Groom Marries Bride in His Hospital Room Just Hours Before Being Transferred to Hospice Care

A Nashville hospital recently helped fulfill one patient’s wish to get married.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center organized an impromptu ceremony after Nashville couple William and Marlene decided to say “I do” in William’s ICU room. In a report published Jan. 29, the couple and the medical facility spoke with local station WSMV following the emotional nuptials.

William, a United States Marine Corps combat veteran, and Marlene first knew each other in high school before reconnecting 13 years ago. Since then, they’ve built a life together in Chapmansboro, a town northwest of Nashville.

The couple had hoped to marry sooner, but winter storms forced them to postpone their plans.

Photos from the ceremony captured intimate moments: William sat up in his hospital bed as Marlene stayed close by his side, while a chaplain stood before them to officiate. One image showed the couple exchanging rings; another captured them sharing the first bites of wedding cheesecake.

The ICU room was decorated with a white paper chain, a series of cards, and “Just Married!” banners. Both were given bouquets featuring colorful wildflowers and greenery.

TriStar Centennial staff members lined the doorway and hallway outside the room to witness the ceremony, while family joined in via FaceTime. A guitarist also played music to mark the occasion.

Hours after the wedding, William was transferred to hospice care—an update that only reinforced the couple’s decision to marry in the hospital.

“It’s never too late for love,” Marlene told WSMV. “Nothing can get in love’s way.”