all you need is lovelock

Northern Nevada town brings an ancient Chinese tradition to the Silver State.

By CHARLIE JOHNSTON | January/February 2008

Photo: PR

For thousands of years Chinese couples from the Yangtze River to the Great Wall have symbolized their love by adorning fences with simple metal locks, and for almost two years Lovelock has kept that custom alive and well in the Silver State.

“Lovelock has adopted this unique tradition and really made it its own,” Kirsten Hertz, operations manager for the Greater Pershing Partnership, says. “Here, once a couple locks their love on the chain, they often throw away the key—thus locking their love, and souls, forever.”

As the nation’s only love-locking destination, Lovelock has attracted a steady flow of couples from around the country and across the globe eager to take part in the romantic custom.  Some visitors have even planned destination weddings in Lovelock, “first tying the knot then locking their love,” Hertz says.

Lovers Lock Plaza, behind the Pershing County Courthouse, is a few blocks north of Interstate 80, 93 miles east of Reno. Although couples are encouraged to bring their own locks, adding a personal touch, locks can be purchased at any number of participating businesses in town.

Watch a short video about Locking Your Love (3.1 MB)