Saying 'I Do' in Vienna

Story by Alf B. Meier

The Austrian capital is trying to present itself as the city of dreams. The music is already there in full force, so fairytale weddings in Vienna are the next logical step to attract tourists.

With a colorful brochure in German, English and Japanese touting the "wedding of your dreams", Vienna offers weddings atop a Ferris wheel or next to a waterfall in its famed Butterfly House. (Order the free brochure at http://www.wedding.co.at.)

One of the most popular offerings is weddings in an old-timer tram. There are several options to choose from in arranging a personalized tram wedding from the stock of the Vienna Tramway Museum.

Among these are: The type A head wagon, built by the train factory Fuchs in Heidelberg, Germany, which was the standard model for Germany and Austria during WWII. Car number 1 was built in 1945 and first put into service in 1946. It has a capacity for 12 seated and 59 standing passengers. The type K, number 2319, was built in 1912 by the train factory in Stauding, Austria. It has 29 seats and a capacity for 39 standing passengers. Number 2423 was built in 1913 by the same factory. Its capacity is the same as the older model and boasts an art nouveau (Jugendstil) interior. The type L with the number 2597 was built in 1921, a further development of the type K - with 22 seats and room for 34 standing passengers. This tram still boasts the original Atulip lampsA rather than the more modern style lighting.

The type M (number 4013) was built in 1927 by the Grazer Car and Wagon factory in Graz, Austria and has 24 seats and room for 44 standing passengers. This car was restored to its original condition with wood paneling and original lighting. The type GS with the number 6857, built in 1906 by the same factory, sadly does not have its original body as shown at the World Exposition in Milan, Italy and is somewhat limited with only 12 (very luxurious) seats.

For larger weddings (those requiring more seats), additional wagons can be attached, but depending on the tram model these are usually not more than one (on older models) or two - increasing the capacity by 24 or 48 seats. The trams are decorated with white flowers. Rings are usually exchanged in front of the City Tram Pavilion at Karls Square in the heart of the city. The romantic route takes the wedding party and guests past the Vienna State Opera to the Burgtheater. Along the way, champagne and heurs d'ourvres are served.

Charming, yes, but like all city transportation, there is a timetable. Weddings take place weekdays promptly at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays between 10 and 2 p.m..

The city offers related specials galore, be it wedding attire, rings, flowers, cakes, limos or hotels. Dreams, your must realize, don't come cheap

Perhaps you'd rather just travel around with friends in your 'own' tram, without resorting to the extremes of matrimony. In this case, the museum will happily rent you a train, even if you have no special celebration in mind. For more info on the specifics of the trams, go to http://www wiener-tramwaymuseum.org/.

Photos courtesy of Austrian National Tourist Board