Couples hoping to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day will need to look beyond Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk offices, which will be closed Saturday because the date falls on a weekend.
“Unfortunately, we will not be able to have any of our offices open to conduct or perform any of the same day Valentine’s Day activities like in years past when it falls on weekdays,” Mike Sanchez, spokesman for L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office, told City News Service. “This is consistent with our practice. When Valentine’s Day would fall on a Saturday or Sunday, our offices, unfortunately, would be closed, and we would not have any type of special event.”
Sanchez estimated the last time Valentine’s Day fell on a weekend and offices were closed was about five to six years ago.
Last year, when Valentine’s Day fell on a Friday, a total of 286 couples were married at the county clerk’s four offices, including 113 at the Norwalk headquarters.
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan said last year, “Valentine’s Day is a beautiful reminder of love and commitment, and our department is honored to be a part of such a special moment in people’s lives. Helping couples begin their journey together is a privilege we cherish, and we take pride in making the process as seamless and memorable as possible.”
Riverside County’s Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s Office will also be closed Saturday, but county clerks in Orange and San Diego counties are making accommodations despite the weekend timing.
Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen said offices in Anaheim, Santa Ana and Laguna Hills will be open Saturday to meet the demand for Valentine’s Day nuptials.
The offices at 222 S. Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim, 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., in Santa Ana, and 24031 El Toro Road in Laguna Hills will be open from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. Saturday. Couples can obtain marriage licenses, hold ceremonies or renew vows.
“Valentine’s Day on a Saturday is something couples truly look forward to,” Nguyen said. “We’re happy to offer this special Saturday opening so couples can make the day official and create memories they’ll cherish.”
More than 150 couples are expected to be married through San Diego County’s Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office, which opened its popular downtown ceremony location at the historic County Administration Center for the occasion.
Of 165 available appointments, only seven remained as of Friday.
Although Valentine’s Day is among the most popular dates for civil ceremonies, Los Angeles County offers weddings year-round. Civil ceremonies cost $35, while marriage licenses are $91, or $85 for confidential licenses.
No appointments are required, though couples are encouraged to complete an online application in advance to expedite the process.