SALEM, Ore. – Feb. 2, 2023 – Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd announces that the Marion County Justice Court will celebrate a "Day of Love" on February 14, 2023, by officiating marriages all day.    

During the event, the Court will offer "loaner flowers" -- a bouquet and boutonnieres for couples to borrow. The court will provide cupcakes for the happy couple, and clerks will play the "Wedding March" for anybody who wants it while they walk down the courtroom aisle. The event is intended to make the day special for all couples, including couples with modest means.    

Judge Kidd and the Justice Court perform marriages throughout the year -- about 120 ceremonies in 2022. Many couples choose Valentine's Day for their ceremony to make their anniversary extra memorable. The second most popular day is Halloween, when some couples come dressed in costumes.   

Judge Kidd performs marriages in English and Spanish.   

"Offering weddings in Spanish is important," he said, "because courts are here to serve the entire community."   

Over the spring and summer, he spends many Saturdays in Woodburn and Aurora officiating Spanish language ceremonies. About half of his marriages are in Spanish. 

Access to justice is an important personal issue to Judge Kidd.  

"Regardless of your economic status, the state should recognize the equal dignity of your marriage," Kidd said. "We're looking forward to celebrating every couple on this Day of Love with flowers, cupcakes, and music."   

Judge Kidd has reached out to community partners, including Arches and Church at the Park to make sure all couples know they are welcome at the event. 

The court has a limited number of slots for the Day of Love. Interested couples will need to get a marriage license from their county clerk, and they will need to call 503.576.7200 for an appointment. 

About the Marion County Justice Court: The Marion County Justice Court hears small claims, landlord-tenant claims, and violations (like traffic tickets). Justice Courts are The People's Courts, designed to administer speedy and accessible justice. Most cases at Justice Court are pro-se, meaning that people represent themselves without lawyers. The judge at the Justice Court is known as the Justice of the Peace. Justices of the Peace have been part of Oregon's judicial system since before Oregon was a state.   

About Judge Kidd: Justin Kidd received his BA in Spanish from the University of Denver, a Masters in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and his JD from the University of California, Berkeley. After law school, he served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Oregon Department of Justice. He's a "people person " who would much prefer being in the courtroom than writing a brief. He's a foster and adoptive parent, so foster care issues are close to his heart.