NEW YORK, Feb 15 — Love was in the air atop the Empire State Building yesterday as couples got married and renewed their vows on Valentine’s Day, the only day of the year when marriages are permitted at the iconic New York City skyscraper.

In back-to-back ceremonies, the couples wed outside on a cold winter day on the 86th floor observation deck, with the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop.

Alixandra and Brett Epps renewed their vows and proved to be perfect for each other in more ways than one. Brett Epps had a rare kidney disease and after a couple of failed attempts at finding a kidney for a transplant, Alixandra turned out to be a match.

Patricia and Kevin Byrnes, both NYPD sergeants at the time, were married 20 years ago at the Empire State Building and returned to renew their vows.

Alyx Paul was proposed to at the Empire State Building by Jonathan Nazon while she was on a visit home from medical school. Wei Cui said there was a blizzard the day he proposed to An Wang at the iconic building and wanted to return to the scene on a less blustery day.

A total of 11 lucky couples were chosen from a contest explaining why they wanted to be married at the 102-story landmark.

Lights at the Empire State Building will glow red at night to mark the Valentine’s Day occasion. It is the city’s third tallest building after One World Trade Centre and 432 Park Avenue. — Reuters