Hundreds of Couples Tie the Knot on Valentine's Day in San Diego

Over 200 couples expected to get married at the San Diego County Administration Building on the most romantic day of the year.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Hundreds of couples chose Valentine's Day to get married at the San Diego County Administration Building, with over 200 weddings expected throughout the day. The county opened on a Saturday to make the Valentine's Day weddings happen, with staff volunteering their time for the special event. During a time when weddings can cost thousands of dollars, county officials say this provides an affordable yet still romantic option for couples.

Why it matters

The mass wedding event at the San Diego County Administration Building highlights the continued popularity of Valentine's Day as a day for couples to take the next step in their relationships. It also showcases how local governments can provide affordable and accessible options for couples to get married, especially for those who may not have the means for an expensive traditional wedding.

The details

Over 200 couples were expected to get married at the San Diego County Administration Building on Valentine's Day. The county opened on a Saturday and staff volunteered their time to facilitate the special event. County officials noted that traditional weddings can cost $20,000 to $40,000, making the county's affordable option an attractive choice for many couples.

  • The county opened on a Saturday to make the Valentine's Day weddings happen.
  • Over 200 couples were expected to get married throughout the day on February 14, 2026.

The players

Jordan Marks

The San Diego County assessor, recorder and county clerk who oversaw the Valentine's Day wedding event.

Alex Birch

A groom who proposed to his now-wife Katie Sauve last Valentine's Day and decided to make it official on the same day in 2026.

Katie Sauve

The bride who accepted Alex Birch's proposal last Valentine's Day and got married to him on the same day in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Today we have 150 reservations, and with walk-ins we'll be over 200 couples taking the big leap.”

— Jordan Marks, San Diego County assessor, recorder and county clerk (10news.com)

“He's my best friend. He makes me laugh. He knows me better than anybody else.”

— Katie Sauve (10news.com)

“I love everything about her. She's bubbly, she's smart, she's incredibly kind of ambitious.”

— Alex Birch (10news.com)

What’s next

The newlywed couples plan to celebrate with a bigger wedding in Cancun this spring after making their marriage official on Valentine's Day.

The takeaway

The mass wedding event at the San Diego County Administration Building showcases how local governments can provide affordable and accessible options for couples to get married, especially for those who may not have the means for an expensive traditional wedding. It also highlights the continued popularity of Valentine's Day as a day for couples to take the next step in their relationships.