When someone calls to ask me to perform a ceremony, my first question is always, "Do you have your license?" The answer varies from couple to couple and I always explain that the license is good for 65 days and must be from the Town in which the ceremony will be held.
I recently got a call asking for a ceremony the next day. They had heard about me from a friend and wanted to have the ceremony in my home. I DID NOT ask the question. I wrongfully thought since they talked to someone, they knew the law and when I asked if they had their license, they said yes.
We set up a time for the wedding for 4 p.m. the next day. I told them to bring the license with them as well as payment. They arrived with their five year old daughter, Annie, in tow and we settled in to hold the ceremony. Annie, dressed in all pink for the special day, was given some books I keep on hand for such occasions. I asked for the license and upon review saw Ridgefield listed at the top of the page. Hoping I was wrong, I spoke to the couple and asked when and where they got their license.
I then explained that we will have to hold the ceremony in Ridgefield. I also said that I allow three to four hours for each couple and if they want to go somewhere in Ridgefield, I would be willing to follow them. We packed up the youngster and we all traipsed to the two cars for our unexpected journey. I followed the young couple to their home in Ridgefield.
By the time we reached their home, Annie had enough. She started whining and then flew into a full tantrum. I decided that we would hold the ceremony anyway. We gave Annie a doll to play with, she quieted a bit, at least enough that we were able to hear each other, and I quickly had the couple repeat their vows and pronounced them husband and wife.
Hoping that I could get to Town Hall before they closed, I rushed to the center of town. I missed the closing time by 15 minutes and texted the groom that I will go to Ridgefield again tomorrow to drop off the license. I got a quick text acknowledging my text and happy to report another happily ever after <3
