YUMA, ARIZ. — For anyone who can't wait to wed, Visit Yuma is offering a contest to help sweethearts tie the knot in Yuma during February. Now that it is the year 2020, there are many throwbacks to the 20s, a century ago. In the 1920s and 1930s, Yuma was an elopement magnet for Hollywood stars who wanted a quick ceremony with less paparazzi. Also, there was a waiting period to get married in California, but there were no such restrictions in Arizona. That meant a lot of impatient couples crossed the state line into Yuma, the closest spot to get hitched. It was the "in" place. Big name stars who married in Yuma include Mary Astor, Errol Flynn, Jean Harlow, Tony Martin, and Gloria Swanson.

In the spirit of throwbacks and hearkening back to Yuma's history as the Wedding Capital of the United States, Visit Yuma is holding a love-based contest during the month of February.  Visit Yuma's "Can't Wait to Wed," contest asks participants to go to Visit Yuma's Facebook page, like and share the post, then comment about why they can't wait to wed. Contestants must be willing to come to Yuma before the end of February for their nuptials. Visit Yuma will set up the wedding ceremony at historic Lutes' Gretna Green Wedding Chapel with an officiant, flowers, photographer and celebratory champagne, followed by a candlelight dinner and wedding night accommodations. See the Visit Yuma Facebook post for more information and contest rules.

The winning couple will be chosen on Wednesday, February 12, and announced publicly on Thursday, February 13, just ahead of Valentine's Day. Then the winning couple must wed in Yuma before the end of February, as part of the contest. Couples are invited to dress in 1920s style, but that is not required. 

To enter the contest, follow Visit Yuma's Official Facebook Page.