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Denver marriage marathon challenges Friday 13th taboo

There’s a lot of superstition around Friday the 13th, especially for those getting married.

However, Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López argues the traditionally spooky date could be “love’s luck break.”

For the 14th consecutive year, Denver’s clerk and recorder has hosted a themed marriage marathon event on the Friday closest to Valentine’s Day.

This year, the marathon falls on Friday, Feb. 13, a date notoriously associated, in the Western world, with misfortune.

Wrapped around the theme of “Fearlessly in Love,” the event aims to commemorate those fearless couples taking a chance to make it the luckiest day of their lives.

Last year, more than 70 couples were married in a Beatles-themed “All You Need Is Love” marathon.

“This year, with the event falling on Friday the 13th, it was just too perfect to not kind of play off of that (idea),” Ben Warwick, a López spokesperson, told The Denver Gazette. “You know, that spooky element, that unlucky element, like, let’s turn this. Let’s own this. Let’s turn this into, ‘No, this can be your lucky day.’”

a couple exchanging wedding rings
Kara Yu puts a ring pop on her husband, Brandon’s, finger, as they say their vows during the 13th Annual Marriage Marathon at the Wellington Webb building atrium in Denver on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)

No appointment is necessary, but couples will need to pay a $30 marriage license fee and finalize their application before the ceremony can take place.

López will perform marriage ceremonies from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the atrium of the Clerk and Recorder’s office building, 200 W. 14th Ave.

“Usually we do it in the atrium of the Wellington Webb Building, but since we’ve consolidated it to the Denver Clerk and Recorder headquarters, it’s all in our atrium this year,” Warwick said.

Due to space limitations, guests are limited to two per couple.

Those looking to “take a chance” on love are asked to review the marriage license requirements on the city’s Marriages and Civil Unions page and come with a completed marriage application.


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