Probate Judge Patty Laine, who just took office last month, said she decided to once again offer the service, noting that it just made sense to perform the ceremony, since it's her office that issues the marriage licenses.
Laine said the service, despite no publicity so far, has been popular.
"I've done 13 ceremonies so far this year. They've been young, they've been old, they've been every kind of person that lives in Hall County," she said.
She noted that some of the couples who have tied the knot in her courtroom wanted to be married out of the country, but there are a number of legal hoops to jump through.
"It's apparently a hassle," she said, "so they come here and get married and then they have a ceremonial wedding somewhere else."
Laine said services are offered in both English and Spanish.
Typically, the wedding services are offered only on Thursdays between 1 and 4 p.m. However, since Valentine's Day is coming up, and the day falls on Thursday this year, Laine said her office will make it an entire day of celebration.
"If the demand is there and people are calling, we'll do weddings all day if we need to," said Laine. "I plan to make it a special day."
And as far as the price for a Valentine's Day wedding at the Probate Court is concerned?
"It's the most affordable wedding you can have...it's free," said Laine. "There is no charge. You just have to make sure you have your license beforehand and schedule an appointment."
Probate Court Judge, Patty Walters Laine
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/2/257926