TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Few V-Day 'I Do's' At Courthouse This Year

ADVERTISEMENT

By Dan  Fearson | Highlands Today

Published: February 15, 2008

SEBRING — Valentine's Day is a time for lovers to express their feelings — and sometimes they do it in places you wouldn't expect — like the courthouse.

But on Thursday it remained unusually quiet in the marriage licensing department at the Highlands County Courthouse.

"We were really shocked because we didn't have very many appointments," said Debbie Carpenter. "I don't know why we don't have the same number (of ceremonies scheduled) as we've had in the past."

In all, the courthouse had three marriage ceremonies scheduled on Thursday, but only two couples showed up.

Typically, Valentine's Day is so busy for employees that it's the only day of the year where citizens who want to get married have to phone in an appointment.

In 2006 there were eight marriages performed in the courthouse and in 2007 there were seven.

"Maybe it just depends on which day of the week the holiday falls on," said Carpenter, courthouse probate supervisor, who performs wedding ceremonies.

On Thursday the department was fully decorated with Valentine's decorations.

There was a small ceremony in the morning, where a couple called up 45 minutes before they were married, and another ceremony scheduled in the afternoon. A couple who had an 11 a.m. appointment apparently decided to think over their marriage prospects and didn't turn up.

For a $30 fee on top of normal court costs for marriage licenses, citizens can have a small ceremony in a courtroom, in the decorated marriage licensing office, or directly outside the courthouse.

Aside from the constant reminders from advertisers making it easy to remember your anniversary, being married on Valentine's Day is also an extra-special way for a couple to show their love for each other, Carpenter said.

"I think it's our busiest day because it's a day that stands for love in general. It's just the atmosphere that surrounds the holiday," she added.

In the past, marriage ceremonies were so popular at the courthouse there was a small chapel inside of a room where marriage ceremonies were held. But after the courthouse finished its expansion in 2006, the room was remodeled.

"Sometimes people dress up for the ceremonies and sometimes they wear their work clothes," said Carpenter. "Sometimes family members show up and sometimes they don't."

For Florida couples who want to get married a the Highlands County Courthouse, requirements include completing a premarital counseling course or waiting for three days after their marriage application is turned in before they can get married.

The three-day waiting period often catches people off guard who call up shortly before Valentine's Day to schedule a ceremony on the run.

Valentine's Day Marriage Popularity

Valentine's Day courthouse marriages are wildly popular across the country and the state.

In Pinellas County, the holiday is so popular for marriages that the courthouse performed a group ceremony in 2007, with refreshments and special commemorative marriage certificates.

The group wedding ceremony was so successful last year, that the courthouse decided to hold another one this year. As of Thursday morning, there were 37 couples signed up to participate in the 2008 ceremony.

In Las Vegas, the Clark County Courthouse's marriage licensing department is open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Valentine's Day.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT