"Going to the chapel and we're going to get married...." Is this the new theme song of your life? Take a detour from the traditional, and instead of going to the local church to be married, take a short jaunt to the southeastern coast of the US, less than 100 miles from the Bahamas, and get married in lovely Fort Lauderdale Florida.

Marriage licenses purchased in other states are not valid in Florida, but you can get a marriage license even if you are not a resident. The state has recently enacted a three-day waiting period, which can be waived by attending a four-hour marriage preparation class. For your trouble, you get a discount on the license fee. Both of you need to show up in person with photo ID at the Clerk of Courts and once you have the legalities worked out, you can get to the fun part - the honeymoon!

The Venice of America has more to offer than some small countries. There is no better place to spend wedding loot than at the hundreds of boutiques and restaurants on the Los Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk areas. If you prefer, you can head to the beach to one of many lovely and convenient resorts or hotels. Most of these offer entire wedding packages in addition to space for rehearsal dinners or receptions. Taking advantage of a wedding package very often allows you to get complimentary or discounted rooms for the night of the wedding. There are many local wedding planners who can do the concierge work for you, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your day.

Several excellent golf and spa resorts allow you to honeymoon together while catering to separate interests. Relax on the beach while hubby goes a round, then meet up later for a romantic stroll along the beach, or maybe some windsurfing or sailing. Florida's great variety allows you to pick a hotel that fits both your budget and your taste. You can go the entire gamut from a fairytale wedding to a quaint beachside ceremony. Whichever way you want to enjoy your time, you will find it offered in South Florida and at a price anyone could live with.