h-e-e-z-y," until I went, cried like a baby, and took part in one of the most precious exchanges of love I have ever seen. Besides Las Vegas here are some other unique places people are beginning life together or renewing their commitment of matrimony:

Jamaica

There is a reason the Jamaican's say "No problem," especially when it comes to getting married. There are two main deluxe hotel chains in Jamaica -- SuperClubs and Sandals -- and they offer free weddings. You receive a personal wedding planner and choices on the location of the ceremony. One of my personal favorites is a white wedding gazebo nestled against the sea and the back-drop of the glorious glowing Jamaican sun as it slips over the horizon.

Couples can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, provided they have applied for marriage license in advance. Many hotels will assist with the arrangements and offer special packages that include the ceremony, government tax and other expenses.

The requirements for U.S. citizens are birth certificate, divorce papers if applicable, notarized parental consent if under age 18 and copy of death certificate for widow/widower. A professional travel consultant can assist with all the details free or for a minimal charge.

Cancun/Mexican Riviera

One of the most beautiful weddings I coordinated was at the Moon Palace Resort outside of Cancun. Palace Resorts has what every bride has dreamed of. With six resorts to choose from, there is something for every taste.

The Moon Palace offers a beautiful fairy tale wedding, where the bride arrives on a horse-drawn carriage. Try getting all this free anywhere else. Here is what a typical free wedding includes:

* wedding gazebo nicely decorated

* all document arrangements and legal fees

* justice of the peace

* marriage license and certificate

* white decorations for chairs and table

* domestic champagne for guests during the ceremony

* dinner reservations for the wedding party

* continental breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding

* candlelight dinner for the bride and groom with special menu and decorations

* fruit basket and bottle of sparkling wine in room

* honeymooners weekly cocktail party -- a picture will be taken and given to the couple

* CD player or tape player available (Bring your special songs)

* red carpet for the bride to walk on

* wedding coordinator

* witness if required

* late check-out until 6 p.m.

Cruise ships

On board, at sea or in select ports of call, thousands tie the knot on board a luxury liner. Most onboard weddings start at about $750 and are professionally done. Cruises are becoming a popular item because of the cruise lines'' decision after 9/1/1 to add more U.S. departure cities like New Orleans, Galveston, Texas, Biloxi, N.C., and New York.

Make sure the agency you use specializes in wedding planning and has the experience to handle your important day. I'll never forget the stress and cost of planning my wedding over 15 years ago. It is exciting to see so many new, easy and affordable options for today's brides. So if you or a family member are planning that big day, remember there is a world of options for you to begin the rest of your life.

Carolyn Kempf is president of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau. (334-1234 or carolyn@elitetravelinc.com)

PIC -- Dennis and Carolyn Kempf chose Portland, Ore., to get married in 1986.