VALENTINE'S DAY LEADS SOME COUPLES TO ALTAR

Romance carries some people all the way to the altar -- or the judge -- on Valentine's Day, the holiday devoted to lovers.

And the history of Valentine's Day, which is at least 600 years old, has customs and practices dating to ancient Rome.

According to legend from the early Christian church, Pope Gelasius I named Feb. 14, A.D. 496, St. Valentine's Day in rememberance of a priest named Valentine. The priest was executed in the A.D. 200s for secretly marrying young Roman soldiers and women when the emperor forbade the practice, saying single men made better soldiers.

Many other theories also exist on the beginnings and history of Valentine's Day. Regardless of the history, the holiday has developed into a time when couples celebrate their romance, exchanging gifts, cards and candy. And that celebration sometimes leads to the altar on this day.

Rick Haupt, 43, and Lynn Seib, 41, opted to tie the knot on Valentine's Day, setting the date about a month ago.

"We just knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together," Seib said, "and we wanted to do it as soon as possible."

Haupt and Seib will be married by the groom's friend who happens to be a United Methodist minister in Wapappelo. "I'm excited about it," Seib said.

A few other people planned their wedding on Valentine's Day.

Associate Circuit Judge Gary S. Kamp has four weddings on his docket today in Jackson. The couples will appear for a five-to-10-minute ceremony, get the judge's signature on the license and begin their married lives.

A few impulsive -- or procrastinating -- romantics might show up at the county recorder's office today trying to get a license. If they do, the recorder, Janet Robert, will require a special form, an extra fee and a judge's signature.

In Missouri, the application process takes three days, Robert said. Many people joke that the process allows a "cooling off period" before the license is legally granted.

At least one couple called about waiving the three-day period Tuesday, said Robert's office. More people are expected to call today.

"A couple need an order from the court waiving the three-day waiting period," she said. "It orders us to issue the license, but you have to pay a fee for that in addition to the $50 license fee."

With the exception of the weekend around Valentine's Day, Robert said February isn't a month known for issuing many marriage licenses in her office. She said May and August -- after school ends and before school begins -- are big months for her staff.