Monday marks the 14th Valentine’s Day in a row that couples in Northwest Indiana can walk into a Schererville jewelry store single and leave married. Albert’s Diamond Jewelers, located at 711 Main Street in Schererville, again will host free weddings for couples who want to tie the knot.
“They get to share their anniversary with my parents, married 43 years ago on Valentine’s Day,” said Joshua Halpern, co-owner and vice president of the store. “It’s a great event.” Each year, the store brings in local judges to marry couples in a decorated corner of the jewelry store. The couples leave with many free gifts, such as flowers, candy, cake and pictures.
“The average person that’s going to come and get married here would normally go to a JP (justice of the peace),” Halpern said. “This is something different.” On Valentine’s Day, the store already has an electric atmosphere, because people are shopping for gifts for loved ones, and love is in the air, he said. “It’s a really special occasion,” he said.
People of all ages and backgrounds have gotten married in the store. Halpern said a man going to war married his high school sweetheart before he shipped out and he heard about one network of friends in which five of the couples within the group had gotten married at Albert’s.
Couples interested in getting married at the store must secure a marriage license in advance and then schedule an appointment with the store by calling 219.322.2700. The in-store tradition started after store owners Fred and Donna Halpern renewed their wedding vows there.
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