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Franklin Today
By the People, for the People
Franklin County Courthouse Hosts 67 Valentine's Day Weddings
Despite the holiday falling on a Saturday, the courthouse transformed into a wedding chapel for couples tying the knot.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Sixty-seven couples were married on Valentine's Day at the Franklin County courthouse, with the Municipal and Probate courts partnering to open the courthouse on a Saturday and transform it into a wedding chapel. Dressed in a variety of attire, the couples picked up their marriage licenses and exchanged vows before Franklin County Municipal Court judges in a one-stop celebration.
Why it matters
The annual Valentine's Day program at the Franklin County courthouse reduces costs for couples by waiving the Municipal Court fee, allowing them to pay only the $65 marriage-license fee. The event also adds a touch of romance and celebration to the typically no-frills courthouse nuptials.
The details
Surrounded by family and framed by an arch of pink and red balloons, the 67 couples tied the knot at the courthouse on Valentine's Day, with many exchanging vows with teary eyes. A rotation of Municipal Court judges stood ready to officiate the steady stream of marriages, with Judges Jim O'Grady, Mike McCallister, and Bill Hedrick engaging in a friendly annual contest to see who can marry the most couples (with Hedrick as the reigning champion).
- The ceremonies ran from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 14, 2026.
- The record for Valentine's Day marriages at the Franklin County courthouse remains 105, set in 2025.
The players
Franklin County Municipal Court
The court that partnered with the Franklin County Probate Court to host the Valentine's Day wedding ceremonies at the county courthouse.
Franklin County Probate Court
The court that partnered with the Franklin County Municipal Court to transform the courthouse into a wedding chapel for the Valentine's Day ceremonies.
Judge Jim O'Grady
A Municipal Court judge who officiated the Valentine's Day weddings and participated in the friendly annual contest to see who can marry the most couples.
Judge Mike McCallister
A Municipal Court judge who officiated the Valentine's Day weddings and participated in the friendly annual contest to see who can marry the most couples.
Judge Bill Hedrick
A Municipal Court judge who officiated the Valentine's Day weddings and is the reigning champion of the friendly annual contest to see who can marry the most couples.
What they’re saying
“I always ask folks how they met, and it's always funny to see folks who get introduced by cousins or friends. And just the increase in the number of people who all meet online nowadays. It seems to be the majority of folks that I see come through.”
— Judge Zach Gwin, Municipal Court Judge (dispatch.com)
What’s next
The Franklin County Municipal and Probate courts plan to continue hosting the annual Valentine's Day wedding ceremonies at the county courthouse, aiming to build on the success of this year's event.
The takeaway
The Franklin County courthouse's annual Valentine's Day wedding program provides a romantic and cost-effective way for couples to tie the knot, showcasing the diversity of modern relationships and the enduring appeal of courthouse nuptials.
