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Melding words with art as travel writer Norm Goldman
and his
artist wife, Lily Goldman, seek out unique romantic destinations
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Train
Weddings: Something Very Different
by Norm
Goldman
Artwork by Lily
Azerad-Goldman
continued from page
2
GRAND CANYON RAILWAY
Our second experience brought us to an historic 1908 train depot
located in Williams, Arizona, where we boarded the Grand Canyon
Railway.
Williams was founded in 1874 and is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. It is commonly referred to as the "Gateway
to the Grand Canyon."
It most aptly sets the stage for a unique and relaxing two hour
and fifteen minute romantic train ride or wedding party excursion
that transports you to 200 yards from the edge of the South Rim
of the Grand Canyon.
For those of you who are not only romantic but also history buffs,
you may be interested in knowing that the Grand Canyon Railway
carried the first passengers to the rim of the Grand Canyon on
September 17th, 1901. Unfortunately, due to the advent of the
automobile, the railway was forced to shut down in the late 1960s
due to lack of passengers. It was not until early 1990 that service
was restarted.
On a snowy morning in early March we drove from Sedona to Williams-a
trip of about sixty miles away. When we arrived at the train depot,
we were quite discouraged upon seeing snow covering the train
cars. However, as soon as we boarded our luxurious Parlor Class
Car, we knew the sun would come out and all will be well with
the world. And that it was!
 The
Parlor Car offers one of the best amenities aboard the train-the
opportunity to stand on the rear deck and take in the invigorating
mountain air. We chose to pass this up, as the air was a little
too invigorating for us in early March! You have to admit, this
would give romantic couples an excellent opportunity to cuddle
up and experience the beauty of nature.
Within a few minutes we were passing some of Arizona’s most
spectacular scenery, as we rode the rails through the Colorado
Plateau with amazing views of the San Francisco Peaks and volcanic
cinder cones; no doubt, a tiny prelude of things to come at the
Grand Canyon. It was also classic old west territory, and something
that reminded me of my childhood days when I would watch western
movies. In fact, we were also held up by a group of thugs on our
return to Williams!
Once you arrive at
the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you truly are in for an amazing
geological wonder. No matter how many photographs or images you
have previously seen, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of
these ancient strands of stone carved by winds, seas, water and
sand.
As we stood paralyzed by the phenomenal surroundings and natural
splendor, we asked ourselves, how would it be like to exchange
marriage vows in the presence of this magnificent canyon that
is 277 miles in length and 18 miles in width?
The only place in
the world exhibiting billions of years of geological history and
are still in the making-awesome!
Where, as we were informed, couples insert into their marriage
vows a wish that their marriage should be as long as the Grand
Canyon is deep! It is little wonder that every summer over 1000
couples exchange vows at the Grand Canyon.
| The Grand
Canyon Railway cars are available for private rental, and
prices range from $1,795 for a 1923 to a Harriman style Pullman
car to $6000 for a dome car or luxury parlor car. If you wanted
something special, you can even book your own car or cars
on your own schedule. ) |
You have to admit
that of all the possible wedding destinations, the sheer beauty
of the Grand Canyon would be difficult to surpass. What a backdrop
for those wedding pictures!
A word of caution, if you are planning to tie the knot at the
Grand Canyon, you must first apply for a permit, and also bear
in mind that the Park does not have a scenic site that can accompany
more than 85 persons.
It would be wise that before finalizing your plans you make a
field trip to the Grand Canyon and speak to the relevant authorities
at the Park Service Office concerning the various scenic sites
that are available for your ceremony and reception. The information
you can secure will prove to be invaluable in helping you visualize
where you can hold your ceremony.
If you don’t have the time, perhaps engaging a wedding planner
would be more practical and everything could be arranged without
having to worry about the details and fine-tuning.
No doubt, there will be trade offs when you marry in the Grand
Canyon, however, think of the gorgeous setting! Wouldn’t
it be fun to tie the knot at the Canyon and celebrate with a reception
on the train as you journey back to Williams? That is a memorable
and fun wedding!
continued on page
four Requirements for
a Wedding at Grand Caymon
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