Do you and your partner love music? Have you dreamed of getting married on stage where some of your favorite musicians have performed?
If this sounds like you then you’ll get your chance on Thursday, March 30, 2023, when the Akron Municipal Court partners with Kenmore’s Rialto Theatre to host wedding ceremonies from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with Judge David Hamilton officiating.
The Akron Municipal Court began offering wedding ceremonies in locations away from the courthouse during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when they were forced to stop hosting weddings inside the courtroom, and in May 2021, as social distancing continued to be a challenge, the court worked to identify outdoor venues throughout its jurisdiction.
That summer, couples were married at the Springfield Lake Gazebo, Hower House and Akron Art Museum.
“It was incredibly well-received, Judge Hamilton said. “We heard such positive feedback from both the couples and the venues [that we] continued the trend of hosting off-site weddings all year long.”
Realizing the changes the pandemic had necessitated were evolving into something positive for couples as well as local businesses and organizations, the court began looking at the many special and unique locations within the City of Akron and its surrounding townships to identify spaces that would give the couples they marry a special experience.
While the court considers practical issues such as parking and location when picking locations to host the ceremonies, the most important factor is whether or not a venue has the potential to become a place where couples can create lifelong memories and return to – especially on their anniversary.
“When we choose wedding venues, we like to think that the venue will instantly become part of the couple’s history.” Judge Hamilton explained. “The Rialto Theatre is so charming and fun and we wanted to find a special venue for March 30, also known as ‘330 Day.’”
Love will certainly be in the air at The Rialto on March 30 and it won’t be the first time vows have been exchanged at the theatre – local musician Dave Barbusci married his wife Elizabeth at The Rialto in 2020.
“If you are getting married you should definitely consider checking out the Rialto [as a venue],” Dave said. “We are glad we did – my wife had the time of her life.”
How can you book your 330 Day wedding at The Rialto Theatre?
Appointments are first-come, first-served and must be scheduled and paid for before the date of the ceremony. Time slots will not be added once all appointments are booked.
Prior to the ceremony, couples must obtain a marriage license from Summit County Probate Court. They then must pay a cash-only ceremony fee at the Akron Municipal Court in the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, located at 217 S. High St. in Downtown Akron between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The fee is $25 for those in the court’s jurisdiction, Akron, Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield, Springfield Township, Lakemore and the Summit County portion of Mogadore. There is a $40 fee for those residing outside the jurisdiction.
It is suggested to contact the Akron Municipal Court’s Chief Service Bailiff Patricia Williams at (330) 375-2592 to ensure space is still available before obtaining a marriage license or for any further questions regarding scheduling.
Couples are welcome to invite friends or family to witness the ceremony if they wish, however the court asks that the total number of guests be limited to ten guests or less than ten guests.
More information about Akron Municipal wedding venues can be found at https://www.downtownakron.com/newsitem/akron-municipal-court-announces-wedding-venues-for-january-february-and-march-2023