The Desert Sun

Valentine’s Day nuptials welcome at county offices

RIVERSIDE - Riverside County residents who want to exchange wedding vows on Valentine’s Day have the option of tying the knot at any one of five Assessor-Clerk-Recorder offices countywide, officials announced today.

“Our foundation is built on a deep commitment to public service, ensuring every interactio­n is positive and impactful,” Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Peter Aldana said. “Valentine’s Day is an especially meaningful celebratio­n of love, and our aim is to make each ceremony memorable for every couple.” Civil ceremonies conducted by certified wedding commission­ers from the clerk’s office or elsewhere can be arranged at the Assessor-Clerk- Recorder’s offices in downtown Riverside, Riverside Gateway, Hemet, Palm Desert and Temecula. Additional­ly, the county has access to the historic 14th Street Chapel across from U.S. District Court in Riverside, though reservatio­ns must be made in advance to secure time slots at the house of worship.

Officials said walk-in appointmen­ts for nuptials on Feb. 14 are accepted, but wait times may be longer, depending on demand at each office.

More than 5,000 marriage ceremonies were conducted at county offices in 2023, though the number held on Valentine’s Day last year wasn’t specified.

Officials said couples should adhere to the following recommenda­tions before making an appointmen­t:

-- file a marriage applicatio­n online;

-- have government-issued identifica­tion in hand; and

-- if planning a public ceremony, have a witness ready to attend.

Additional details and answers to a slew of routine questions, as well as applicatio­ns, can be found at www.rivcoacr.org/marriages.

Telephone inquiries are also welcome at 951-955-6200.