Eighteen happy couples, some in costume, are tying the knot in a historic Old Town ballroom today (Friday) as part of a new “Hallowedding” ceremony with the Alexandria Clerk of Court.
Clerk Greg Parks and his staff donned 18th century-inspired costumes at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to officiate the marriages, which took about 20 minutes each and came with gift bags that included local restaurant coupons, free entry to Alexandria museums and a one-night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Richmond Hwy.
Several couples came in costume to mark the spooky occasion, including Andrea Hill and Zachary Krieger. They were wed this morning in a medieval-style dress (Hill) and Hawaiian shirt (Krieger).
The ceremonies also featured appearances from costumes like “Mortal Kombat” character Sub-Zero, a witch, a Dalmatian and a combination Hercules-Hercule Poirot.
Hill and Krieger wanted to elope in D.C. earlier this month, but changed their plans when the government shutdown put a temporary halt to marriage ceremonies. Instead, they decided to get married on Halloween morning.
“We googled where to elope in Alexandria and this popped up,” Hill told ALXnow. “We got really excited about it and pivoted our plans. I think it worked out.”
Parks said he was inspired to host Halloweddings from a similar event held on Valentine’s Day in Prince William County.
“Here at historic Gadsby’s Tavern, I really feel like I’m one with Alexandria’s history today,” Parks said. “All of the couples that are coming in are being part of that, too. It is special, and that was my intent today, was to make this a really special day.”
Looking ahead, Parks said he hopes to host a wedding event next for Valentine’s Day.
“It’s a lot of work for my staff, but they love it,” Parks said. “I’m trying to provide good service to the residents of Alexandria and the surrounding jurisdictions.”
