Best Places To Get Married - Volcanos And Glaciers

Nature provides some of the most unique places to tie the knot. And, there's nothing more exciting than pushing the envelope with the most extremes that Nature offers - volcanos and glaciers.

Volcano Weddings

There's no better place to celebrate the passion of your love than saying "I do" within the backdrop of a red-hot volcano. Two volcanos you might consider for your fiery wedding are the famous Kilauea Crater on the Big Island of Hawaii and Mt. Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island, Republic of Vanuatu, an island-nation in the South Pacific.

Kilauea Crater

Sites overlooking the Kilauea Crater are favorites for couples seeking a dramatic backdrop for their wedding photos. Kilauea volcano is Hawaii's most active volcano and thus, a favorite place for nature lovers. Wedding ceremonies are allowed at Kilauea Crater overlooks, though a Wedding Request Form should be completed and submitted to the National Park Service. There is a non-refundable $50 fee to apply for a wedding permit, as well as park entrance fees. You can inquire about the Wedding Request Form by calling 808-985-6027.

While considering a wedding overlooking Kilauea Crater, you might also want to consider staying at the Volcano House, situated at the edge of the crater. They also provide wedding services, and are perfectly situated for volcano-viewing, with guest rooms offering a spectacular view of the Kilauea crater. Call them at 808-967-7321 for reservations or more information.

Mt. Yasur Volcano

Mt. Yasur Volcano is located on Tanna Island, one of the islands which make up Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Tanna Island is often referred to as the "Island of Fire," and attracts tourists from around the world who take volcano tours within 150 meters of the crater's edge, where they are able to walk the entire perimeter.

Tanna Island also attracts couples who wish to marry near the Mt. Yasur volcano. Couples do need to take note that Tanna Island is a bit rugged. For example, there is no electricity on the island. There is, however, a resort, Whitegrass Ocean Resort, which has privately-owned generators turned on at least 8 hours a day, and which provides wedding services, including at the volcano. You can email them at whitegrasstanna@vanuatu.com.vu for more information.

Marriages in Vanuatu are recognized in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and most other countries. Couples do have to be in Vanuatu for three days prior to the ceremony. There are also many documents which need to be faxed to the Municipality three weeks prior to the ceremony, so be sure to do all your research well in advance of making travel plans.

Icy Weddings

While volcano weddings can symbolize passion, weddings on glaciers symbolize love that has stood the test of time and is rock solid. What are some glaciers you might consider for your wedding?

Mendenhall Glacier - Juneau, Alaska

The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau seems to be the "hot" spot for Glacier Weddings. If not from the area, and, let's face it, not many people are, there are a couple ways you might plan your glacier wedding. One is to have your wedding while on a shore excursion from your cruise ship. You will want to schedule at least 3 hours for the travel time and ceremony, so do make sure your shore excursion will accommodate the time spent.

Several companies will perform this service, including Royal Ocean Events, whose pilot and photographer will serve as your witnesses. They also provide an Alaskan bouquet and matching boutonniere, as well as two rolls of film taken of the ceremony. Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries will be delivered to your cabin. Call Royal Ocean Events Inc. at 888-475-5511 for more information.

For those not going on an Alaskan cruise, you may want to consider the wedding package from Pearson's Pond Luxury B&B Inn and Adventure Spa, which was rated one of the World's Most Romantic Hotel Destinations. As of this writing, the wedding on the Mendenhall Glacier will cost from $3995, with additional fees for honeymoon nights at Pearson's Pond Luxury B&B. The cost includes a mini-reception for the bridal couple and witnesses with a cake, sparkling cider or champagne, CD music and first dance. Call them at 888-658-6328 for more information.

There is no blood test required to get married in Alaska, however there is a 3-day waiting period from the time the state receives your completed application.

Tasman Glacier - New Zealand

Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest glacier, as well as the largest glacier in the world outside the polar regions or the Himalayas, and is located in the Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park.

The Wedding Company in New Zealand is one company which provides wedding assistance at sites throughout New Zealand, including Tasman Glacier. Their wedding package includes arrangement of your New Zealand Marriage License including application fee, pre-wedding consultation, a New Zealand Marriage Celebrant to officiate at your wedding, as well as a professional wedding coordinator to assist you. As of this writing the cost for the Tasman Glacier wedding is NZD $835 for a 4-seater Cessna and NZD $1340 for an 8-seater Cessna. Call them at +64-3-546-5181 for more information.

Whichever you choose, a volcano or glacier wedding, you've chosen a wedding venue that is as unique as the two of you. And, just to ease your mind - the cold feet you experience on a glacier wedding is just temporary.