The City Hall Experience.
August 23, 2012 
As we entered City Hall, most people were smiling and laughing. And yes, we saw some people crying. The ones crying were mostly those who didn’t know the DVM had moved a dozen blocks downtown and they had just found out they waited 3 hours on the wrong line, in the wrong building.
It was after about a 30 minute wait at City Hall, that we got to say our “I do’s”. Strangely it was before we went into the marriage chapel. It was right after a City Hall official asked us a different question: “Gentlemen, do you know you can only pay for your marriage certificate by money order or credit card? Dick: “I do”. Dennis: “I do”…. With that, he took a credit card imprint and told us to head to the chapel. We were both quite nervous, but we bravely moved on.
We entered the East Chapel with a full orchestra playing the Wedding March. It ended abruptly when the judge said: “Can you guys turn off your iPods and take out your earbuds, I’m ready to start the ceremony!”
The ceremony was only a few minutes long, but all though it I kept thinking, OMG these are the exact words they say in movies about weddings. But I was thrilled to say “I do” and put a band on Dennis’ finger. He too said “I do” and put band on my finger. Then we all teared bit. Even John Ficarra, the editor of MAD, who was our witness was misty-eyed.
Here's a video of our super-short (under 2 minute) ceremony. John Ficarra shot it, and apologizes for shaking so much, but he was nervous. Dennis was chewing gum because his throat was so dry, he could hardly speak. And the audio isn't vey good because we only used the built-in camcorder mic, so you'll have to boost the volume. But yet, I'm so glad we have a record of our ceremony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ_8RRfUVGo&feature=share&list=UUz_LKCKWs6Bf7hPCrUa_VtQ
Reader Comments (15)
So happy. :)
Dick, I know Mayor Bloomberg is not very tall, but I'm amazed that he's somehow able to squeeze himself into the tiny City Hall behind you. In all seriousness, it's truly a great photo of the two of you and I wish you and Dennis all the happiness in the world with heartfelt congratulations to you both.
Congratulations Dick and Dennis! I'm a long time fan of The Biz Wiz and a Skipper at the World Famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. I would like to offer you FREE admission to the park and a Honeymoon cruise on my boat into the jungles of Adventureland. Contact me by email if you can come to Southern California. I think it would makea great clip on your show. If you do a YouTube search of Skipper Larry Jungle Cruise you should find a couple of the many videos of my cruise. You and Dennis are welcome any time. I can also take you to The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Once again congratulations and may you two live happily ever after! Larry
Yay!!!! You did it!!! Cannot wait to see you again and meet that Dennis person who feeds Myrajoyce all those good snacks....
Live happy!
Congratulations Dick. This is truly great news.
Michael, Denmark
Congrats, for sure.
I think everyone appreciates a short wedding ceremony. I went to one once that must have run close to 2 hours and before it was over everyone was crying, but for the wrong reasons. This City Hall thing should catch on a bit more.
Hi Dick
Just wanted to say Congratulations from the UK
To you and Dennis
(I hope Dennis likes Boats & Gadgets )
I have been watching you on Twit for some time, I’m Zx48 in the Chat (or Webxx if I forget to log on)
I got my Dad the LED Lava Watch after seeing it on your show, and I often have your boat & Studio drop cam on and have links to both on my desktop.
Dick, Stay Funny, Stay Happy,
Paul C.
Wirral UK
Congratulations Dick and Dennis, Dick will all your gadgets fit in Dennis's apt?
Congrats to both of you! You two are a handsome couple, and I wish you the best. May your life together continue to be blessed by any deity you guys deem worthy of your respect. <g>
Dick
I for one am not afraid to say ARE YOU CRAZY!
My anniversary is September 2nd. I will have been married 12 years and we will have been together for about 15 years.
I'm warning you, spouses will expect you to talk to them all the time, and they move your stuff around and don't tell you. If it wasn't for beer I'd be insane by now.
Seriously, congrats and good luck.
Rod
Dick & Dennis
Congratulations!!!!
Dick,
I am so happy that you choose to let us know about this. So many times it is a hidden thing. It meant the world to me that you were open and honest about this.
As a gay man, I hope that one day I will be able to be married in my own state, but alas I think that it is going to take a long time to happen here. You do give me hope!!
I truly wish you and Dennis the best, but I guess after 3 years, you do not need luck or well wishes. Bless you and Dennis. I hope that at some point you will write a post with your real feelings about this and not only humor.
Love the show (TGW) and I was really glad that Leo seemed to take this seriously!
Gary
This is so terrific.. after 32 years... fantastic.. good on you!
Lolly
Congratulations to You and Dennis...So??? Where is the honeymoon???