The couple initially reached out to their pastor to ask him if he would officiate their wedding at the Courthouse.

But at the end of the day, it was mostly our money.” Betrothed couples are racing to plan quick-turnaround weddings.

To mark Valentine’s Day here are some love-themed stories from Essex history, some with happy endings, some with bloody ones.

Love Stories is a series about love in all its forms, with a new essay each day through the week of Valentine’s Day. This year we are focusing on astrological forces. Love is a messy and mysterious ...