Bexar County Mass Wedding Event on Valentine’s Day
Happy post-Valentine’s Day, everyone! I had the pleasure of photographing this year‘s Bexar County mass wedding event down at the courthouse. I was there for every ‘I do,’ and I have all the highlights to share with you in today’s blog post.
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Quick Summary:
- The Bexar County Mass Wedding Event is held annually and over 346 couples tied the knot at this year’s event.
- The event is presided over by the Honorable Lucy Adame-Clark, the Bexar County Clerk
- Weddings were held at midnight, 10am, noon, and 2pm on February 14th
- Participating couples must purchase a marriage license at least 72 hours prior to the event.
- The wedding ceremony itself is free of charge, but donations are accepted on behalf of the Bexar County Family Justice Center.
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What is the Bexar County mass wedding event?
The Bexar County mass wedding event is an annual celebration of love sponsored by the County Clerk’s office. Starting at the stroke of midnight on Valentine’s Day, the Honorable Lucy Adame-Clark presides over a group wedding ceremony on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse. Four wedding ceremonies are performed on Valentine’s Day at midnight, 10am, noon, and 2pm.
The weddings are performed free of charge, though participating couples must purchase a wedding license for a fee of $80. Per Texas law, the wedding license must be purchased at least 72 hours prior to the ceremony. There is also a suggested donation of $20, with all proceeds going to Bexar County Family Justice Center.
The history of the Bexar County mass wedding event
This year is the event’s 34th anniversary. With the exception of the pandemic in 2020 and the epic freeze of 2021, Bexar County has been holding this fun event every year on the steps of the courthouse.
How many couples were married at the Bexar County mass wedding event?
Eddie Pichardo, the Special Projects Coordinator for the County Clerk, said that 2024 marks the largest number of couples ever married during the event. While the administration has only been keeping track of the event since 2019, this year’s attendance could very well represent the largest number of couples married in the history of the event.
Number of couples married per ceremony session:
- 141 at Midnight
- 41 at 10am
- 76 at 12pm
- 88 at 2pm
That is a total of a total of 346 couples married during the event. And of course, this does not include other couples who were married on Valentine’s Day through the County Clerk’s office but chose not to attend the event.
Which ceremony should I attend?
As far as which session to attend, I recommend the midnight ceremony. Trust me, it is worth staying up late.
Just prior to the ceremony, the city held a ‘Newly Wed’-themed party in the Main Plaza across from the San Fernando Cathedral. The party included a full band plus lots of vendors selling wedding-related merchandise and treats.
The County Clerk’s office went all out with gifts bestowed upon the couples. There was a raffle for prizes including free dinners and staycations provided by local businesses. And best of all, the city was handing out glasses of champagne to the couples.
While the midnight session had the best party atmosphere, all of the couples in attendance walked away with a swag bag.
Final Thoughts
First, let me say this event was so much fun to photograph. Even if you are not a romantic at heart, you could feel the love flowing at every ceremony.
What fascinated me was the wonderful diversity of all the participating couples. Old couples who acted like smitten teenagers. Parents with little ones who were renewing their vows. Brides and grooms in elaborate outfits exchanging vows next to couples who looked like they just walked over while running errands. Every couple was different. And yet, every couple was clearly in love.
Enjoy the images, and I will have lots more photo adventures for you next week! I will also have for you all the details of how to get married at the Bexar County Courthouse, just in case you missed this year’s mass wedding.
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Are you interested in saying ‘I do’ on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.
If you would like to view photos from previous City Hall weddings I have photographed, check out links here, here, and here.
To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com
