Fuchsia bougainvillea and lemon-hued buttercups peek through crisscrossed white trellis as do the curves of her body under a flowing wedding gown of sheer cotton gauze. Splashes of salty sea spray and cooling trade winds refresh the wedding party as they join hands to form an arch, under which the happy couple gracefully strolls towards the white-robed minister.

The sandaled groom, in beige dinner jacket, murmurs a loving “I do” to his radiant bride as foamy azure waves race and recede on a warm ivory blanket of sand under a brilliant tangerine sunset.

    An off-road jeep caravan negotiates the steep, craggy hillside to reach a secluded beach oasis set cozily between two imposing cliffs. On glistening ebony rocks surrounded by a verdant carpet of seaweed and flowery ground cover, a couple joyously exchanges vows.

    Downtown, amidst manicured gardens and impressive Dutch colonial architecture, an intimate wedding ceremony takes place in City Hall. A waiting limousine transports the new husband and wife to a magnificent banquet room at a five-star high-rise hotel. Crystal chandeliers, opulent velvet draperies, freshly-cut exotic flowers, intricate ice sculptures, champagne, and abundant buffet tables overflowing with local and imported delicacies delight hundreds of elegantly-attired guests.

With its awesome natural wonders, off-road hideaways, and world-class accommodations, restaurants, and spas, it’s hard to imagine a place more conducive to love, passion, and romance than Aruba. Honeymoons have always been popular here, as well as renewal of vows. And now, due to the enactment of long-awaited legislation, legally binding marriages are also performed.

    But how does one begin to plan a wedding in a foreign country? Many of the island’s resorts have specially trained personnel dedicated to weddings and special events. Packages can be created to suit a variety
of tastes and budgets, and assistance with necessary documentation and recommendations for flowers, entertainment, photography, and other accoutrements are also offered. Aruba Weddings for You, found on-line at www.arubaweddingsforyou.com., and Aruba Fairytales, at www.arubafairytales.com, can also offer guidance for comprehensive wedding packages. Those who prefer to do it themselves can contact the Department of Civil Registry for documentation requirements.

    On Aruba, you can carve out your own nuptial niche with styles that range from traditional down-the-aisle formality at historic places of worship to one-of-a-kind avant-garde ceremonies that include barefoot beach, canvas tents, garden gazebos, rural chapels, and rustic piers.

    Couples can tie the knot in bathing suits, shorts, or diving gear. They can marry aboard a catamaran, pirate ship, submarine, schooner, or luxury yacht; on the beach under tiki-torches, starry skies, or a thatched cabana; on a small desert island just minutes away by boat; or on horseback at a secluded ranch. Horse-drawn carriage, Harley Davidson, four-wheeler, limousine, jeep, barhopping bus—whatever your speed—can be easily arranged.

    Aruba’s umbrella “One Cool Honeymoon Package,” available all year-round, pampers newlyweds with special hotel accommodations, a welcome bottle of champagne or wine in their room, a honeymoon doorknob knocker, and a certificate for a free night’s stay same time the following year. With their Honeymoon ID card, the happy couple receives a dedicated honeymoon table and complimentary wine or cocktail at selected restaurants; special offers from casinos, photo-finishers, and spas; and discounts on dining, shopping, water sports, and other island activities. For more information, one can call the Aruba Tourism Authority at 1-800-TO-ARUBA.

    As irresistible as Aphrodite herself, Aruba possesses a natural beauty and mystery that inspires and rekindles romance. Beckoning lovers everywhere, her magic awakens the heart, delights the senses, ignites passion, and sets the soul afire.

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