The Bordentown Pride and Community Day is returning next month and Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz is inviting couples to marry that day as part of the celebration of equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Schwartz will officiate weddings on June 29 during the daylong pride event. This year marks the fourth year the historic city has hosted the event and the second that Schwartz has participated by officiating weddings. She also plans to join in the event’s march.
“Marriage is the embodiment of the love two people feel and their commitment to one another. It doesn’t matter who you are or whom you love. We all deserve the right to marry and be treated equally under the law,” said Schwartz. “Last year we officiated two wedding ceremonies and we’re hoping to match or exceed that during this year’s June 29 event.”
Weddings will be held that day in Bordentown’s Old City Hall, located at 11 Crosswicks Street. The historic Greek Revival Building is more than 170 years old and served as the city’s municipal complex until 1960.
A panel from the National AIDS Quilt will also be displayed in the building as part of the festivities. The event will also have a community fun area with face painting, arts and crafts, pet fashion contest, henna tattoo art, music, and more.
Couples interested in being wed that day should contact the Burlington County Clerk’s Office at 609-265-5233 to book a time on June 29. There is no fee for the service, but couples must obtain a marriage license from the municipality where they reside or from Bordentown City if the couple live outside New Jersey.
Schwartz said the community celebration was a way to show support for equality for all people.
“Marriage equality is something we cannot take for granted. It must be defended along with other protections for LGBTQ+ Americans,” said Schwartz. “Events like this one send a clear message that Burlington County communities stand for equality and all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
For more information about the Bordentown Pride and Community Day activities, check out https://www.facebook.com/share/UQ12XKBLQzb7MDVc/?mibextid=9l3rBW