SMC Welcomes Lovebirds For Valentine's Day Weddings

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Clerk will keep the doors open longer Friday to accommodate a rush of lovebirds looking to tie the knot on Valentine's Day.

"Valentine's Day is the most popular wedding day of the year," said Mark Church, San Mateo County's Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. "To accommodate the heightened demand for wedding ceremonies, we are extending our office hours on this special day."

The clerk's office will conduct civil ceremonies every half hour from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Each ceremony is scheduled to run for 25 minutes, and couples can choose to pay an extra $50 to have the service webcast, allowing friends and family to take part from all over the globe, along with a recording of the ceremony. On Valentine's Day, each couple will also receive a rose.

Reservations are required, allowing the county to secure an officiant, but couples can also arrange to have a friend, family member, or colleague perform the ceremony, provided they are ordained or deputized by the County Clerk.

The ceremonies will take place at the chapel on the first floor at 555 County Center in Redwood City. The chapel can accommodate up to 22 wedding guests.

>> Learn more about booking a wedding ceremony on the County Clerk's website.