22-05-2025
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara's little-known authority: Officiating weddings
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Most Rockford residents know Mayor Tom McNamara as the city's top elected official who oversees how things operate at City Hall and on City Council.
They may not be aware of his lesser-known authority to officiate weddings, a power granted under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
'I've had people joke like, 'Oh, I bet you wish you could marry people,'' McNamara said with a laugh. 'I'm like, 'Actually, I can.''
The mayor has officiated ceremonies for two local couples during his eight-year tenure. He says it's a rewarding break from his usual responsibilities.
'It's really neat,' he said. 'You get to meet with individuals and hear their story about how they connected, how they met, how their relationship matured.'
Both couples McNamara married are still going strong, he added.
'One just had a baby,' he said. 'So, it's very exciting.'
McNamara's authority to perform weddings extends beyond Rockford, allowing him to officiate ceremonies anywhere in Illinois. One of the weddings he officiated took place in the couple's Rockford backyard. The other was at the Tebala Event Center in Cherry Valley.
Many residents are surprised to learn of the mayor's matrimonial powers.
'You see him as the mayor, in city government,' said Francis Downey, of Rockford. 'But apparently everyone's got a lot of secret skills. And that's one that he's got. He can perform marriages. Pretty cool.'
Elaine Simon, who has been dating her boyfriend for 1 1/2 years, said she's intrigued to know that the mayor is not just a mayor. She said if her relationship progresses toward the alter, a Tom McNamara-led ceremony could be a possibility.
'I would definitely be interested in learning more, maybe go to a wedding where he performs it and see how it goes,' Simon said.
Isaac Rukin, 19, isn't married yet either but is equally enthusiastic.
'I think that's a great idea,' he said. I never thought about having a mayor officiate my wedding. But now that it's a possibility, I am considering it.'
For McNamara, the opportunity to unite couples in marriage is a privilege.
'It's really an honor,' he said.
There is no fee for Mayor McNamara to officiate a wedding.
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