We hear about new wedding trends on a daily basis. Many of them make us shake our heads and wonder if any groom or bride would ever buy-in. However, every now and then there’s one that we can legitimately get excited about. Enter custom love paddocks from Lock-itz. If you’ve never heard of these paddocks and the tradition behind them, don’t fret it. We hooked up with Lock-itz founder Chris Coburn and got the low-down on what his product is all about. Check out our exclusive interview below.

What are love padlocks, and how are they typically used?
Couples attach love padlocks (also known as love locks) to a fence, gate, bridge or other public fixture to symbolize their love. For centuries, couples have demonstrated their commitment with a locked padlock at some of the most exotic and romantic places in the world.
Where did this unique idea originate and is it becoming more popular in the U.S.?
Engraved padlocks can be traced back to an ancient Chinese tradition, but more recently have been spotted in many other countries. The Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris is a very popular site for love padlocks. And there are many sites around the U.S. where love padlocks are being seen, such as New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Bridge, and southern Alabama’s Dothan Area Botanical Gardens.
What types of custom padlock options do you offer?
We currently offer padlocks in three sizes: (1-3/16-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch shackles). The size of the padlock body is the same for all three sizes — 1-3/4 inches wide and ¾-inches thick. Each padlock is available in seven colors and includes up to four lines of engraved text in a choice of eight different font styles. Customers can also view their custom padlocks on our website to ensure accuracy before submitting their orders.
How long does it take to have a custom padlock created?
Orders are typically fulfilled within one to three days from the time they are submitted, and delivery usually takes two to five days. Overnight and international shipping is also available, although delivery times may vary depending on destination.
What’s the cost of the padlocks?
Our custom engraved padlocks start at $34.99, including your choice of color, font, up to four lines of engraved text and a gold or silver gift box. A brief description of the history and background of love padlocks is also included for recipients who may not be familiar with the tradition.

A sampling of the styles & designs that Lock-itz offers.
How are love padlocks being incorporated in weddings or the planning process?
Love padlocks are truly a unique and memorable wedding gift. Our padlocks have been used as gifts from the groom to the bride. They can be given as gifts from friends or relatives of the wedding couple to commemorate that special day. We have also seen couples use the love padlock in the ceremony itself, where the padlock is locked and the key is thrown into a river or lake.
What’s the most unique engraving you’ve seen so far, or what’s the most creative way you’ve seen a love padlock being used for a wedding?
One our favorite engravings came from an order recently shipped to the United Kingdom that said: “You make my heart go boom boom.” We also recently had a customer order four padlocks (two in English and two in French), with an engraved message asking his girlfriend to marry him. He planned a trip to Paris and proposed to his girlfriend on the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris, and they left the two padlocks engraved in French on the bridge and kept the other two as keepsakes. Of course, she said yes!
Have you been to a wedding where a love padlock was used? Share your thoughts on this special gift idea in the comment section below.