Former jail building draws couples for Halloween weddings in Ohio

DELAWARE, Ohio – Nine couples got married Friday at a former county jail in central Ohio decorated for Halloween.

The exchange of vows took place at the 18-cell jail in Delaware County, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Columbus.

The 1878 building is currently owned by the Delaware County Historical Society, but until 1988 it served as the county jail.

Andrea Bates and Jessica Scales decided to tie the knot about a month ago—Bates had decided in advance that if she ever got married, it would be on Halloween.

“I feel like I have a weird connection with Halloween. My daughter's name is Salem, so it's my favorite holiday. The spooky vibe, the period vibe – I just love it,” she said.

Halloween is also a favorite holiday for Nicole Bond and Jacob Beatty, who got married after ten years together.

“I think we were both looking for an excuse to get married and this opportunity presented itself and we jumped at it,” Beatty said. “So it was such a cool, unique experience and right in our field.”

Bond said they have good plans for after the ceremony.

“Have lunch, take a nap, and then go get some sweets,” she said.

Delaware County court officials hold weddings every other Friday, and when they realized Halloween fell on a Friday this year, they began planning weddings at the jail.

Court staff dressed in costumes and decorated the premises with pumpkins and cobwebs. Couples were given the opportunity to take photos in photography style.

Organizers limited the number of weddings to 10, and nine couples showed up. It is not yet known whether the bride and groom who did not show up were scared.

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Associated Press writer Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed.