Love Fills The Air As Couples Tie The Knot In Bucks County

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Love was in the air in Bucks County on Tuesday as 23 couples exchanged vows during a Valentine’s Day ceremony at the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown.

It was the largest mass wedding ceremony to date for Bucks County Register of Wills Linda Bobrin whose office organized the special public Vows for Valentines event.

During the event, held in the third floor rotunda and attended by more than 200 guest, 22 couples from around the county tied the knot with one couple renewing their vows during four non-denominational ceremonies officiated by Judge Brian T. McGuffin, the Rev. Dr. Susan Sciarratta, and Cantor Neil Schnitzer.

Cantor Neil Schnitzer officiates as a couple from Newtown exchanges vows.

As saxophone music filled the air, Judge McGuffin walked to the front of the large lobby where he officiated at a renewal ceremony and then joined seven couples together in the bonds of matrimony.

“As we celebrate what brought these couples together, we take ourselves out of the routine of daily life to witness this unique moment in the lives of these couples as they join their lives in the union of marriage,” Judge McGuffin told the gathering.

“Marriage is a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity and family,” the judge continued. “It’s an association that promotes a way of life, a harmony of living, a bilateral loyalty. It fulfills yearnings for security, safe haven and connection that are expressed in common humanity. Marriage is an esteemed institution and a decision whom to marry is among life’s most momentous acts of self-definition.”

Photo by Jeff Werner

During each of the ceremonies, couples exchanged vows and rings before being pronounced husband and wife as photographers captured the special moment.

Vows and Valentines is part of the Register of Wills “Weddings for Heroes” program, which also includes its popular Vows for Veterans ceremony. It was the fifth such public wedding ceremony organized by the Register of Wills office. Last year’s popular Vows and Valentines celebration attracted 16 couples for the wedding ceremony and nine married couples for vow-renewals.

Photo by Jeff Werner

Photo by Jeff Werner

“The response to this has been crazy,” said Bobrin. “We actually had to cut off registration. We were overwhelmed by the response. We thought we’d have maybe 10 couples. But this is wonderful. And it’s super fun.

“Not everything we do with government is fun, but this is a fun activity,” added Bobrin. “We do probates all day, which aren’t so fun, but this is fun. It’s a fun interaction with government. It also brings the community into the government in a fun way.”

Photo by Jeff Werner

The best part, said Bobrin, is that it’s all free for the participants, including a light luncheon and cupcakes after the ceremony. They do, however, have to pay for their licenses.

Weddings for Heroes is made possible by the generous donations of local businesses and individuals. Many local businesses offer their services either free or at a discounted rate. Participating local vendors include: Courtney Kanig Photography, Doylestown Wedding Studio/Cortineo Creative, Fleurish Floral Design by Bucks-Mont Party Rental, James Best Videography, The Novel Baker, Love Salon Southampton, and Piccolo Trattoria.

Renewing their vows. (photo by Jeff Werner)

Bobrin’s office staff also raises money to help pay for the ceremony by holding countless bake sales throughout the year. They also set up a Go Fund Me page and have been soliciting donations from the community to supplement the cost.

In addition to the wedding program and reception at the Bucks County Courthouse, several Bucks County District Judges also offered wedding ceremonies throughout the county on Valentine’s Day. Participating Judges included Judge Gary Gambardella, Judge Stacy Wertman, Judge Maggie Snow, Judge Regina Armitage, Judge Mick Petrucci, Judge Corryn Kronnagel, Judge Dan Finello, Senior Judge Joanne Kline, Judge Dan Baranoski, Judge Terry Hughes, Judge Kevin Wagner, Judge Frank Peranteau, Judge Michael Gallagher, and Judge Joe Falcone.