MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Love is in the air at the Hennepin County Government Center — where judges are marrying 17 couples for free on this Valentine’s Day.

Military and first responder couples will be among those who tie the knot.

Hennepin County Judge William Koch says the bench wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique way. The judges thought the free weddings would be a fun event as well as a way to give back to military members and first responders, who were given first priority. Civilian couples are also participating.

The program starts at noon Thursday, and judges plan to hold one wedding ceremony every 15 minutes. The ceremonies will be at the Hennepin County Government Center, near the reflection pool.

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