Houston County court holding wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day, courthouse weddings popular option, judge says

HOUSTON COUNTY — Love is in the air in Houston County as the Probate Court will ordain wedding ceremonies for dozens of couples this Valentine’s Day from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 

Probate Court Judge Kristen Harris said their courtroom will be fully decorated for the special occasion. 

“This is the third year that [the Probate Court] has done this, and we have 24 couples on our schedule,” she said. 

Getting married on Valentine’s Day can be very special. Harris said some people may want their anniversary to be on Valentine’s Day. 

“All of our wedding dates are very popular as we marry people on the last Friday of the month and the first Wednesday of the month, but with [Valentine’s Day] being a day of love, it can be a good date to remember as an anniversary,” she said. 

It can also be quite simple to get a marriage license, as couples must obtain one before getting married. Harris said couples can start the application process online from the comfort of their own homes or at the clerk’s office. 

“Both the bride and groom just have to be present with their IDs to complete the application process,” she said. 

There is, however, a fee associated with getting a marriage license. Harris said if couples get premarital counseling they can get 50% off. 

Rather than a traditional wedding, there is no cost of getting married at the courthouse. Harris explained that she has seen a wide variety of couples get married. She said marriages range from casual dress after the gym, to the bride in her wedding dress and the groom in a tuxedo, along with ring bearers and flower girls. 

“I think just the convenience factor and with it being affordable, they can put their money towards a celebration afterwards or a honeymoon. Or maybe [couples] don’t want it to be a big spectacle and just want it to be between them,” she said. 

In general, the probate court has seen their wedding ceremonies become very popular, Harris explained. 

“We are always booked as far as our ceremonies that we offer here, as we are maxed out with appointments every month,” she said. “It’s been a really popular service to offer to the public.” 

Interested couples can book an appointment by going to https://houston.booking.appointmentreminder.com/marriage-ceremonies.