Wish Upon a Wedding is dedicated to granting weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States to couples facing life-threatening illnesses. The organization will begin accepting applications for Wedding Wishes in mid-January 2010. 

Founded by wedding planner, Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, with the hope that no couple should ever be denied the chance to marry the one they love, Wish Upon a Wedding is the only organization of its kind in existence today. 

By calling on a regional database of wedding vendors known as “Wish Granters,” the organization will be able to grant five types of weddings (from simple to more elaborate), some in as quickly as 48 hours. How quickly the services are granted, and how detailed the weddings are, depends upon the Wish Recipient’s health condition. 

“Many couples cannot afford to get married, due to overwhelming medical bills, particularly those who have been battling life threatening conditions, sometimes for many years,” says Guthrie. “Often a person is too sick to even leave their hospital bed, or they may be in hospice care,” explains Guthrie, “If their last wishes include marrying their partner who stood by them through their most difficult times, we want to help make that dream come true. What better way to celebrate love than with their closest friends and family, in one of life’s most significant ceremonies?” 

Four chapters will be ready to grant wishes in early 2010, in the following locations: San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Orlando. 

Industry leaders who have joined the cause so far, by leading chapters across the country, include renowned wedding planners Sasha Souza (Founding President), Samantha Goldberg, Elisa Delgardio, and Kevin Covey, and author Sharon Naylor. 

The official Web site launches January 15, 2010. For more information visit the Wish Upon A Wedding Facebook Fan Page or follow Wish Upon a Wedding on Twitter. 

Photo courtesy of Mark Stagi, Stagi Imagery. 

Looking for local Sacramento wedding vendors?  

Build your dream team at Real Weddings Magazine’s Resource Guide. Click here to get started!