"Do you, Robert, take David to be your spouse?"
About two dozen couples were married at the Hennepin County Courthouse this Valentine's Day.
Shakayla and Twyla Petty were there.
"Because I love her. We ain't waiting no more."
So were Janel and Porcha Bell.
"We went online and we saw that it was free today, and we made it come true."
A day like this is also a nice reprieve for Judges Brandt and Burns.
"Happiness is not our usual day at the courthouse, so that's why we all look forward to this day," says Brandt.
"I think it's good for everybody, including the judges who have to deal with doom and gloom a lot," says Burns.
It's Lover's Day, so why not get married?
"You may just want another celebration of your union," said another of the judges.
Special Valentine’s Day marriage ceremonies began in Hennepin County in 2013 and have occurred every year since then, except for two years due to restrictions on gathering because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We know how important Valentine’s Day is to many people,” said Judge William Koch, one of the lead organizers of the marriage ceremonies. “The judges and staff in Hennepin County are excited to continue our annual tradition. It is a lot of fun for us and an easy way for these couples to remember their anniversaries!”
Congratulations to all, and a happiest of Valentine's Days to all of the lovers out there.