Butler County Prison inmates may now get married inside the facility — if certain requirements are met.

Under a new policy approved by the county prison board Tuesday, inmates are permitted a 30-minute ceremony.

Warden Joe DeMore said in an interview the policy was developed after receiving requests from an inmate who wishes to be married while incarcerated.

Sheriff Mike Slupe, prison board chairman, said in an interview an inmate may get married if all the criteria are met.

“We did not make it impossible,” Slupe said.

Court precedent indicates prisons cannot ban weddings.

“We have to provide an avenue,” Slupe said.

Among the restrictions is the inmate must fall under one of the following classifications to be eligible for approval: pretrial, be sentenced to the county prison, or housed for another county or for a federal agency.

The inmate and intended spouse must pay for all costs. For security purposes, there is no guarantee of physical contact between the inmate and intended spouse and no family members will be permitted. Jail employees will serve as witnesses.