While chocolates and roses are expected on Valentine’s Day, unique and unforgettable sweetheart gifts are popular this year.

For the third year, Dawson County magistrate judges are offering free Valentine weddings and vow renewal ceremonies at the county’s historic courthouse.

Ceremonies include Valentine decor and refreshments, including wedding cake.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer this to the community, especially in these difficult times,” said Dawson County Chief Magistrate Judge Lisa Thurmond. “A lot of people can’t afford large weddings and this gives them the opportunity to have those wedding memories.”

Thurmond said weddings at the historic courthouse can be as elaborate or as simple as the bride and groom choose.

“They’ll come in jeans to wedding gowns,” she said.

The Church @ War Hill has also announced that free wedding ceremonies are available on Valentine’s Day.

A marriage license from Probate Court is required for new marriages. No license is required for vow renewals.

If it’s not the time to tie the knot, a singing Valentine is a creative alternative your sweetheart is sure to remember for years to come.

Quartets from the North Georgia Barbershop Singers are available Feb. 12-14 in Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin and Pickens counties to sing love songs and deliver a long stem rose and a personalized card to your valentine. Proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels.