AKRON, Ohio — Love is in the air in Akron, as several couples tied the knot Tuesday morning at the Akron Art Museum’s Bud and Susie Rogers Garden.
Three couples were married at the Akron Art Museum Tuesday. Each couple was allowed to invite four guests to keep the event small and intimate.
Bride Emily Pitz from Cuyahoga Falls and groom Dylan Gabel from Stow were one of the three couples that got married Tuesday. They said they were looking for the right time to tie the knot.
"With COVID going on, we wanted to wait until everybody could get out here with us and we could kind of enjoy the experience," Gabel said. "We’re very excited, we’re excited to spend the rest of our lives together."
"I’ve just been waiting so long, anywhere would’ve been special but this is a lot prettier than I ever thought it could be," Pitz said.
The weddings were organized and put on by the Akron Municipal Court, and presided over by Administrative/Presiding Judge Jon Oldham. He said he enjoys events like this because they are extra special.
“Today’s one of the best things about being a judge because who doesn’t like to spread joy and happiness?" Judge Oldham said. "We had fifteen months of social distancing and now it’s time to embrace the good things and celebrate and we’re just happy to be able to share with the community."
Weddings are performed weekly in Akron Municipal Court, but a few times a year, they go off site to places like the Akron Art Museum.
Tuesday’s event was the second time since the pandemic began that the court was able to hold in-person weddings. The previous round was back in May.
Each couple was required to pay $25 if they live in Summit County in the court’s jurisdiction, and $40 if they live elsewhere. They also had to obtain their marriage licenses from the county prior to the ceremony.