Graham Schilder Photography
Article written by Pam Black of Celebration House, Cape Town’s unique wedding information centre. First published in Die Burger Leefstyle newspaper in July 2009
It’s intriguing how some couples, intent on making their wedding day even more memorable, go to great lengths to find interesting places to exchange their vows.
Marriage Officers are getting used to receiving unusual requests, and one on the Celebration House website even states that he is happy to jump out of a plane with the couple, if that is their wish!
Adventurous choices
If walking down the aisle to the strains of Mendelssohn is too tame for your adventurous spirit, perhaps you would prefer to exchange your vows in a shark cage (along with your Marriage Officer and videographer), with Great Whites as your guests – albeit, kept at a safe distance! I liked the fact that the local company advertising this option also offered to provide the couple with
white wetsuits.
Head over heels in love?
An American couple recently took off from Kennedy Space Centre and exchanged their vows during a zero-gravity flight, which lasted 90 minutes. During the flight the plane made 16 roller coaster-type dives, each lasting 30 seconds, with the jet plummeting from 36 000 to 24000 feet before climbing back up. This allowed those on board the chance to experience weightlessness. Definitely not to be recommended for anyone with a weak stomach!
Fame at any cost
Famous British chef Gordon Ramsay (not renowned for politeness), has a programme on DSTV called ‘Hell’s Kitchen USA’, where he puts aspiring chefs through their paces. As most couples want the food at their wedding to be good, I was amazed to see that one US couple, lured by the chance of fame, were prepared to hold their reception at this restaurant and hand over the task of feeding their guests to a bunch of amateur
chefs. To say nothing of the ‘spicy’ remarks that are bound to come from Mr Ramsay’s kitchen!
Competitions
Many couples enter Win-a-Wedding competitions, some featuring weddings at unusual locations, as they offer a chance to win wonderful prizes. Over the years I have organised many of these competitions and one of my favourites was the wedding held at Celebration House’s 11th birthday party, which allowed our guests the chance to be part of the lucky couple’s special occasion. Although many of the guests didn’t know the charming couple, everyone spoke of how privileged they felt to be there and to share in the happy event.
Watchpoints
The top of Table Mountain is a spot many couples choose to exchange their vows. However, what has to be borne in mind is that this romantic spot can be fraught with unforeseen problems, especially as the cableway does not operate when the famous Cape south-easter blows at
gale force. Since this is the only means of reaching the summit — besides physically climbing the mountain — you do run the risk of your wedding being put on hold for another day. Alternatively, you could be halfway through the ceremony when the cloud comes down and you have to leave the mountain!
If you are planning a beach wedding, on the other hand, be sure to consult the tide tables, to ensure that your arrival doesn’t coincide with high tide and a beach under water.
Remember the legalities
When choosing an unusual venue, the legal side of your wedding also needs to be taken into account, as the South African Marriage Act states that the ceremony must take place in a church or other building used for religious services, or in a public office (such as the Department of Home Affairs), or a private dwelling. If you plan to marry outdoors, or in any building not defined by the Act, it is best to repeat the legal part of the service
indoors, so as to avoid any doubt as to whether you are formally married.
Finally, August is Goodie Bag Month at Celebration House. Read more about this and other promotions on our website, www.celebrationhouse.co.za (Runner-up SA Tourism 2009 Welcome Awards – Online Category).Please note we have no affiliation with any other websites with similar names.
