Partners arrive hand in hand, walking up the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse, reminiscing on the time they have been together, which has led them to this moment. Love is what makes life divine, especially when shared in a harmonious gathering like the free weddings held in San Antonio. The love of many couples was solidified at the Bexar County Courthouse this Valentine’s Day, as hundreds of love birds came to the courthouse steps and were graced with a free wedding ceremony. The event has taken place annually for the past 35 years, becoming a loving communal celebration for all to enjoy.
The event requires couples to obtain a marriage license at least 72 hours before the ceremony. Getting a marriage license costs $80 in Bexar County, a fraction of the cost of an entire wedding banquet. The affordability makes it easy for couples to tie the knot in a romantic way.
Beginning at midnight, the first mass wedding of the day was held on the Courthouse steps. The first 50 couples to arrive received a rose, which was donated by The Last Straw Florist flower shop.
Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adamic Clark, who officiated the weddings, said that “There must have been close to 1,000 people here. One couple brought in 50 family members and friends.”
Following the 10 a.m. wedding ceremony, Clark touched on the ease of the event and how it has evolved over the years. She also brings up the peaceful ambience that radiated throughout the day.
“It’s so convenient to get a license and get everything done on a one-stop-shop out here in the beautiful courthouse,” Clark said. “This is the one time in the year that we can celebrate with our community, and there’s no issues. I mean, thank God. We’ve never had any problems at all. It’s been very peaceful, because it’s a peaceful moment, and they’re saying, ‘I do.’”
Some people came to the wedding ceremony to renew their vows, rekindling that adoring passion in their relationship. Partners looked deeply into each other’s eyes and were granted the opportunity to recite their vows during the wedding ceremony that Clark led. At the end, Clark pronounced everyone as newlyweds. Cheering from everyone who attended the ceremony filled 100 Dolorosa St.
The United States Postal Service Love Stamp for 2025 was unveiled during the mid-day wedding ceremony presented by Postmaster Robert D. Carr Jr. The Stamp had a 1985 untitled drawing by the late artist Keith Haring.
“[It’s] a first-class stamp and it will be that way forever, and it’s always protecting and projecting something to do with love. This year is no different,” Carr said.
The final wedding ceremony was brought to a close at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14. It was cold and windy this Valentine’s Day, but as the saying goes, “cold hands, warm hearts.” In the case of the couples who got married this past week, this statement remained true.
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