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Japanese Say 'I Do' Stateside to Save Money
Couples like marrying in NY, Hawaii to duck $100K nuptials
By Katherine Thompson
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Posted May 3, 09 4:50 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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Thousands of Japanese couples have chosen to marry in the US over the past decade to avoid pricey weddings back home, NPR reports. Favored destinations like Hawaii and New York City may not be cheap, but they're easier on the pocketbook than ceremonies that include hundreds of family, friends, and associates in Japan—and cost $100,000 or more.
One New York City Unitarian reverend says he has married about 600 Japanese couples, even though few are Christian. Their biggest challenge is often pronouncing "th" sounds in "With this ring, I thee wed..." NPR followed one couple as they practiced and executed a nearly error-free ceremony. Awaiting them back home is a big reception, they said. How big? "300? 500?" the wife laughed. "Yes, big."