Valentine's Day a popular time to get married in Fresno

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Saturday, February 13, 2016
Valentine's Day a popular time to get married in Fresno
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and while some are scrambling to find last-minute gift ideas others are running to the altar.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valentine's Day is right around the corner and while some are scrambling to find last-minute gift ideas others are running to the altar.

Love is in the air, and while some express their love through cards, candy, flowers and gifts others celebrate with a wedding license -- making it official. "All of the couples are happy to be with us and are excited to enter into their new life," Fresno County clerk Brandi Orth said.

Like Isaac Martinez and his new wife Vanessa, "We just got married after 3 years of being together," Isaac said.

They'll be spending their Valentines day honeymooning. The Fresno County Clerk's office says this is its busiest time of year. And this holiday weekend is such a popular one. Typically they sign anywhere from 10 to 20 marriage licenses, but on Friday, they're quadrupling that. "They may take their license and go elsewhere or we can do that for them provide a witness and actually do the ceremony here," Orth said.

This is the first Valentine's Day at the new location. "We have this wonderful space," Orth said. "And we have a picture of the Fresno County blossom trail that's part of our chapel experience for our couples."

So to share the love, "we always choose a nonprofit to assist in our Valentines Day celebration," Orth explained.

This year it's Terry's House, set up in front of the clerks office is a drive to stock the non-profit with household items.

The clerk's office isn't the only place people are feeling the love. According to WalletHub, 14 million people are expected to get a proposal for the most romantic day of the year nationwide.