Everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in his or her own way – however one Connecticut town clerk is helping to make this day a little more special for others.
Hamden Town Clerk, Vera Morrison, has waived the $30 fee for a marriage license on all marriages performed in the town hall on Valentine’s Day.
“This is our 16th, year. I actually started it,” Morrison said. “I felt weddings were so expensive, so why not do something for the community.”
Along with the free marriage license, local justices of the peace will be in attendance to provide nuptial services to couples under a heart shaped arch, said Morrison.
After the ceremony, couples will be offered a small reception that includes cookies, snacks and an individually decorated heart-shaped cake, provided by Cakeworks Etc., a local Hamden bakery founded in 1990.
Couples also receive a certified copy of their marriage certificate, and Morrison said she often brings wine for those who attend the reception.
Only residents of Hamden were allowed apply.
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Morrison said she offers this service between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
“I allow an hour per couple, but the ceremony itself only takes about 5 to 10 minutes,” she said.
There are no particular types of couples who come in to tie the knot, Morrison said.
“We’ve gotten quite a variety of couples that come in on Valentine’s Day, from very young to very old.” Morrison said.
