LOVE and marriage certainly go together like a horse and carriage - but that's not the only way of getting to the church on time.

Like any other aspect of a wedding, your chosen method of transport is one where you can have just about anything you like as long as you've planned it all down to the last detail.

Luxury or vintage cars remain a popular choice, alongside a romantic horse and carriage, but look further afield and things become even more exotic.

Helicopters, hot air balloons, tractors, dustbin vehicles, JCBs, fire engines - all have been used. And never mind a horse and carriage, what about good old-fashioned shanks's pony?

Where it's not so common for brides and grooms to live within walking distance of their church, it's more often the case that those getting hitched abroad only require a short stroll from their hotel to a romantic, sun-kissed beach ceremony.

Cost can be quite a governing factor in making your choice, but also bear in mind what your needs are, your theme, the distance and, therefore, time involved in going to and from the church and the weather!

Invariably, transport involves getting the bride's mother and bridesmaid to the church ahead of the bride and her father.

Traditionally, the best man is responsible for bringing himself and the groom but, of course, the groom has to join his bride for the trip from the church to the reception.

If a second vehicle is involved, that often brings the bridesmaids to the reception, along with the bride's parents.

If you are thinking of having the most popular modes of transport, ie cars or carriage, here's a few more guidelines, courtesy of www.weddingguide.co.uk.

Cars: Large limousines such as Rolls-Royces, Daimlers and Mercedes are easily obtainable from wedding car companies. Vintage cars or something more unusual, such as a pink Cadillac or open top Rolls-Royce, are available from specialist companies, and may involve a bit of phoning around.

Some vintage enthusiasts hire their cars out for weddings and perform the role of chauffeur themselves.

Most limousines are black, grey or white but do come in other colours. White, cream and specialist cars can get booked months in advance, so make an early decision and book promptly.

Vintage cars: Ensure the company has a quick replacement should the car break down.

Ensure the interior is big enough for you, your dress and the person you will be travelling with (the one giving you away).

Legally, you must wear a seat belt if one is fitted so consider your dress's crush factor. However, most vintage cars only have them in front, if at all.

Cost: Firms generally charge for the day and a peak season Saturday wedding can range from £295 to £365. Extra mileage will be charged if your wedding is out of the area. In most instances, a discount is offered on other days of the week.

Most will require a deposit at the time of booking and settlement in full a week before the wedding or on the day. Get full details of all the charges in writing.

Checks: Visit to see if the car will be decorated with ribbons and flowers - can they match your colour scheme?

Will the car be required for other weddings on the day, and if so, how long between each? You don't want a chauffeur racing to get to his next wedding.

Is the car you see when you visit, the one you will have on the day?Horse drawn carriages: Only suitable for short journeys and extra time will be needed to get to the wedding then the reception. Ensure the carriage has a protective hood for bad weather. Book well ahead: Summer dates can be booked up up to two years in advance. Some companies will only travel within a given radius, while others will cover a very wide area.

Unless the horse(s) are stabled near your home, they and the carriage will have to be taken to an area close by to be prepared and dressed. This does not need to be enormous; a drive or even just the pavement outside your house, is often all that is necessary.

Cost: The whole process can take two people up to six hours, plus travelling time and the cost can vary greatly.

You can expect to pay between £350 and £400 for a single horse and carriage and £525 to £600 for a pair. Some companies will charge extra if you live outside a certain radius, while others simply have a set price.