Hong Kong  - The global recession may have dented property and stock values in Hong Kong but the price of true love remains almost as dear as in boom times in the city of 7 million, a survey released Monday found.

The average couple spent more than 29,000 US dollars on their wedding ceremonies and banquets in 2009, the survey of 1,800 couples found, only 3.3 per cent less than in 2008.

And while newlyweds have economised slightly on their wedding parties, they are spending 3 per cent more on wedding photography and videos, the survey by a lifestyle website found.

Hong Kong has just emerged from a year-long recession which has seen the jobless rate jump from 3 to 5.5 per cent and property prices fall steeply.

In recent months, however the Hang Seng Index has rallied strongly, property prices have rebounded and a feared summer surge in unemployment numbers has failed to materialize. (dpa)