The Bexar County Courthouse steps were transformed into a matrimonial gathering spot this Valentine's Day, as a throng of lovebirds said "I do" in a series of free mass wedding ceremonies. According to FOX San Antonio, couples keen to legally seal their bonds joined others in a truly communal celebration of love, with the first group of couples getting hitched right as the clock struck midnight.
Monica Ramos, a spokeswoman for the county, could not hide her excitement, saying, "It’s my favorite event all year," as quoted by Express News. The County Clerk's Office clearly intended to actually pull all the stops for this heartwarming San Antonio tradition. As part of the festivities, Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark officiated the ceremonies, adding official weight to the love-filled air. This year's event marked an uptick in participation, with a record-setting 136 couples tying the knot in the first ceremony.
Couples aiming to participate in the celebration had to be well-prepared, obtaining their marriage license a mandated 72 hours prior to the ceremony—something active-duty military personnel could bypass with a judge's waiver. To give a little back, couples were also encouraged to consider donating, with proceeds earmarked for supporting the battered women and children's shelter and the Bexar County Family Justice Center, FOX San Antonio reported.
This unique Valentine's Day celebration dates back to the late 1980s, beginning a legacy of public declarations of commitment under the watchful eye of Bexar's historic courthouse. The ceremony has since grown in popularity, especially the midnight event which again boasted the largest turnout this year. Analysing records, there doesn't appear to be a steady favorite time slot overall; however, in last year's event, the late night ceremony just managed to edge out the afternoon with the highest attendance, as per Express News.
