Same Sex Couples Head to Croton to Get Hitched

Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Leo Wiegman usually perform one, maybe two marriage ceremonies a year, however this past weekend he wed two out-of-state couples.

“Since the Supreme Court ruling on DOMA, both couples came forward through their local families to get married here in New York, when it is not yet legal in their home state,” said Wiegman, in a press release.

The first couple met more than 50 years ago when working in New York City. Marvin Perton, 82, and Edward Cook, 85, now live in Florida but visit their niece Lynn Perton in Croton-on-Hudson from time to time. Their most recent visit, however, was special. The two wed at their niece’s Observatory Drive home on Saturday, Aug. 3 in front of family members and guests from all over the country, including Florida and California.

"After a 50 year courtship–probably the longest engagement in history–it’s about time,” said Perton, in a press release. “We're finally tying the knot. We wish the other couple much happiness.”

The other couple—Louisville, Kentucky residents Scott Goldberg, 52 and Ralph “Thom” Brawner, 45, are also familiar with Croton-on-Hudson.

“We’ve flown them in many times to watch the kids over the years,” said Croton resident Peter Goldberg, who is Goldberg’s brother. “They know Croton well.”

The Goldberg-Brawner ceremony was schedule right after the Perton-Cook ceremony to take place at the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building on Friday, Aug. 2.

 “Thom and I have been together for 21 years and have finally decided to tie the knot,” said Goldberg.

Wiegman said he was overjoyed to unite the two couples. 

“I can’t imagine waiting 21 years as Scott and Thom had to or even over 50 years as Marvin and Ed did,” said Wiegman, “I was honored to be a small part of two such happy occasions for two local families that just got a little bit bigger—officially.”

Those wishing to be married in a civil ceremony must obtain a marriage license from the Town of Cortlandt or other towns or cities in the county and should schedule the ceremony, preferably with a few weeks notice, by calling the Mayor’s office at 914-271-4781 and speak to the Village Clerk, Paula DiSanto.  

The ceremony must take place at least 24 hours after the issuance of the marriage license, which the couple is responsible for bringing to the ceremony for witnesses and the officiator to sign and date.