Couples planning to tie the knot in Hong Kong can do so in an all-American setting. McDonald's Corp., the world's largest fast food giant, is carving out a new niche for itself in Hong Kong as a full-service wedding planner.

According to the Chinese-language newspaper Oriental Daily, McDonald's, whose Golden Arches symbol is recognized as an American cultural symbol across the globe, plans to begin offering its McWedding service to couples in Hong Kong in early 2011. The McWeddings will be available at three restaurants in the city. In addition to McWeddings, McDonald’s will also offer anniversary events.

In the English-language newspaper South China Morning Post, Helen Cheung, McDonald's director of corporate communications and relations in Hong Kong, was quoted as saying, "Traditional weddings use cherries for the newlyweds to eat together and kiss. We will have French fries for them to kiss."

Cheung explained that so many people told McDonald's they’d dated or met in their restaurants and wanted to get married there, the company saw it as a good community relations move as well as a business opportunity. With traditional Chinese weddings costing well over $5000, McDonald’s is sure to fill everyone up with their favorite food for a fraction of that price.

The Oriental Daily reported that McDonald’s started accepting reservations in the second week of October, and at least one Hong Kong couple had already reserved their wedding date. Apparently, they had often dated at McDonald’s before getting engaged. For their special day, they wanted a setting and a meal that reminded them of time they spent together enjoying themselves and getting to know each other.

The local media doesn’t mention a price tag for the new McWedding service. However, since many young Hong Kong couples cannot afford a traditional big Chinese wedding, McDonald’s new wedding service is expected to cater to those with limited budgets.