Valentine's Day weddings offered at the Plaza de Las Cruces and Doña Ana County Government Center
LAS CRUCES – Love is in the air and in Doña Ana County this month. Couples wishing to get married on Valentine’s Day have several options this year.
Plaza weddings by Morning Star Church
Morning Start United Methodist Church is hosting its second annual free drive-thru and walk-up weddings on the Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main St. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, couples are welcome to partake in the church’s offered ceremonies.
The Valentine’s Day weddings started in 2022 to address the lack of availability at area venues for people to get married during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an email from Morning Star’s Executive Minister Stuart Davenport. The event is also a way for the church to give back to the community.
About 32 couples either got married or renewed their vows on the plaza in 2022.
Rev. Amy Wilson Feltz will facilitate the ceremonies. Each couple will have a professional photograph taken after reciting their vows, and will receive flowers, cupcakes and sparkling cider to celebrate, as supplies last. Davenport said couples will also receive a coupon for marriage counseling.
"It was such a joy to take part in the special day of so many couples last year," Wilson Feltz said in a news release. "It is our hope that these free outdoor ceremonies at the Plaza De Las Cruces continue to enable people in our community to celebrate their commitments in a low-stress, fun and safe environment.”
To make the marriage legal, couples must obtain an official marriage license from the Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office, located at 845 N. Motel Blvd., before the wedding ceremony takes place. Appointments for licenses can be made online at donaanacounty.org or by calling 575-647-7421.
Reservations for the wedding ceremonies on the plaza are not required but encouraged. Couples can call 575-521-3770 to reserve a timeslot.
“We are looking forward to witnessing these expressions of love with our neighbors as we are all reminded that good things still are happening in the world,” Wilson Feltz said.
Doña Ana County government offices hosting Romance on the Rotunda
The Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office, along with the county probate judge’s office, announced that wedding ceremonies will be performed at the Doña Ana County Government Center on Valentine’s Day during Romance at the Rotunda.
Couples must first complete a marriage application which can be done online at https://donaana.nm.publicsearch.us/. An appointment must be scheduled next, which is when the license will be issued – both applicants must be present. People will need to schedule their ceremony for Feb. 14 during offered timeslots.
Marriage licenses are $25, but the Romance at the Rotunda ceremonies are free of charge.
Couples are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before their ceremony to check in outside room 113 at the county building. Probate Judge Judith Ann Baca, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Deputy Clerk Brandi Delgado will serve as officiants throughout the day.
A collective wedding ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for those who are not able to schedule an earlier timeslot or miss their appointment. Couples must complete the application process and receive a blank marriage license before 3:30 p.m. to participate.
People are encouraged to bring bouquets, veils, rings, personalized vows, cameras and other sentimental items with them for the ceremonies.
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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Valentine's Day weddings offered at Plaza de Las Cruces, county government center
