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I have this thing called a “sister.” She’s participating in this rite of passage called a “marriage.” How all this marriage stuff works, I’m not entirely sure. I hear there’s some sort of chicken that dances (like Elmo!) and people are entertained so much they cry and abuse the open bar. Anyway, as a bridesmaid, this whole occasion has opened my hazel, nearsighted eyes to the event that is a marriage ceremony. That’s this week’s disclaimer. Let’s put this in bold so family and friends don’t misread. No, I’m not getting married. After all, dad calls me “the Maverick.”

So let’s move on. Let’s take the plunge. Let’s buy the cow (credit: Brandi Simmons). Let’s talk dowry. Let’s get tied down. Let’s buy some shackles. Let’s get hitched (credit: Sarah Young). Let’s enter the abyss (credit: Steve Clark). Okay seriously. If you have a question, send it here. I’ll do my best to answer it. What else do I have to do? Oh, right. I have to teach people the freeze.

Question: How many weddings have been held at the Old Governor’s Mansion?

Answer: A lot more than 39.

It’s rather impossible to figure out how many wedding ceremonies the Old Governor’s Mansion (henceforth referenced as the OGM) has seen, but let’s just roll with the standard “a lot.” In 2006, there were 39 weddings. So ha! There were a lot more than 39 weddings held at the OGM. Built for Governor Huey P. Long in 1930, the OGM served as home to nine Louisiana governors until 1962. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places and housing a treasure of memorabilia, the OGM can be rented for special events like weddings, wedding receptions and corporate events. (No brides have taken advantage of Huey’s secret staircase as a runaway path, though Santa has wowed a few minds with it.) In 1999, the first couple rented the OGM for a wedding and a 1942 photo in the bride’s room shows a newlywed tossing her bouquet from the OGM’s main staircase.

Question: So how does one make marital history while preserving Louisiana history?

Answer: Very carefully and with a refundable $500 damage deposit.

Though most weddings have nary a problem, the staff at the OGM has figured out just how to have a special day while ensuring the building’s safety. The majority of the OGM’s main floor is left accessible to guests, but any offices or historical rooms are locked. Also, any items that can be removed like decorative plates, bowls and chairs are stowed elsewhere. The bride’s room on the second floor is available to the wedding party for pre-ceremony primping, but Huey’s bedroom and such are locked. There’s no after party at the OGM, either. No event can run later than midnight and there’s no honeymooning in Huey’s house. And (understandably) there are other restrictions including: no lighted candles inside, no nails/staples/tape on interior or exterior walls, no moving the piano under any circumstances, no smoking inside, no metallic/paper confetti/rice/loose dark red flower petals may be thrown or used inside or on the grounds and no sparklers. And sorry kids, there’s no Kool-Aid allowed. (It and other dark colored sauces or liquids like red wine have too high a stain potential.) Thanks to Claire Trahan, special events director of the Foundation for Historical Louisiana for her event expertise. (The OGM is operated by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana under a cooperative endeavor agreement with the State of Louisiana.)