News

There will be a race to the altar on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 as Akron Municipal Court Judge Annalisa S. Williams will officiate wedding ceremonies at Derby Downs from Noon-1:30 p.m.

The ceremonies will take place at the track’s start line. Photos will showcase the track behind them.

Derby Downs is located at 789 Derby Downs Drive in Akron. Derby Downs has been the home of the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships for 82 of the event’s 84 years. It lies against a natural hill on the eastern fringes of Akron Municipal-Fulton Airport and is an iconic regional landmark.

Appointments are first-come, first-served and must be scheduled and paid for before the date of the ceremony. Time slots will not be added once all appointments are booked.

Prior to the ceremony, couples must obtain a marriage license from Summit County Probate Court. They then must pay a cash-only ceremony fee at the Akron Municipal Court in the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, located at 217 S. High St. in Downtown Akron between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The fee is $25 for those in the court’s jurisdiction, Akron, Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield, Springfield Township, Lakemore and the Summit County portion of Mogadore. There is a $40 fee for those residing outside the jurisdiction.

It is suggested to contact the Akron Municipal Court’s Chief Service Bailiff Patricia Williams at (330) 375-2592 to ensure space is still available before obtaining a marriage license or for any further questions regarding scheduling.  

The Akron Municipal Court will be announcing additional wedding opportunities planned for September, October, November and December prior to August 31, 2022.

Derby Downs

Judge Annalisa S. Williams