Love, Multiplied

Dignitaries were on hand, an incredible vocal arrangement was in place just for them and there was the feeling that history was being made on the old courthouse steps in downtown Bartow.

For the 13th consecutive year, Polk County Clerk of Court Stacy Butterfield hosted a Valentine’s Day celebration that sealed the couple’s love, both legally and in the sight of God, friends and family.

Twenty-two couples were married in a ceremony outside of the Polk County History Center. 

Commissioner Becky Troutman opened the event with a welcome, Judge Ann Gibson gave a poem reading, Bartow High School Concert Choir provided music and Clerk Butterfield presided over the event. 

“This has become such a special tradition for our community,” Clerk Butterfield said about the free event. “Valentine’s Day is all about love, and this event lets couples focus on what matters most—each other—while we take care of the rest.”

Nearly 200 people were in attendance on a picture perfect day that serves as a reminder of what a union between neighbors, public servants and a city can look like.