A festive group poses for a photo during a double wedding ceremony held at the former Laguna Ranch, a land now known as MacKerricher State Park, in Cleone, Calif., on June 10, 1899. The Kelley House Museum often receives photographs with numbers that identify those pictured, Margaret MacKerricher is number 2, and her sister Eva is number 3. (Kelley House Museum via Bay City News)

Many brides today would shudder at the thought of sharing her wedding day and venue with another woman, especially if the fellow bride was her younger sister. On June 10, 1899, however, Margaret and Evelyn (Eva) MacKerricher walked down the aisle together to marry Joel Cotton and Alfred Austin Lord, respectively, at Laguna Ranch, their family home in Cleone. The land is now MacKerricher State Park.

Double wedding ceremonies were not uncommon throughout history, especially for siblings and close cousins who found their love match around the same time. This manner of celebration peaked in the late 19th and early 20th century. Double ceremonies were a cost-effective way for the families to plan one party and reception, and it was beneficial in rural areas where family or friends may have to travel far to attend.

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