FLY the knot

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Feb 16, 2003 | by Sarah Whitfield King

THOMAS Cook (0870 010 4592) offer two weeks half-board at the four- star Majorda Beach Hotel, which includes wedding package, for pounds 1,226 p.p.

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LAS VEGAS

LAS Vegas is legendary for weddings, and averages 280 ceremonies a day. It was here that Chris Evans and Billie Piper tied the knot.

Anything goes in this city - it's second to none when it comes to outrageous nuptials. At Graceland Wedding Chapel, an Elvis impersonator will perform the ceremony before serenading the happy couple. Other options include marrying in a hot air balloon, on a Harley Davidson motorbike or in a helicopter.

AIRTOURS Weddings (0870 241 2568; www.airtours.co.uk) offer seven nights at Hotel Circus Circus for pounds 729 per person in May. Wedding package at the Little White Wedding Chapel costs pounds 169 including private limousine transfer. Extras include an Elvis impersonator for pounds 90 and a wedding dress hire service for approximately pounds 120.

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RHODES

LINDOS on the island of Rhodes is one of the prettiest villages in Greece and the perfect backdrop for a full-blooded Mediterranean wedding.

The climate is wonderful throughout the summer months, and the location is easy to get to for friends and family wishing to join the couple on their big day.

Daytimes can be spent enjoying the watersports in the bay while evenings are fun in the local tavernas.

Airtours Prestige have packages to the attractive Lindos Mare, which has wonderful views across the bay and its own private beach.

The wedding takes place at St Paul's Chapel with the island's Acropolis for a dramatic backdrop.

AIRTOURS (0870 241 25 680; www.airtours.co.uk) offer two weeks half-board at the Lindos Mare for pounds 859 per person. Wedding package pounds 289.

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SRI LANKA

SRI Lanka has superb beaches and a fascinating history...enough to make any bride and groom happy.

The Triton Hotel is set among coconut groves and has a selection of restaurants and nightly entertainment which features live music and traditional Sri Lankan shows.

Weddings take place in the hotel's wedding gallery and the package includes 30 photographs, wedding video, bouquet and buttonhole, two- tier cake, upgrade of room, river safari, sparkling wine breakfast and a "going away" elephant which will take the couple for a stroll.

KUONI (01306 747 007 (www.kuoni.co.uk/weddings) offer five nights with breakfast for pounds 564 per person in May. Extra nights pounds 17 per person, half- board supplement pounds 9 per day or full-board pounds 15 per day. Wedding package pounds 518.

IT'S vital to remember that some countries and islands have their own laws about residency before you can get married. Mauritius, for example, requires couples to have been on the island for three working days before applying for a marriage