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Marriage makeover for NYC
Source: Agencies |
January 9, 2009, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
WATCH out, Las Vegas - New York City wants to become the new No. 1 place to tie the knot.
New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg has given City Hall's famously gritty marriage bureau a gleaming makeover, with fewer lines, more space to take photographs, video screens to monitor waiting times and wedding chapels with gauzy curtains and walls painted in muted tones.
In case couples forget any essentials, the space features a small shop that sells fresh flowers, disposable cameras, tissues, hair spray and fake diamond rings for US$9 each.
The 2,230-square-meter space officially opens on Monday, replacing a grubby, cramped, poorly lit office. It is designed to put some glamour into City Hall weddings while bringing more tourism dollars to the city.
"We want to be the wedding destination of the world," said Deputy Mayor Patti Harris.
In 2008, the city issued nearly 70,000 marriage licenses and is set on competing with places such as Las Vegas. Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, issued 95,888 licenses in 2008.
Officials on Wednesday kicked off the launch with the wedding of a Queens couple, Carlos Sanchez and Jennifer Avila.
Afterward, the newlyweds said the marriage bureau makeover gave them a romantic setting for their wedding - a major improvement from the old digs.
"It's not comparable," Avila said. "This place is beautiful."
New York state law requires brides and grooms to wait 24 hours after getting a marriage license before they can hold a ceremony.
Marriage licenses cost US$35, and there is a US$25 fee to hold a ceremony at the new facility.
New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg has given City Hall's famously gritty marriage bureau a gleaming makeover, with fewer lines, more space to take photographs, video screens to monitor waiting times and wedding chapels with gauzy curtains and walls painted in muted tones.
In case couples forget any essentials, the space features a small shop that sells fresh flowers, disposable cameras, tissues, hair spray and fake diamond rings for US$9 each.
The 2,230-square-meter space officially opens on Monday, replacing a grubby, cramped, poorly lit office. It is designed to put some glamour into City Hall weddings while bringing more tourism dollars to the city.
"We want to be the wedding destination of the world," said Deputy Mayor Patti Harris.
In 2008, the city issued nearly 70,000 marriage licenses and is set on competing with places such as Las Vegas. Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, issued 95,888 licenses in 2008.
Officials on Wednesday kicked off the launch with the wedding of a Queens couple, Carlos Sanchez and Jennifer Avila.
Afterward, the newlyweds said the marriage bureau makeover gave them a romantic setting for their wedding - a major improvement from the old digs.
"It's not comparable," Avila said. "This place is beautiful."
New York state law requires brides and grooms to wait 24 hours after getting a marriage license before they can hold a ceremony.
Marriage licenses cost US$35, and there is a US$25 fee to hold a ceremony at the new facility.
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