Just how important is physical attraction in a relationship?

A local radio station is hoping to answer that question, with a contest called "Two Strangers and a Wedding."

They're calling it a social experiment between two people who want to find true love.

A couple who've never met will spend a month getting to know each other via phone or e-mail, but the first time they actually meet face to face will be at the altar.

Rob Mise, Energy 101.5 Program Director, says the station was flooded with calls after the announcement and had their first bride volunteer within minutes.

"This is a roller coaster ride for sure, and we know that it's not for everybody. Some people will be for it, some against it, but it is going to be very dramatic along the way. The one thing we can't control, it the last moment at the altar when the screen comes down, when they meet for the very first time - we have no control over that."

The same experiment has been done many times all over the world.

More than half of those marriages have ended in divorce.

The contest's high rate of failure doesn't surprise marriage counselor Dianna Campbell.

"It undervalues the whole notion of having an intimate and close relationship with another person. It's either meaningful, or it's not, and if you put it in this context, it becomes not meaningful."

But judging by the sheer volume of callers interested in participating, not everyone thinks it's a bad idea.

The station says they're taking it seriously.

Each contestant will undergo police, medical, employer and credit checks, and will be evaluated for compatibility by a panel which includes two psychologists.

Mise says, "We're not making fun or a mockery of marriage. We want this to work like everybody else does."

The winning couple will meet for the first time October 30th to recite their vows.