By Kristi Spencer
Since its founding in 1954, Lavern’s Wedding Chapel has been the setting for countless weddings in Miami, Oklahoma. Known for its simplicity and affordability, the chapel has become an iconic destination for couples from all walks of life. Over 100,000 weddings have taken place at Lavern’s, making it a landmark in the region.
Lavern’s story begins with J.J. Swetnam, also known as “Marryin’ Sam,” a justice of the peace who founded the Marriage Parlor in 1954. By the time he retired in 1969, Swetnam had officiated over 21,000 weddings, earning Miami, Oklahoma, the title of “The Marriage Capital of the World.”
In 1966, Lavern Harris began working alongside Swetnam. After his death in 1973, Lavern took over the business and renamed it Lavern’s Wedding Chapel. Today, Lavern’s daughter, Patricia Jones, runs the chapel, continuing the family legacy.
“I started working here in 1977 and became the owner in 2008 after my mom passed away. It’s been my life’s work, and I am proud to carry on the tradition,” Patricia says.
Lavern’s Wedding Chapel isn’t your typical wedding venue. It’s a bit kitschy and unapologetically charming in its simplicity. Located conveniently close to the Miami Courthouse, it offers couples a place to tie the knot without all the fanfare.
“We’re not a traditional venue. We’re the only wedding chapel near the courthouse in Miami,” explains Patricia. “Couples can walk in, say ‘I do’ and be on their way in just a few minutes, or they can choose a more classic wedding experience. It’s all about what they’re looking for.”
The chapel’s social media photos show its retro interior, with heart-shaped candelabras and honeycomb tissue bells hanging from a metal arch. The space is small and intimate, featuring just a few rows of pews for guests and paneled and latticed walls. The decor adds to the chapel’s nostalgia, offering a unique charm that keeps people coming back.
The wedding’s location and efficiency add to its popularity.
“It takes just 20 minutes to obtain a marriage license at the courthouse for only $50, and then they can head straight to the chapel for a $60 ceremony,” Patricia notes. This quick and affordable option has made Lavern’s the perfect choice for couples seeking a straightforward, no-frills experience. The simplicity of the experience allows couples to focus on what really matters: their vows.
Throughout the years, Lavern’s has hosted a variety of unique weddings. From large vow renewal ceremonies to unusual weddings involving motorcycles, horseback rides and even semi-trucks, the chapel has seen it all. In 1995, a radio promotion by local radio personality Bo Chase brought 26 couples to Lavern’s for a vow renewal ceremony. The turnout was so large the event had to be moved to the Coleman Theatre, with local merchants stepping in to provide cakes, flowers and photography for the ceremony. To add to the spectacle, couples arrived in limos, making the event even more memorable.
Other memorable weddings at Lavern’s have included couples arriving on motorcycles, in costumes for Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day, and even Shriners arriving in a train for a wedding, Patricia notes.
The chapel has also hosted some incredibly unique ceremonies, such as three brothers marrying their brides at the same time, twins marrying twins, and a mother, daughter, father, son, brother and sister all sharing their ceremonies with their spouses.
“We’ve had professional clowns, square dancers and even people bringing snakes, chimps, raccoons, iguanas and dogs to their weddings,” Patricia adds. Celebrities such as singers, a local sheriff, Miss Kentucky, professional athletes, comedians, martial artists and monster truck drivers have exchanged vows at Lavern’s.
Lavern’s has seen couples from all over the world come through its doors. “We’ve had people from every state in America, including Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Texas,” Patricia shares. “We’ve also had couples from countries like Ireland, Thailand, Turkey, Korea, Germany and England.”
The chapel allows each couple to make their wedding special in their own way. “It’s their wedding, and they’re free to do whatever they want to make it special. We’re just here to help,” Patricia says.
Many couples who were married at Lavern’s return to celebrate anniversaries, and several generations of families have chosen the chapel as their wedding destination over the years.
“A lot of our couples come back and mention that their parents or friends were married here, too,” Patricia says.
Patricia says Lavern’s success rests on word-of-mouth recommendations from past couples and the support of the local community.
“The chapel helps local businesses like restaurants, motels and casinos by bringing in visitors who often make a trip out of their wedding,” Patricia notes. The chapel has remained an important part of Miami’s economy and culture for over six decades.
While Lavern’s has been successful, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles has been finding ministers who are available on short notice. “We need ministers who can be at the chapel in 20 minutes or less.”
In recent years, Patricia has noticed changes in wedding trends.
“Couples aren’t getting married in chapels as much anymore. They’re opting for rustic barns or getting married in their states,” she says. Miami’s popularity as the “Marriage Capital of the World” has waned since neighboring states eliminated waiting periods for marriage licenses. “It used to be packed with people crossing the state line, but that’s no longer the case,” Patricia adds.
Despite these shifts, Patricia is optimistic. “We hope to keep the doors open and continue serving our community. We’ve adapted with the times, and we’re open by appointment now that everyone has cell phones,” she says.
From its humble beginnings with J.J. Swetnam to the steady leadership of Patricia Jones, Lavern’s Wedding Chapel has stood the test of time. As long as there are couples looking to say “I do” in a simple yet memorable way, Lavern’s will be there to make their dreams come true.