Kansas City, Mo. ? For the fourth consecutive year, a Kansas City church used Valentine’s Day for a marathon day of weddings, commitment ceremonies and vow renewals.

Two ministers and about 10 volunteers worked from morning to evening officiating ceremonies in two sanctuaries at Unity Temple on the Plaza. The church provides an interpreter for Spanish-speaking couples.

Church officials estimated around 40 couples said their vows last year at the church and a similar number were expected to participate this year in the marital bonanza.

The Rev. Duke Tufty, the co-minister at Unity, said he looked forward to the wedding marathon each year.

“I’ve got to say in 15 years in the ministry, it’s the best idea I’ve ever had,” Tufty said. “It’s my favorite day.

“Elderly people who don’t want to go through the fuss and planning will get married. Sometimes we will get people who are very spontaneous who have been together for quite a while and say, ‘Let’s do it.’ And also we have people who do it for the economic reasons.”

The ceremonies each lasted about 20 minutes and were free of charge.

Attire ranged from overalls and jeans to gowns and tuxedos.