The number of city hall weddings in Portland has gone up nearly 500% since 2020 as a growing number of people look to opt out of traditional ceremonies. Staff photographer Derek Davis captured two couples’ big days. Read the story here and see more of our photographers’ work in our darkroom.

Dianuaku Paulo Bengui, 29, and Ezequias Kassinda Monteiro Zacarías, 30, who were both born in Angola, are married by Katarina Reynolds at Portland City Hall on Aug. 30.

Dianuaku Paulo Bengui and Ezequias Kassinda Monteiro Zacarías pose for photographs with friends and family members after their wedding at Portland City Hall on Aug. 30. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Dianuaku Paulo Bengui, 29, and Ezequias Kassinda Monteiro Zacarías, 30, exchange rings during their wedding at Portland City Hall. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Dianuaku Paulo Bengui, 29, and Ezequias Kassinda Monteiro Zacarías, 30, who were both born in Angola, walk down a staircase after getting married at Portland City Hall on Aug. 30. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Dianuaku Paulo Bengui and Ezequias Kassinda Monteiro Zacarías pose for photographs with friends and family members after marrying at Portland City Hall. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Zach Theriault and Angela Wang, both 27, of Woburn, Massachusetts, wait for family and friends to arrive before their wedding ceremony in the State of Maine room on Aug. 30. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Zach Theriault and Angela Wang, both 27, of Woburn, MA, are married by officiant Chris Horne in the State of Maine room on Aug. 30. Weddings at City Hall have increased in recent years. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
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