Best Valentine's Date in NYC? Renew Your Wedding Vows in Times Square

by Tracy Kaler

Times Square Photo by snorpey via Flickr

The day of love is just hours away---do you have a plan yet?

You may be a little hung up on the snowfall from a few days ago, and like me, you haven't given this upcoming holiday a second thought. On top of that, it's been a pretty cold winter in NYC, so you're probably focusing on staying warm and surviving until March. (By then the weather will be a lot warmer tolerable but still not warm enough for some of us.)

 By this time in the winter, I'm dreaming of a beach. --photo courtesy of Arikok National Park

Personally, during most New York winters, I dream of sand between my toes and warm sunlight on my face. This year is no different --- we're several months away from visiting any place even remotely beach-like in this part of the country, so it's definitely not happening on Valentine's Day. But instead of pining for sand and sun, I can hop on the 1-2-3 train and head to Times Square on Valentine's Day. 

You might ask, "How does the center of Manhattan resemble a beach?"

It will --- for one day only. This Thursday, Aruba One Happy Island and the Times Square Alliance invite all New Yorkers to escape the dead of winter and stop by their heated pop-up beach. Relax from 12-5:30pm and then observe more than 100 couples renew their vows in midtown Manhattan. If you're feeling lovey-dovey, be part of the ceremony while you're there and say "I do!" one more time.

Love will be in the air this Thursday in Midtown-- photo by Forster foto via Flickr

On the annual day of love, hearts, flowers and chocolate, you'll have plenty of photo opportunities as well as chances to win one of the hourly trip giveaways to Aruba. The all-afternoon festivities will end with the vow renewal ceremony at 6pm on the iconic red glass steps.  Love will definitely be in the air in Midtown on Thursday! 

Captain Arnold, a licensed US Coast Guard captain and wedding officiant, will lead the ceremony, which will last about 30 minutes and a short reception will immediately follow. Couples of all ages are encouraged to attend, take pictures under a real Fofoti tree and receive goodie bags after they retie the knot. Invite your friends and family to watch it all happen live on the American Eagle Times Square Digital Billboard or the live webcast at TimesSquareNYC.org.

Get your photo taken under a Fofoti Tree on the pop-up beach--photo by Greg Lord

Walk hand-in-hand with your significant other through “Heartwalk" --- a heart-shaped sculpture designed by Brooklyn-based Situ Studio --- created from pieces of boardwalk damaged during Hurricane Sandy.

Heart-shaped sculture and the red steps in Times Square--Photo courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

Couples outside of The Big Apple can share their love story on Aruba's facebook page and still have a chance to win a second honeymoon to one of the most desirable vacation destinations.

Although known for tourists, Times Square will most definitely be for local lovers on February 14. So guys, if you don't have a plan yet, now's your chance to surprise your lady with a romantic and spontaneous evening out on the town. But lucky for you, this time there's no tux involved. 

Here's the lowdown.

Date:  Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14


Time:  Festivities: 12-5:30pm
           Vow Renewal  at 6pm (arrive by 5:30)
        
Place : Times Square - Duffy Square (46th and Broadway)

Cost:  Free!


“Heartwalk” by Situ Studio on display February 12 through March 10

For more info: www.TimesSquareNYC.org



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