For $50, couples can get married in Akron in 15 minutes from the comfort of their car with a quick call to licensed officiant and notary Stephanie Singleton.
Phil and Lakeyonia Honor knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together as soon as possible after three years together. In an Akron park on May 22, the couple made it official with a “drive-thru” wedding − though they did get out of the car.
“It was very exciting; it was a little nerve wracking, but Stephanie made everything very soothing, very comfortable,” Lakeyonia said. “She took the time to just make it feel special but not to take everything away from our actual wedding that we plan to do later.”
Born and raised in Akron, Singleton started Drive-Thru Weddings and Notary for people who want their marriage legal now so they can plan a wedding later. She was inspired by the sign-and-go weddings from her time as a wedding officiant in Las Vegas.
A touch of Vegas in Ohio
In Akron, couples drive to a park at a “convenient” location for travelers, Singleton said, with the address kept confidential and given at time of deposit for safety reasons. Here, Singleton reads the pair a marital oath, they say “I do,” and she signs their paperwork.