Windsor offers free marriage licenses for Valentine's Day

Erin Lewis and Troy Ruff won a gift basket on their special day. Photo courtesy of Town Clerk Agnes Pier.

According to Windsor Town Clerk Agnes Pier, “Romance was certainly in the air at the Windsor Town Clerk’s office on Monday, Feb. 14, when free marriage licenses were offered in honor of Valentine’s Day.” Eight couples took advantage of the offer, and three ceremonies were performed that day.

The annual tradition was originated by Town Clerk George Tudan in 1962, but it has grown along the way.

“While George was town clerk, only the first couple to arrive at Town Hall received a free marriage license,” said Pier. “Now we provide licenses to all couples who apply that day.  In addition, now the couples’ names are entered in a drawing for a gift basket.”

The winners of this year’s gift basket, valued at more than $200, were Erin Lewis and Troy Ruff. “We would like to personally thank Hairdresser on Fire, Union Street Tavern and the Windsor Chamber of Commerce for their generous donations [for the basket],” Pier said.

With next year being the 50th anniversary of the Valentine’s Day tradition, the call is going out for couples who were part of the tradition in the last 50 years to contact the Town Clerk at 860-285-1902 in preparation for next year’s festivities.