CHARLESTON — In honoring the late circuit judge's spot she filled, Judge Maryclaire Akers is continuing Judge Charlie King's tradition of focusing on weddings for Valentine's Day.
Akers said King loves officiating weddings and always celebrated the holiday by performing only weddings. He passed away in late 2020.
"He thought it would be fun on Valentine's Day, and we all think so, too," Akers said in an interview with The West Virginia Record. "It's been a year since he passed, and we all really miss him around here. We thought it would be a good way to remember him."
Akers said she also loves to do weddings and she has a lot of fun with them.
"We see a lot of different people get married and that's a really nice thing," Akers said. "There are a lot of things that go on in court that aren't so fun and nice that you can't really talk about outside of court, so it's nice to focus on the good things. So, we like to do weddings here."
Akers will perform the weddings in person or virtually, whichever is preferred by the couple. All that is needed is a marriage license issued by the Kanawha County clerk.
Akers said there is plenty of room on the schedule for those who would like to get married on Valentine's Day. So far, they have one appointment scheduled and are able to accommodate appointments or those who just walk-in until 4:30 that day.
"We encourage anyone who wants to get married to give us a call," Akers said. "Whatever friends and family you want are allowed to come and people can record. We hope to fill the day with weddings."
Akers said Hale Street Center in Charleston is also donating an arch and flowers for the Valentine's Day weddings.
To contact Akers' office about a wedding, call Kim Gregory at 304-357-0367.,