Celia Hatton

I'm standing inside the Dallas Government Center on a chilly Monday morning.

At first glance, it's a typical courthouse.

Fluorescent lights hum overhead and metal detectors beep as people paying fines file through security.

Bureaucracy in action.

But something here is different.

On the third floor, music spills out of Judge Adam Schwartz's courtroom.

couples can come here for a quick practical marriage ceremony.

But what they get is a moment when love meets legality.

Today, I'm here to witness it all.

The vows, the laughter, and the bubbles that turn a government building into a party.

Judge Schwartz has officiated about 3,500 weddings since being elected in 2022, and he's armed with bubble guns.

More bubble guns, the better, I think.

Once they say their I do's, I get a chance to pronounce them husband and wife.

By the power invested in me by the great state of Texas, I am so happy to pronounce you husband and wife.

You can kiss the bride.

Here comes the bubble gun, and it's just hugs and love at that point.

That's really the goal, is to make sure that the day feels the way everyone thinks the day is supposed to feel, whether or not that's what they expected in a courthouse.

My opinion was always that the amount of money you had shouldn't dictate your access to justice or happiness, right?

If money can't buy you love, it can at least rent out the courtroom for 15 minutes.

And the internet has taken notice of this judge's particular style.