Santa Clara County Clerk's Office Offers Valentine's Day 'Express Weddings'
SAN JOSE (KCBS)— Love is in the air at the Santa Clara County Clerk's Office, where officials are now offering "express weddings" on Valentine's Day. However, one divorce lawyer says, from experience, that these types of weddings can also result in speedy separations.
On the morning of Valentine's Day, couples and families were packed into the office, where an automated voice would announce which couple's number was next in line for their express nuptials exchange.
Santa Clara County couples can walk in, purchase a license and be married at the service counter with no appointment required.
Bride and groom Nobu and Arisa Moryoka said they were both nervous since they only expect to do this once in their lifetime.
"On one hand, I think it's fine if people are madly, crazy in love with each other and they want to go and get married. Now is the day to do it," said San Jose divorce attorney Fred Begun.
He added that some couples who opt for fast weddings may also be headed for quickie separations.
"In California, divorce is pretty easy. You want to get a divorce, you check the box and in a few months (technically six months by statute) you can be divorced," he said.
According to the County Clerk-Recorder's office, the number of weddings on Valentine's Day more than triples an average day.