Track Palin and Britta Hanson marry

HATCHER PASS, Alaska, May 19 (UPI) -- Sarah Palin's 22-year-old son, Track, has married his high-school sweetheart Britta Hanson in Hatcher Pass, Alaska, their families told People.com Thursday.

Sarah Palin is a former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee. Track Palin is an Army reservist who plans to start college in the fall and Hanson, 21, is a nursing student.

"Our families couldn't be happier," Track's parents, Sarah and Todd Palin, and Britta's parents, the Rev. Duane and Elizabeth Hanson, said in a joint statement issued to People.com. "These are two hard-working, humble, active, studious young adults who grew up together. We're tickled that after two decades of friendship we proudly witnessed their marriage, knowing their new life together will be blessed."

The newlyweds intend to have a larger wedding celebration this winter at Alaska's Alyeska Ski Resort, their families said.