MINNEAPOLIS — Love is in the air at the Hennepin County Government Center — where judges are marrying 17 couples for free on this Valentine’s Day.

Military and first responder couples will be among those who tie the knot.

Hennepin County Judge William Koch said the bench wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique way. The judges thought the free weddings would be a fun event as well as a way to give back to military members and first responders, who were given first priority. Civilian couples are also participating.

The program started at noon today, and judges plan to hold one wedding ceremony every 15 minutes. The ceremonies were at the Hennepin County Government Center, near the reflection pool.