The COVID-19 pandemic cannot get in the way of the most romantic day of the year.
On Valentine’s Day, the Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office will officiate 21 wedding ceremonies at 555 Escobar St. in Martinez, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In previous years these ceremonies have been held in picturesque or historic locations in the County, such as the Lucretia Edwards Shoreline in Richmond and John Muir House in Martinez. However, the Destination Weddings program is on hold due to the pandemic.
As with all ceremony appointments, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office requires strict COVID-19 protocols, with ceremonies conducted with a glass barrier between the couple and the officiant. Only the couple getting married will be permitted in in the lobby.
All appointments for the Valentine’s Day ceremonies have been filled, and the County Clerk’s Office does not accept walk-in appointments. Before the ceremony, couples must obtain a marriage license at the main office in Martinez and pay the civil marriage ceremony fee of $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential marriage license for $90.
“Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year and despite the many limitations posed by the pandemic, we are thrilled to offer safe, socially-distant appointments for couples to exchange nuptials on this special and popular day that symbolizes never-ending love,” Assistant Clerk-Recorder Barbara Dunmore said. “Not surprisingly, the appointments filled to capacity very quickly.”
Couples interested in having their ceremony at the Martinez office can visit here for more information or call the office at (925) 335-7900.
