Have certificate? He'll marry

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, the Carson City Marriage Bureau and Justice of the Peace Robey Willis are ready to help couples tie the knot.

Of the 1,103 marriage certificates recorded in Carson City last year, Willis performed more ceremonies than anybody - 147.

"I really did do a lot of marriages - that pleases me," Willis said. "I like to marry people."

In second place was fellow Carson City Judge John Tatro, who presided at 88 marriages. Next were the Rev. Lloyd Brown with 81, and the Rev. Debra Mehringer with 77. The remainder were performed by nearly 100 others.

"I see them (couples) in the store years later," said Willis, "and they say, 'Hey, remember me? You married me in 1989.' And lots of times I do. I think it's the happiest part of the job."

Joining Willis' list on Saturday in the Carson City Courthouse were Anna Johnson, 32, and Michael Henson, 30, of Carson City. The couple dated for two years and decided their love was too strong to wait any longer.

"We love each other so much and have gone through a lot of negatives," said Michael. "But against all odds we stuck it out and got married. We wanted something quick, for now."

The Hensons said they may return to Hawaii for a larger wedding ceremony.

"We've talked about marriage since December," Anna added. "We both just wanted it so badly, this was the best and quickest way possible."

Willis has been a justice of the peace for 17 years in Carson City, in addition to serving five years in juvenile court. He and his wife, Barbara, have been married 38 years.

Willis can even claim he married Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Really.

Longtime marriage clerk Dorothy Smith several times wrote to Disney Studios telling them Mickey and Minnie Mouse should be married. It was the right thing to do. She received no response.

At Smith's retirement party, Mickey and Minnie Mouse showed up and Willis married them. It was actually the granddaughter and granddaughter's boyfriend of another marriage clerk in costume. Smith was pleased anyway.

Marriage clerk Kay Bunch also delights in her job this time of year.

"It's exciting," she said. "It's a happier time of year."

Bunch recalled a few celebrities who purchased marriage certificates over the years in Carson City. Actor Bruce Dern was married here in the 1960s. She's spoken with him several times. Kathryn Crosby, widow of Bing Crosby, purchased her marriage certificate and was married in 2000. And there was Margaret Middleton, also known as Yvonne De Carlo (Lilly Munster). De Carlo was married Nov. 21, 1955, to actor Robert Morgan.

"For me, the job perk is occasionally I get to be a witness (to the marriage)," Bunch said.

Willis said the two biggest days for marriages are Valentine's Day, if it's on a weekend, and New Year's Eve. He also said there are plenty of weddings which stick out in his mind.

"There was one with the Karson Kruzers years ago. It was underneath hubcaps arranged at Fuji Park. And I've married people on horseback at the rodeo grounds. Lots of fun ones and nice locations, like the Carson River. I've had some fun moments.

"We'll be open from 5-6 p.m. on Valentine's Day at the courthouse. So if anybody wants to get married, come on down. My wife, Barbara, will be a witness if they need one."

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Where They Went

Certificates mailed to:

Carson City 370

Washoe/Storey counties 97

Lyon County 86

Douglas County 61

California 323

Other states/countries 158

Nevada (other) 8

Down The Aisle

Carson City Marriage Bureau

885 Musser St., Suite 1025

Cost: $65 cash (includes certified original)

Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays (until 6 p.m. Valentine's Day); 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and holidays. Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Call: 887-2084