Gwinnett County is celebrating a big anniversary this year, and the county probate court is kicking off the festivities with a special event this Thursday.
"We are having a mass wedding ceremony at the historic courthouse on 1-18-18 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Gwinnett County," said Probate Judge Christopher Ballar. "[The anniversary] is actually in December of this year, but we just thought this was kind of a fun date, a memorable date."
The ceremony will take place at 1:18 p.m., another play on the number 18.
Ballar and Chief Magistrate Kristina Hammer Blum will preside over the ceremony in the Superior Court Ballroom of the historic courthouse on the downtown Lawrenceville square.
Those couples who want to marry during the ceremony must have a marriage license from a Georgia Probate Court, according to the judges. The ceremony - and an accompanying reception - are free for the happy couples. Guests are welcome, but the reception cost for any guest is $15 per person. Each couple is limited to six guests.
Preregistration is required for both events, and couples can register by calling 770-822-5450. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St. in Lawrenceville.
The event on Jan. 18 replaces the annual free Valentine's Day weddings usually conducted at the Gwinnett County Probate Court.
