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San Mateo County Clerks Volunteer To Stay Open So 10 Couples Can Marry On Valentine's Day

SAN MATEO (CBS SF) -- Some Bay Area couples chose what they consider the most romantic day of the year to tie the knot.

Most Sundays, the San Mateo County Recorder's Office sits empty.  But, this wasn't just any Sunday – It was Valentine's Day.

"It's a day that we celebrate love and romance in our county.  So, what could be better than that?" San Mateo Assistant Clerk-Recorder Jim Irizarry said.

Whenever Valentine's Day falls on a weekend, a bunch of softies at the clerk's office volunteer to come in on their day off to help others tie the knot.  Couple after couple march down the narrow hallway to the county's wedding chapel.

David Ochoa married his sweetheart Brianna Chavez on Valentine's Day because they thought it would be perfect timing.

"It's an easy date to remember.  So, like David said, it's a two-for-one deal.  He'll get a Valentine's Day and an anniversary gift at one time!" Bride Brianna Chavez said.

Whatever their reasons, ten couples united on this day, opting for a simple civil ceremony complete with DVD recording.  But, the feelings still ran deep.

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