George Boyle
San Antonio has a long-standing tradition of hosting mass Valentine's Day weddings on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse. In 2019, 36 couples exchanged wedding vows in the 10 am ceremony, and another 62 couples attended the midnight service. The tradition continued in 2024, with ceremonies held at various times throughout the day, starting at midnight. In 2025, the Bexar County Courthouse is once again offering complimentary mass weddings, with ceremonies taking place from midnight to 2 pm on February 14.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa St, San Antonio, Texas |
| Date | February 13-14 |
| Time | Midnight to 2 pm |
| Cost | Free |
| Requirements | Marriage license unless waived by a judge or if you're active-duty military |
| Number of Couples | First 50 couples receive a rose |
| Additional Information | Ceremonies and celebrations include a newlywed block party hosted by Main Plaza Conservancy |
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What You'll Learn
Free weddings at the Bexar County Courthouse
For couples looking to tie the knot in San Antonio on Valentine's Day, the Bexar County Courthouse offers free weddings. This tradition sees couples celebrating their nuptials in a romantic, no-cost ceremony.
While Texas has a 72-hour waiting period for marriage licenses, waivers are available for those who qualify. Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark has hosted these ceremonies, with festivities often beginning at midnight on the courthouse steps. In 2024, there were two block parties to celebrate, including one the night before the ceremonies. The first 50 couples received a rose, and there was a performance by a doo-wop group.
In 2021, the tradition was cancelled, but it appears to have resumed in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, four ceremonies were held on the north steps of the courthouse, located at 100 Dolorsa. The first took place at 12:01 a.m., followed by a ceremony at noon where the United States Postal Service Postmaster unveiled the 2024 Love Stamp.
For those looking to celebrate Valentine's Day in San Antonio without getting married, there are plenty of other romantic options. Couples can enjoy an adult evening at the DoSeum, a burlesque event at Artisan Craft Bar, or a romantic painting session at McIntyre's North Star. A Valentine's Sunset Cruise along the San Antonio River is another option, as well as a visit to the San Antonio Zoo for an intimate look at animal habits. The city's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions, also offers a blend of history and beauty for a unique Valentine's Day experience.
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Ceremonies held at midnight
San Antonio has a long-standing tradition of holding mass Valentine's Day weddings on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse. The event is free to attend, but couples must have a marriage license unless they are active-duty military or the 72-hour waiting period is waived by a judge for good cause.
In 2019, 36 couples exchanged wedding vows in the 10 a.m. ceremony, and another 62 couples participated in the midnight service. The ceremonies were officiated by Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clarke, with County Court at Law No. 13 Judge Rosie Gonzalez providing Spanish translation. The ceremonies were scheduled for Noon and 2 p.m.
In 2021, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols, but couples were still able to get married for free on the courthouse steps on the Friday before Valentine's Day, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
The tradition continued in 2024, with four ceremonies held on the north steps of the courthouse. The first ceremony took place at 12:01 a.m. on Valentine's Day, with the first 50 couples receiving a rose donated by The Last Straw Florist flower shop. The midnight ceremony was followed by a block party hosted by the Main Plaza Conservancy on the Main Plaza grounds.
In 2025, the Bexar County Courthouse once again offered complimentary mass weddings on its north steps, with the ceremonies kicking off after midnight on February 13 and continuing until 2 p.m. on February 14. The gathering started with a block party on February 13 at 10 p.m., with weddings beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Valentine's Day.
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Couples must have a marriage license
In Kendall County, there is no online marriage license application. You will need to gather your documents and both go in person to the county clerk's office at 201 E. San Antonio Street in Boerne, TX. Marriage licenses are issued between 8 am and 11:30 am, and 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The price for a marriage license in Kendall County is $82, and they accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
After your wedding ceremony, your marriage license must be filed with your county clerk's office. Many San Antonio wedding officiants will file your marriage license for you. You can select the wedding officiant of your choice, but be sure to book an experienced officiant to ensure a seamless wedding ceremony.
