To Silence the Gossip: Inside Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost’s Secretive, Frugal Bergen County Wedding
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, Long before he became one of early American history’s most controversial figures—and earned a reputation as a bit of a historical scamster—Aaron Burr was a man entangled in a high-society Jersey scandal.
On July 2, 1782, a quiet yet historic event unfolded at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. Weary of the neighborhood’s wagging tongues whispering about their long, highly intimate acquaintance, Aaron Burr, Esq. of New York officially tied the knot with Mrs. Theodosia Bartow Prevost, a prominent widow of Bergen County.
As America celebrates its historic 250th anniversary milestone, looking back at this unique local wedding reveals a highly human, shockingly modest side of the Founding Era.
The Official 1782 Marriage Certificate
The historic union was formalized by the Reverend Benjamin Van Der Linde. The original certificate preserves the moment in these exact words:
“I do hereby certify that Aaron Burr of the State of New York, Esqr., and Theodosia Prevost of Bergen County, State of New Jersey, widow, were by me joined in lawful wedlock on the second day of July instant. Given under my hand this sixth day of July, 1782.”
— B’n Van Der Linde
A Double Ceremony to Quiet the Whispers
The romance between Theodosia and Aaron had been the talk of the town for months. Eager to quiet the idle whispers of local gossips once and for all, the couple decided to piggyback on another family celebration to keep things low-key.
When Theodosia’s half-sister, Caty, finalized plans to marry her fiancé Joseph Browne—an English-born physician and officer in the Pennsylvania Line—Theodosia and Aaron seized the moment. They agreed to combine forces, turning the gathering into a surprise double wedding ceremony.
More Modest Than Magnificent: The Borrowed Wedding Gear
Despite Burr’s grand ambitions and later political stature, the wedding itself was stripped of any opulent luxury. In fact, it was defined by its frugality:
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The Groom: Aaron Burr stood at the altar wearing a noticeably aged, worn-out coat.
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The Bride: Theodosia completed her wedding attire using a pair of borrowed gloves.
Yet, neither the humble clothing nor the quiet atmosphere diminished the dignity of the occasion. The two brilliant minds were finally unified under law, charting a course that would eventually lead Burr to the highest steps of American power—and eventual infamy.
Walk the Ground Where History Happened
Today, you can step out of the history books and walk directly into the past. Visitors to The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus can stand in the very room where Aaron and Theodosia exchanged their vows. The sense of early American history still lingers heavily within its historic walls—a building forever touched by the brilliant, complicated, and scandalous spirit of a young nation.
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Tags: Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, Bergen County, Aaron Burr, American History, The Hermitage, Local Landmarks, Revolutionary Era Stories
I remember the Hermitage back in the 70s and early 80s that place was a shit hole. It was barely being maintained, kids breaking into it. Remember all the artifacts that were stolen. Especially the muskets that were in the duel in Weehawken. And a few local friends that live in the area returned a few boxes. No one talks about that.