For some unlucky couples, marriage can feel like a prison sentence.
But that’s certainly not the case for Rachel and Ashley Quinn who tied the knot Saturday in a former jail.
“We wanted to break some traditions and do something unique, and I have a passion for old places,” said Rachel.
The Saint John, N.B., couple were married at the Dorchester Jail Bed and Breakfast in front of about 30 family and friends in a short, but romantic ceremony.
The former prison was built in 1875, but it’s been decades since inmates served their sentences there.
It’s also home to some notorious history.
New Brunswick’s last double hanging took place there on death row back in 1936.
A general population cell which used to house up to 30 men was transformed into a wedding chapel and no one really seemed to mind at all.
“I really wanted to have a wedding here. I like unique places, and this just stood out to me. Especially when our family was hesitant about us coming here. That made me want to do it even more,” said Rachel.
Ashley was all for it.
“I’m good. She loves these types of places, so if it makes her happy then that’s good,” said Ashley.
But some of her family did have a few reservations on attending a wedding where criminals used to pay their debts to society.
“The grandparents weren’t too fond of it, but they came around,” said Ashley.
The lovebirds hadn’t actually stepped foot inside the historic jail until their wedding day.
Rachel, who is studying to become a corrections officer, saw some YouTube videos and thought it would be the perfect venue, even if some family members didn’t share her vision.
“They were like, ‘You can’t do that,’ and we were like, ‘Let’s book the place,’ and the next day it was booked,” said Rachel.
Rachel’s mother Diane said there was some initial shock on Ashley’s side, but the family put their trust in her to make it work.
“Rachel’s very unique. She’s always liked things that are non-traditional,” said Diane. “I was just hoping I could put something together quick enough.”
Diane’s daughter approached her about trying to host a wedding inside an old prison that now hosts tours and overnight guests.
“She saw this Airbnb. She came over here. She kind of looked at it and said, ‘I’d like to have my wedding right here,’ and Ashley, of course, is all for it because their two minds think alike,” said Diane. “They came and they said, ‘Mom, can you do a wedding at the jail?’ and I said, ‘OK!’”
Dorchester Jail owners Natasha Marsh and Bill Steele have hosted a few quirky events before, but nothing like this.
“We’ve had the privilege of having about eight bride and grooms come spend their first night of holy matrimony with us, but this is our first wedding and it’s certainly very exciting,” said Natasha.
Working with the family was a joy for Natasha who loved seeing the smiles on Rachel and Ashley’s faces.
Turning the community cell into a wedding chapel wasn’t much effort at all for her.
“We love getting to share our home with people so really to ask to put up some lights or streamers or something, not a big deal,” said Natasha.
A day they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
“Very happy,” said Ashley.
The newlyweds spent the night behind bars and plan on coming back every year on their anniversary.
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