LOS ANGELES — A budget supermarket chain is helping nine happy California couples beat the recession blues by offering cut-price wedding ceremonies -- for just 99 cents each.

The 99 Cents Only Stores chain is picking up the tab for nine couples at its branch on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood on Wednesday to mark the ninth day of the nine month in 2009.

After getting hitched, the nine couples will be handed 99 dollars and 99 cents in cash before being whisked off to an undisclosed "famous romantic Los Angeles" location, 99 Cents Only said.

Meanwhile the supermarket chain is also offering a payment of 999 dollars 99 cents to any newborn baby who weighs in at nine pounds nine ounces on Wednesday.

Founded in 1982, the 99 Cents Only chain is spread across California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas, with more than 250 stores offering products priced at less than one dollar. -AFP