COVINGTON, Ky. — Getting married on New Year's Eve just got busier.

Couples in the U.S. are flocking down the aisle, but why are more couples finding this holiday the perfect day to tie the knot? This year, it's all about the numbers.

What You Need To Know

  • Couples across the U.S. are getting married this New Year's Eve because of a unique numerical pattern 

  • Stephen Hoffman has officiated hundreds of weddings over 30 years in Kenton County

  • Hoffman officiated five weddings this New Year's Eve, including Kristina and Kelly Duncan, who first met in high school 

Couples are racing to the altar this New Year's Eve for the date 12-31-23. Alternatively, that's 1-2-3, 1-2-3.

One man Covington man is making wedding dreams come true for this year's occasion. Kenton County Magistrate Justice of the Peace Stephen Hoffman said he’s been marrying couples from all around the world since the 1980s, and he's learned love always wins. 

"People think that love dies or blah, blah, blah," he said. "No, it's always there, even if it's just hiding behind."

For years, “magic dates” such as New Year's Eve 2023 have been among the most coveted days for getting married. Hoffman said number occurrences like this are rare. They are referred to as "angel numbers," repeating number sequences often used as a guide for deeper spiritual exploration. 

Over the years, many couples have selected dates that follow the same numerical structure for its luck, Hoffman said. This New Year's Eve, he added he will officiate five weddings. The first couple of the day was Kristina and Kelly Duncan, who met in high school and reconnected after 20 years. 

Seeing people get married will remain a highlight of Hoffman's life, he said. 

"I do love my job; I've been doing it for a long time," he said. "One of the greatest things about [it] is, in fact, I'm actually really helping people."

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