In San Antonio, you can even have a justice of the peace officiate at your wedding. To do this, simply contact the justice directly after obtaining your marriage license.
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Celebrations include block parties
San Antonio is known for its Valentine's Day celebrations, including block parties and weddings. The festivities kick off with a block party on February 13, followed by weddings after midnight. The Bexar County Courthouse traditionally offers complimentary mass weddings on its north steps, with ceremonies starting at midnight and continuing until 2 pm. This year, the event will take place from February 13 at 10 pm to February 14 at 2 pm.
The Valentine's Day weddings in San Antonio are a popular tradition, with many couples choosing to exchange their vows on this romantic day. In 2019, 36 couples participated in the mass wedding ceremony, officiated by Judge Stephani Walsh, and many more have taken part in previous years. The event usually starts at midnight, with couples lining up on the courthouse steps to say their "I dos."
However, in 2021, the tradition was temporarily cancelled, leaving couples unable to marry at the courthouse that year. The event usually draws a large crowd, with people gathering to celebrate love and witness the joy of those uniting their lives together.
The block party is a vibrant celebration with music, drinks, and bites. It's a chance for the community to come together and celebrate before the weddings begin. The newlywed block party, hosted by the Main Plaza Conservancy, is a particular highlight, offering a fun and festive atmosphere for those who have just tied the knot.
So, if you're looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine's Day, head to San Antonio for their block parties and weddings. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people, and perhaps even find love. The city's rich history, romantic ambiance, and vibrant energy make it the perfect destination for a memorable Valentine's celebration.
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Donations to the Bexar County Family Justice Center are encouraged
San Antonio is a popular destination for Valentine's Day celebrations, with its rich blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and romance. The city offers various activities for couples, from exploring historic sites to enjoying romantic dinners and creative events. One notable tradition in San Antonio is the mass Valentine's Day weddings held at the Bexar County Courthouse. This year, the courthouse will continue this tradition, offering complimentary weddings starting at midnight on February 14, 2025, and continuing until 2:00 pm. Ceremonies will be held on the north side of the courthouse, providing a memorable backdrop for couples to exchange their vows.
While these weddings are free and open to all, donations to the Bexar County Family Justice Center are encouraged. The Bexar County Family Justice Center is a vital resource for the community, providing comprehensive services to victims of family violence and their families. The center offers crisis intervention, counseling, legal assistance, and other support to help individuals and families heal and rebuild their lives. By donating to the center, you can make a direct impact on the lives of those affected by family violence and contribute to a safer and more supportive community.
The donations will help support the center's ongoing efforts to prevent family violence, provide emergency shelter, and offer various programs and services to meet the diverse needs of those seeking help. These services include individual and group counseling, case management, and legal advocacy to navigate the complex issues that often arise in these situations. Additionally, the center provides educational programs and community outreach initiatives to promote healthy relationships and raise awareness about family violence prevention.
Your donations can make a significant difference in the lives of adults and children affected by family violence. The Bexar County Family Justice Center relies on the support of the community to continue its critical work. By donating, you can ensure that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to find safety, heal from their trauma, and build a brighter future. Together, we can create a stronger and more resilient community where everyone feels safe and supported.
For those interested in participating in the Valentine's Day weddings, it is important to note that a marriage license is required unless you are active-duty military or have a valid waiver from a judge. So, whether you plan to tie the knot or simply enjoy the romantic ambiance of San Antonio, consider making a donation to the Bexar County Family Justice Center to support their invaluable work in keeping our community safe and thriving.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bexar County Courthouse is offering free Valentine's Day weddings on February 14, starting at midnight.
There will be four ceremonies held on the north steps of the courthouse.
Ceremonies will be held at 12:01 am, 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.
The ceremonies are free, but a $20 donation to the Bexar County Family Justice Center is encouraged.
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