Love, Sealed and Certified: Same-Day Valentine’s Day Weddings On Offer

The scent of fresh roses will mixed with the crisp and rainy February air as couples, some clutching marriage license applications and others adjusting last-minute boutonnières, line up outside the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Norwalk headquarters on Friday.

For one day only, this Valentine’s Day, the county offers same-day marriage licenses and civil ceremonies at four locations—Norwalk, East Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Van Nuys.

While advance appointments are required at other registrar locations, couples can walk in, fill out the necessary paperwork, and be legally wed in the span of an afternoon. Couples were encouraged to complete the online marriage license application beforehand to streamline the process.

The annual same-day Valentine’s Day marriage service, operated by the county clerk’s office, is a streamlined yet intimate process for couples eager to make the date official.

The cost is straightforward: a public marriage license runs $91, a confidential license $85, and the ceremony itself $35. To expedite the process, couples are encouraged to complete the online marriage license application before arriving.

Express marriage ceremonies—by appointment only—offered another efficient option this year, allowing couples to complete their licensing and vows in just 45 minutes at one of seven branch locations. For those in need of a witness, the county provides one for an additional $20.

Confidential marriage licenses do not require a witness. Outside officiants are not permitted to conduct ceremonies within county chapels.

Valentine’s Day remains one of the most sought-after wedding dates in Los Angeles County. In 2024, 177 couples took advantage of the county’s services, with 78 tying the knot at the Norwalk headquarters alone. The year before, 213 couples exchanged vows through the program, underscoring the enduring appeal of an official courthouse wedding on the day dedicated to love.

While traditional weddings can take months—or years—to plan, the county’s streamlined service presents a no-fuss alternative for couples who prefer simplicity over spectacle. All civil ceremonies are scheduled for 15 minutes, with room capacity depending on the location.

At the heart of the Valentine’s Day event is accessibility. There are no residency or citizenship requirements for a marriage license in Los Angeles County, making it an inclusive option for couples from diverse backgrounds. Unlike private venues that book up months in advance, the county’s no-appointment-needed structure in Norwalk offers an alternative for those making last-minute decisions to wed. However, for those heading to branch offices, scheduling in advance is a must.

Couples are also allowed to reschedule their ceremony one time without an additional fee, but any further rescheduling requires a new payment. Additionally, all civil ceremonies must be prepaid before they can be scheduled.

For couples looking to make next year’s Valentine’s Day even more special, the county’s same-day marriage services will likely return—offering an accessible, affordable and unforgettable way to say “I do.”

Norwalk County Registrar Headquarters, 12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650. (800) 201-8999. Website: lavote.net.