Two retired judges — — performed the early morning ceremonies, and a minister was expected to arrive later in the day to handle religious ceremonies.
Mayor Michael Hancock was also expected to officiate some of the marriages.
“I think it is more of a romantic day. What more a better day to get married than a day of love,” said Darlene Rodgers, 27, as she waited for a judge to legally bind her life to that of Alfonso Valdez, 35.
The two, who have been together for 10 years, were among couples who shared their vows amidst walls decorated with red hearts, and backdrops for the ceremonies that included a poster of a rustic brick wall, braced by white, fluted columns.
“I’m happy, because my mommy and daddy are married,” said the couple’s daughter, Amalia, a dark-eyed 7-year-old wearing a white dress.
There is not much chance of forgetting an anniversary for those marrying on Valentine’s Day, Valdez said. “You won’t forget you marry on that day.”
Tuesday was the 10th annual Valentine’s Day celebration held at the Clerk’s office and 100 couples tied the knot — a new record for the event. The previous high was 90 marriages and six civil unions during the 2014 celebration.
Though the ceremonies were free Tuesday, there was a $30 charge for marriage licenses.
Michael and Ruby Simpson were a couple for 15 years before marrying. “He was dragging his feet,” Ruby, 65, said.
Michael, 60, decided to buck a marriage trend that finds an estimated 40 to 50 percent of first marriages ending in divorce.
“I decided to do it backwards,” Michael said. “Most people are divorced after 15 years.”
Erinn Chambers, 32, wore a flowing white gown, her groom, Nao Bey, 38, a dark suit.
They had planned to marry in a year at a traditional wedding party at Hudson Gardens, when Chambers’ father saw advertisements for the Valentine’s Day ceremony.
“We already had the wedding dress, and bought the ring,” said Bey. “We were about 70 percent there and so when this came up we figured why not save some money” that they could use to start their future together.
Al Martinez, 29, and Isaac Ray, 22, are planning a honeymoon in Florida later this year. But on Tuesday, they were dressed for a normal day of work, and after taking their vows, they planned to go about their regular business.
“I’m either going to go home and clean up the house, and break the news to the dogs and cats” Ray said, “or go to work.”
