12-12-12 a good day to tie the knot in Yuma

There's a good chance you'll be invited to a wedding reception Dec. 12.

If all goes according to plan, 100 couples will be getting married at the Historic Yuma Theatre on 12-12-2012 — at high noon, of course.

Organizers of the unique mass wedding say the plentiful “I dos” won't just ring out through downtown Yuma, but will hopefully echo their way into the local history books, too.

“These couples are going to be a part of history. That is so exciting,” said Perla Wicks, Heritage Festivals coordinator. “One hundred couples in our 100-year-old theater on that date. It will be a very auspicious day!”

Wicks had wanted to create an event for 10-11-12, but that date fast approaching before anything could be planned. “So I can't let 12-12-2012 go by without doing something special.”

To record the happy day for posterity, a photo of the history-making couples will be placed in a time capsule.

“When it comes time to open it up, it's going to be ‘Hey look. Great-great-grandma was there!'” Wicks said, adding that she plans to invite the magazine Arizona Highways to cover the special event.

Heritage Festivals plans to offer a package of prizes and experiences to couples, but details such as the price tag are still being decided. The event will be open to both newlyweds and couples wanting to renew their vows. A local judge will likely officiate over nuptials, which will be followed by a reception at the Yuma Civic Center.

“We're going to treat it like a real wedding, too,” Wicks said. “It's not going to be a circus.”

Wicks added that the weddings will be legal, with just a few requirements. Couples will need to get their own marriage license and be 18 years or older.

Another guideline involves the guest list. With so many brides and grooms, guests will likely not be allowed to attend the wedding itself. Guests will be able to attend the reception, but numbers will be very restricted.

There are no couples signed up yet, since this announcement marks the first official mention of the wedding event, which is still in the process of being named.

Couples interested in more information can reach Wicks at 373-5028, 581-4501, or perlita.wicks@yumaaz.gov. Questions can also be directed toward Elizabeth Davis, who can be reached at 373-5011.

The deadline to register will likely be announced for October or November.

“December 12 will be here before not too long,” Wicks said. “This gives them time to go out and get their dresses.”