Vida En El Valle Blogs: The Latin voice of the central valley.

‘Share The Love’ with a Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony in Fresno!

This Saturday’s Valentine’s Day theme at the Fresno County Clerk’s office of Victor Salazar is ‘Share the Love.’ In a concerted effort to keep the ‘Fiscal Grinch’ from dampening the spirits of those in love, Salazar has invited Fresno County workers to perform marriageceremonies throughout Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And what’s new? As of Jan. 1, the Name Equality Act of 2007 went into effect. This means those who are tying the proverbial knot will have the right to change their names too. So if you enter the downtown Fresno office with the names “Alarcon” and “Mor” for example, you can exit, if you like, with the new name as “Amor!” It’s a combination of Alarcon and Mor = Amor! (Salazar came up with that one … ha!).

Valentine’s Day weddings are a huge event for Salazar. Well for anyone working that day really because they all participate in the decorating of the office. Many of the grooms show up dressed sharp and the wedding gowns are just as exquisite on the brides. Some couples even show up with ring bearers and tons of family.

And many couples simply bring the love they have for one another, while sporting their favorite jeans. It’s no pressure, really. Have fun with it.

In last year’s ceremonies, Salazar swore in members of the media as commissioners and they conducted marriages all day.

And in 2007, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims led members of law enforcement in the proceedings. And not a single groom needed to be handcuffed to their bride.

Salazar swears in every volunteer who conducts any of the more-than 80 weddings performed in his office on Valentine’s Day. And it’s legal: Once sworn in, they are official Deputy Commissioners of Marriages (just for the day, so you volunteers, don’t get a big head).

It’s the most ceremonies the office conducts on a single day. So dress sharp, bring your relatives and $70 bucks ($49 for the marriage license and $21 for the ceremony). The media shows up throughout the day, so don’t be surprised if you wind up in the newspapers, the Internet or on TV.

The County Clerk’s Office is located at 2221 Kern Street in Downtown Fresno (Information by telephone is available in English and Spanish by calling (559) 488-1730 or (559) 488-3428). Keep in mind, to be married, you must provide a valid photo identification. The cost for the marriage license is $49 and $21 for the ceremony ($70 total).