AKRON, Ohio — A judge in Akron said love doesn’t take a break because there’s a pandemic and that’s true as couples choose to tie the knot at outdoor venues, rather than the courthouse.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron Municipal Court is offering outdoor weddings for couples in the area

  • Locations include the Spring Lake Gazebo, the Akron Art Museum, Summit County Historical Society and Hower House

  • It’s an exciting opportunity for couples like John and Alicia Samples

The judge leads the service as Alicia Samples fights back tears before her marriage to John Samples becomes official. 

“We were planning on getting married at the courthouse kind of thing and then she found out they were doing outdoor venues,”  John Samples said. “She checked on them and found out they were having this one and she always wanted to be married by the water, so we went from not having a date to less than two weeks, let’s get it.”

The Samples are having their wedding at a familiar spot. The place where they had one of their early dates. 

“It was like the third, we came down, ate some chicken,” laughed John.” “Yeah, the car wouldn’t start when we were done. Then I got it started and we got out of there.” 

Since that day, the couple has had twins and planned to exchange vows at a courthouse, but they’re much happier with this scenic location.

“It means a lot. It’s kind of just like our families coming together and being one now. Even though we’ve had twins in the last year, got engaged and had a lot of stuff happen, but now it’s official,” Alicia said.  

The weddings are one of many to come from a partnership between the Akron Municipal Court and four outdoor venues. 

Judge Ron Cable wasn’t able to officiate weddings through the court during the pandemic, so he’s happy to getting back to uniting lovers.  

“It feels wonderful. It really feels wonderful to see a couple that happy as those two are right now. It’s something that I feel is positive that I get to do as part of my job and I’m always happy to accommodate,” Cable said. 

And the Samples are happy to make it official at one of the places that started it all. 

“Having this available is just the best thing in the world, especially for somebody like me who loves the outdoors, this is just perfect. I cannot think of anything better.” 

Proving the pandemic simply couldn’t stop love from becoming forever. ​