Central Ohioans' Views On Marriage Differ

CENTRAL OHIO -- When it comes to marriage, opinions certainly differ. Some see it as a piece of paper while others see it as a life-long commitment.

Is the premise of marriage and commitment changing as society and cultural needs change?

NBC 4 dug deeper to find out what the institution of marriage means to Central Ohio couples.

A marriage license costs $50 if couples go to the Franklin County Probate Court. It’s a little bit more at some Columbus-area chapels.

These couples, though, said there's more at stake than the money.

Columbus Wedding Chapel Services on South High Street performs 250 weddings per month.

Frank and Blanca Hughes were married Thursday morning.

“It's important for me, as a man, to be there to raise my kids with the person that I love, the mother of my children,” Frank said.

Pastor John Butler has been married for more than 40 years and said he gets all kinds of phone calls and questions about what types of ceremonies he'll perform.

Some of the calls come from same-sex couples.

He said he performs commitment ceremonies but tells couples they are not legal.

“When they call, they often are shy about asking the question, a little nervous and a little timid, and I've been doing this so long I pick up on it and try to put them at ease,” Butler said.

Clyde Huffman and his partner, Jim, have been together for more than 40 years.

The only outward sign of their connection, though, is a pair of matching tattoos.

They said they would get married if Ohio allowed such unions. In November 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

Huffman has no desire to go to another state to get married, and the two have protected each other legally with the help of a lawyer.

“To me, it seems fair and equitable that we would also, should also, be allowed to be married,” Huffman said. “I think we should all work toward making everything equal for everybody.”

That’s everyone who wants to exchange vows -- whether it's for financial reasons or old-fashioned love.

“There is no perfect marriage. We all have our little trials and tribulations, but you have to work those out if you're going to stay together. You have to forgive and forget,” Butler said.

Huffman and his partner would like to enjoy the same benefits that heterosexual couples do when it comes to insurance and other benefits.

Hughes said marriage was the final step in solidifying the bond with his wife. He also said it was a stressful process and he's relieved that part is over.

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