Officials in Monmouth County are offering engaged couples a new option for their nuptials — to get married with other couples in a free wedding at a local golf course this spring.
The county’s first group wedding will take place June 26 inside the Hominy Hill Clubhouse in Colts Neck, a county-operated golf course described by officials as a “crown jewel” of Monmouth County.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, who will officiate at the wedding, said she receives about seven to 10 requests a day to officiate people’s wedding ceremonies. But, due to her other responsibilities, she can’t accommodate every request.
To tackle multiple weddings at once, her office came up with the idea of holding a group wedding.
“We just thought this would be a nice idea to be able to provide this to couples,” Hanlon told NJ Advance Media. “Whether there’s interest or not, we don’t know, but we just wanted to try it and see if we could make as many couples happy as possible.”
Hanlon, who said she was surprised by the level of media interest, said group weddings have previously been conducted in other states, including New York and Florida.
A local radio station also used to hold group weddings at the Jersey Shore, according to a report by radio station 94.3 The Point.
Group weddings have also been held on Valentine’s Day at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, sponsored by the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority.
County officials declined to say how many couples have applied to participate in the upcoming Monmouth County group wedding.
Hanlon said they are hoping between 10 and 20 couples participate, but they’re largely viewing the event as a trial run to see if there’s interest in future group ceremonies.
Officials plan for couples to say their vows at the same time, Hanlon said.
The space, which is indoors, is limited, officials said. Couples are limited to a maximum of four guests, including witnesses.
But, the event will be livestreamed for other guests to view online. No reception is scheduled to follow the ceremony.
Couples will be chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be no fee for the ceremony, but couples must obtain a marriage license before the event.
Newlyweds can take photos after the ceremony on the grounds, officials said.
Interested couples can apply through the county clerk’s website to participate.
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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
