Mystic ― Couples crowded the Meeting House at Olde Mistick Village on Wednesday for its annual Valentine's Day wedding ceremonies.

The event started at 10 a.m. and by 11 a.m. ten couples had signed up for a ceremony. Officiant Marie Tyler Wiley said it seemed busier than in recent years. This was her 23rd year hosting the event.

Rene Morgillo and Joe Galbo, of Madison, were the first couple to go through the five-minute ceremony.

Morgillo said they had been together for four years and were in the process of planning a wedding when they noticed the event.

“I’d rather spend money on a honeymoon,” she said.

When they took their places at the front of the meeting house Galbo leaned in for a kiss. Morgillo leaned back as Wiley shouted “Not yet!” prompting laughter from those in the crowded pews.

Couples were required to bring a wedding license from the Stonington Town Clerk's office and were given the choice of five different ceremonies.

Nicole Jones and Frank D’Agostino of Orange, had been together for eight years and were planning a wedding next year. D’Agostino recently went through a health scare and Jones said they reevaluated their plans.

“What are we waiting for,” she laughed as they read over the ceremony options outside the meeting house.

s.gordon@theday.com