German Couple Travels Across the Globe for Dream Wedding in New Bedford

Love is alive and well in New Beige.

On August 11 at 2 p.m., New Bedford became the backdrop for a beautiful destination wedding with a twist as Melanie Westphal and Marko Gross, all the way from Germany, chose City Hall for their special day.

Why New Bedford Was Their Dream Location

Melanie and Marko have been vacationing in the U.S. for the past 20 years and always wanted to get married here when the time was right. Their decision to exchange vows in New Bedford was simply because they loved the city and the beauty of it.

As often as New Bedford gets a bad rap, I strongly agree that between the cobblestone district and the working waterfront, it truly is a beautiful place to explore.

The couple, accompanied by their daughter, arrived in New Bedford to marry in a ceremony that was officiated by Dennis Farias, the justice of the peace for the city.

READ MORE: Fairhaven Couple Marries at Seekonk Speedway

"I’ve worked with many couples from all over the world, but Melanie and Marko were especially sweet to work with," Farias said. "They’ve visited this area often, and Melanie reached out a couple of weeks ago to make sure everything was set for their wedding."

New Bedford’s Role in Destination Weddings

Approximately 150 to 200 couples marry at New Bedford City Hall each year, and the city has hosted many destination weddings. Farias said that some couples come dressed in tuxedos with their bridal parties, while others opt for a simpler approach, wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt, and then heading back to work.

As for Melanie and Marko, her dress was gorgeous while Marko was handsome and rather comfortable in a nice white button down shirt with shorts to match.

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Exploring New England After “I Do”

The couple will be spending a few more days exploring New Bedford before heading to Boston and Portland, Maine. After a couple of weeks, they'll return home to Germany with a lifetime of memories from their special New Bedford wedding.

"Many people come to this region to get married because of the great climate and location," Farias remarked. "It’s no surprise they chose New Bedford for such an important moment in their lives."

Congratulations to Melanie, Marko, and their daughter as they start this new chapter together, with New Bedford playing a special role in their love story.