NEW BERLIN – The Town of New Berlin appointed a marriage officer Monday night, allowing individuals in Chenango County to get married in New Berlin without going through a judge or church.

According to Marriage Officer and Clerk of the Town of New Berlin Deborah Barker, the idea to have an appointed clerk marriage officer stemmed from a training seminar she recently attended.

“I didn’t know municipalities could appoint a marriage officer until after I attended a training session that happened to cover it,” said Barker. “Once I knew it was an option for our area, I did some additional research and decided to bring the concept to our local board.

She said currently as a town clerk she issues marriage licenses, but thought having the opportunity for individuals to have a simple marriage would be an added bonus for the area. She added that not all town justices perform in wedding ceremonies, nor do they have to.