Almost 60 weddings planned at Riverside County offices for Valentine’s Day

More than 100 people will be tying the knot tomorrow at Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder's offices countywide, as well as at a Riverside chapel that leases space for ceremonies arranged by county officials, to celebrate Valentine's Day.

"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 are available at county offices in Hemet, Palm Desert, downtown Riverside, Riverside Gateway and Temecula.
The county is also holding space at the historic 14th Street Chapel across from U.S. District Court in Riverside. Assessor-Clerk-Recorder spokesman Steven Nguyen told City News Service that the house of worship is "sold out," with 14 weddings planned Wednesday.

The number of ceremonies scheduled at the other locations are as follows:
-- eight at the Hemet office, 800 State St.;
-- 11 at the Palm Desert office, 38-686 El Cerrito Road;
-- 15 at the Riverside Gateway office, 2724 Gateway Drive; and
-- 10 at the Temecula office, 41002 County Center Drive.

There was no word on whether anyone had booked slots at the County Administrative Center in downtown Riverside, located at 4080 Lemon St.

"We will still take walk-ins at all locations -- except the chapel," Nguyen said.

Officials cautioned that wait times may be longer for walk-in appointments, 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 most routine questions, as well as applications, can be found at www.rivcoacr.org/marriages. Telephone inquiries are also welcome at 951-955-6200.