Only three years into his term, West Reading Magisterial District Judge Eric Taylor has already helped more than 100 couples say, “I do.” And if you’re looking for an anniversary date you’ll never forget, he’s is ready to make weddings on Valentine’s Day extra sweet.
When did you take the bench in Berks County? I ran for the office of District Judge and was elected in 2017, and started in January 2018. I was a public defender for Berks County before that, starting in December of 2005.
Is it common practice for district judges to perform weddings? Any judge in Pennsylvania is authorized to perform weddings under the law, although some judges don’t like to do it. I enjoy it because it’s one of the happiest things I can do in my job. A lot of times people aren’t happy to be in front of me. Typically, we handle criminal cases, preliminary hearings, traffic tickets, any civil suits under $12,000 and landlord/tenant cases, which is the opposite end of the spectrum from marriages. At least both sides of the couple are happy to be here!
What are the requirements to get married at a local district court? Couples are required to have photo IDs and a valid marriage license, although it doesn’t have to be from Berks County. Licenses do expire after 60 days, so couples need to not only book, but also have the wedding, within 60 days of getting their license. When they arrive, my court collects $47 for me to perform the service, and my staff will process the paperwork and type up the marriage certificate. We don’t require any witnesses, but friends and family are always welcome.
Do you conduct a lot of marriages throughout the year? Oh yeah, I probably do one or two or week. But we try to make it special for couples on Valentine’s Day. Last year, I cleared my whole schedule so I could do nothing but weddings for the entire day. My staff brought in decorations and set up a photo wall, and we brought in candy, a bubble machine, balloons and flowers. We ended up doing 11 ceremonies that day. I also wanted to do something for each couple, so I went to Sweet Surprises here in West Reading and got everyone chocolate-covered pretzel rods that looked like brides and grooms.
How can couples make the day more personal throughout the rest of the year? We have several scripts available for people to choose from, but couples are encouraged to bring their own vows. I always enjoy when they do that. The law doesn’t require too much, and the focus should be on them anyway. I also always allow photography and video in my courtroom if that’s what the couple wants; I’ll even let people up on my bench with their cameras so they can get a better angle. But most importantly, I meet with every couple before we start to find out what they want – if they want to make an entrance, if the bride wants to be given away – I want to make sure we do the wedding they want.
Did you know?
“I Due” Diligence. Pennsylvania requires a 72-hour waiting period and an $80 fee for all marriage licenses, so be sure to submit your application at least three days in advance of your ceremony.
Mark Your Calendar. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year when the courts aren’t open, but Judge Taylor and his staff are planning another special day for couples.
