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A Stress-free Valentine's Day Wedding? Join Other Couples on the Steps of Historic Courthouse

The Special Event Will Be Held Without Charge

"One of the most stressful parts of getting married is planning the wedding," according to Polk County Clerk & Comptroller Stacy M. Butterfield. Now Butterfield is offering a way to remove that stress on one special day.

Registration is now open for courting couples wanting to tie the knot on the most romantic day of the year. On Valentine's Day at noon, Butterfield plans to is host the 10th annual group wedding on the steps of Polk County's historic courthouse, which is now the Polk County History Center.

"This is a fantastic chance for couples seeking a stress-free, leisurely wedding ceremony. All the preparation has been done for them," said Butterfield. "The couples simply need to come with their marriage licenses, and we take care of the paperwork and planning. They have more time to spend together on their big day."

The free ceremony is limited to 30 couples and registration is first come, first serve. The ceremony at 100 E. Main St., Bartow. is followed by a light reception sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust.

Couples may register when applying for a marriage license at any of the three Clerk's office locations at he Bartow Courthouse, the Lakeland Government Center, or the Northeast Government Center in Winter Haven. To register, they simply need to state they would like to participate in the event. They can also call the Clerk's Official Records department at 863-534-4516.

All couples must apply for a marriage license by Friday, February 10, to participate in the Valentine's Day wedding. Couples must submit the first part of the marriage license application online before visiting any of the three Clerk's offices to complete the application. Both individuals must be present to finalize their marriage license, and both must have a valid form of photo ID. Couples must also make sure they know their Social Security number. The normal $30 ceremony fee will be waived, but standard marriage license fees are still required.

 

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