San Diego, CA - San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk & Commissioner of Civil Marriages Jordan Z. Marks partnered with the Larry Himmel Foundation and the Helpful Honda People. The Himmel Foundation offered free marriage licenses and ceremonies to the first 20 couples on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. This will be on a first-come first-serve basis only at the County Waterfront Park located in downtown San Diego. Doors open at 8 AM.

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Jordan Z. Marks said, “Valentine’s Day is always a special day to elevate your love and this year I’m bringing Cupid and his checkbook to make it more special at our downtown historic waterfront location.” Marks continued, “I am thrilled to partner with the Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation again and to extend this tradition and offer 20 couples the opportunity to create cherished memories on their special day. The late Larry Himmel was a beloved figure renowned for his compassion and humor.”

Miles Himmel, Larry Himmel's son and founder of the foundation will be on hand to celebrate the newlyweds and pay for their marriage license and ceremony fees. Himmel said, "My dad loved Valentine’s Day and he was always looking for ways to spread joy on this special day,” said Himmel. “He would buy dozens of roses and hand them out to random people. In 2005, he even married a couple on Valentine’s Day, which became a story on the evening newscast." Himmel added, "In keeping with my dad’s spirit, we want to continue the tradition by helping couples tie the knot and ease the cost burden on their special day."

The Helpful Honda people from the San Diego Honda Dealers will also be on hand surprising newlyweds at the downtown location with complimentary roses and more exciting gifts throughout the day.

Our downtown San Diego Waterfront Park, Chula Vista, Santee, and San Marcos offices are all open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for marriage license and ceremony appointments.   The downtown San Diego Waterfront Park will accept walk-in couples without an appointment until 4:30 pm.

Appointments can be made online at www.sdarcc.gov or by calling (619) 237-0502. The cost of a non-confidential marriage license is $129.00. If the couple would like their ceremony to be performed by one of our wonderful County staff, the cost is an additional $107.00. 

Ceremonies can be conducted in English or Spanish.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Media is invited to cover wedding ceremonies at the County Administration Center at 1600 Pacific Highway on Valentine’s Day. Commissioner of Civil Marriages Jordan Marks is available for studio or day of scheduled live appearances.