CLAYTON, Mo. — In the time it takes to read this story, a St. Louis County judge could marry two couples. On this Valentine's Day, judges did that 38 times.
Every Wednesday, St. Louis County Circuit Court judges deviate from their usual assignments to preside over weddings for residents.
"I have a jury trial assignment," Circuit Judge Stanley Wallach said. "I do felony jury trials and civil jury trials."
Judge Wallach released his jury early on Valentine's Day to transform his courtroom into the court of love.
The second couple to approach his bench were Kathlene McInnis and Timothy Edward Miller.
"We could get married on Wednesday, so we picked this Wednesday since it's Valentine's Day and figured it's a nice day to get married on," they said.
Abigail Hlavaty and Ian Thomas said why not and I do too.
Thomas told 5 On Your Side, "Kept pushing things back and back and back and I had some vacation coming up and so it kind of all worked out. We thought it was a little corny, but you know I'll never forget the date so it works out."
Feb. 14 is an easy date to remember and in Wallach's court weddings are easy too, "I can get you married in about 45 seconds, but if there are rings to be exchanged it's going to take a full minute."
Court weddings are probably one of the cheapest weddings too, they are free with the cost of the marriage license. A St. Louis County marriage license is $48.
After presiding over 19 weddings, it's back to business for Wallach, "Next week I start a murder trial."