By JULIE B. MAGLIO
The Hernando County historic courtroom, built in 1913, is a very beautiful place to get married. The vaulted ceilings, light streaming in from the large arched windows, wooden bench seats, faux pillared facade of the walls all make the courtroom, an ideal setting for any couple to take their marriage vows. To be married here is somewhat of a rare opportunity since the historic courtroom is not available to the public to be reserved for weddings.
FIfteen couples had the good fortune to be wed in this unique venue on Valentine’s Day. Judge Healis, Judge Hitzemann and Clerk of Court Doug Chorvat Jr. hosted a special day of free wedding ceremonies each lasting approximately 15 minutes. Judges Hitzemann and Healis arranged for the usage of the historic courtroom “A” on the third floor.
According to Chorvat, usually weddings are performed in the chapel area on the third floor of the courthouse, but soon they’ll be held at the Recording area for better customer service. The Spring Hill Customer Service Center has a chapel as well. Occasionally they will conduct weddings outside the courthouse, Chorvat explained.
A room adjacent to the historic courtroom served as a reception area for the newly wed couples. After vows were taken and the marriage made official, the couples were ushered into the reception area for cake and wedding photos with family and friends.
Some couples brought many family members, while others only had a few. Some dressed up for the occasion, while others preferred to be comfortable. All the couples glowed with happiness.
One of those couples was Christopher and Haley Bull. “It was the right time to get married to my best friend so we heard about the opportunity here and took advantage of it,” said Christopher Bull.
Christopher had recently arrived home from military deployment.
Judge Healis remarked that she looks forward to providing this service again next year.
