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February 9, 2007

A 'capitol' idea for a wedding

Valentine’s Day is a day for love and chocolate, wine and roses and maybe even a few surprise proposals.

After deciding to take the plunge this Feb. 14, many couples will face many more important decisions. How many people to invite? When will be the perfect date? Where should the ceremony be?

Location, location, location. We all know location is everything.

For all you eager brides out there, here’s one location you might not know about: the state capitol.

Recently the capitol was the site of Rep. Jeff Hickman’s, R-Dacoma wedding.

While some may believe this was a special privilege granted only to government officials, the truth is that anyone can get married at the capitol.

And in fact, many people do.

Brenda Johnson, administration receptionist for the Oklahoma Department of Central Services, said the capitol usually hosts at least one wedding each weekend.

“Sometimes we do more,” she said, “but we try to limit it to one per weekend.”

Johnson said most couples say they want to reserve the capitol for their wedding because it is a beautiful space.

“It’s just a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful place to have a wedding,” said Guy Robison, assistant to Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, whose son, Nathan Laughlin, was also recently married there.

Sen. Laughlin’s new daughter-in-law Lynsie Laughlin said the beauty of the capitol was one of the main reasons she and Nathan chose it for their ceremony.

“We knew it would be beautiful, but it was so much better than we expected,” she said. “It was absolutely gorgeous.”

While Lynsie and Nathan were married on the second floor, Johnson said many couples prefer the area around the fourth floor rotunda.

“That’s where the grand staircase is,” Johnson said.

She said the area also has a better view of the inner dome.

“It’s the most ornate area in the capitol,” said Gerry Smedley, public information officer for the Oklahoma Department of Central Services.

Smedley said the area is also very popular for bridal portraits, with a lot of couples having their wedding photos taken on the grand staircase or by the many beautiful murals.

To make things even better, the capitol’s beautiful settings are available at a very affordable price – free.

Smedley said her department does not charge a fee for the use of the space. However, she said they do have fees for the rental of equipment including tables and chairs and even a stage, although couples may also provide their own.

But even though there are no monetary costs, a wedding at the capitol may require certain sacrifices, Smedley said.

For example, she said no open flames, i.e. candles, are allowed, but lights may be used instead.

Also no alcoholic beverages are allowed, so you would have to forego the champagne toasts at the reception.

While small bands or quartets are allowed for musical accompaniment, disc jockeys are not allowed and neither is dancing.

However over 50 couples a year decide those sacrifices are worth making in return for a memorable ceremony at the capitol.

If you would like to join those couples and are interested in reserving a date or learning more about how to register your ceremony at the capitol, you may contact Brenda Johnson at (405) 521-2121.

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