Government

Set the Date Before It’s Too Late!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Valentine’s Day is all about cards, chocolates and flowers but most importantly, it’s about love. So what better day to get married than on one of the most romantic days of the year? Couples all over the County are applying for marriage licenses and planning weddings at one of the County’s three marriage offices. So many, that the appointments are nearly booked and only a few slots remain.   

Typically, at least 100 couples will tie the knot at County marriage offices on Valentine’s Day while others will be getting marriage licenses for ceremonies elsewhere in the County that day. Recognizing the importance of this special day, the County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s (ARCC) office recruited volunteers and reassigned staff members to conduct the extra wedding ceremonies at County buildings downtown, in El Cajon and San Marcos. Walk-ins will be allowed at the downtown office only, the historical County Administration Center overlooking San Diego Bay.

No blood test or mandatory waiting period is required. Couples can save waiting time by filling out their license application online at sdarcc.com. And there’s no need to get fancy. “We’ve seen it all from shorts to t-shirts all the way to limos, formal dresses and tuxedos, and everything in between,” said ARCC Assistant Division Chief Sandra Banaga.

One bride didn’t think about ‘what or what not to wear’ at all. A few years back on Valentine’s Day, an enterprising gentleman asked his girlfriend to meet him in Room 273 at the County Administration Center. She agreed. Little did she know she had entered the ‘Marriage Room.” She walked in and he popped the question. “He went out on a limb and she said yes,” said Banaga. “They got married right then.”

If such an impromptu wedding is your style, you can still get mementos of your special day. For a low price you can get a silver-framed digital photograph, a decorative wedding keepsake certificate or a “Just Married’ bumper sticker.  

If, however, you’d like to set the date and time for Valentine’s Day, you can still reserve a time slot. Call (619) 237-0502 but hurry, Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it! 

Watch: Marriage – Top 10 Most-Asked Questions