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On Valentine’s Day—for the first time ever—the Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder’s Office expanded its special marriage services beyond the county courthouse, giving couples the opportunity to tie the knot in civil ceremonies at several seaside locations. The following article was written by Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Juan Pablo Cervantes.

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Love knows no bounds, and this year, neither did Humboldt County’s civil wedding ceremonies. In what became a record-breaking day for my team at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, we had the joy of uniting 17 couples in marriage. This was the most weddings ever performed in a single day by the county Clerk-Recorder’s Office. And for the first time, these ceremonies weren’t just held within courthouse walls—they unfolded in two of our county’s most breathtaking outdoor locations: Clam Beach County Park, where the crashing waves set a dramatic and romantic stage, and Table Bluff County Park, where a stately cypress tree framed the coastline’s sweeping views.

Couples came from near and far—including as far as Washington, D.C. and New York—to exchange vows in these stunning settings. Some arrived with just a witness or two, while others brought small groups of family and friends to celebrate. No matter the size, each ceremony was filled with joy, emotion, and the simple beauty of two people committing to a lifetime together.

Among them were Brian Amparan & Angelita Gonzalez, who exchanged vows at Table Bluff County Park, their ceremony officiated by Supervisor Rex Bohn beneath the sweeping coastal views. Just steps away, Jennifer Bertie & Owen Hooven stood beneath the towering cypress tree as Supervisor Natalie Arroyo led them through their vows, the ocean breeze adding a touch of natural beauty to an already perfect moment. These celebrations, like so many throughout the day, were filled with heartfelt emotion and the quiet magic of a wedding day.

Weddings are some of life’s most cherished moments, and witnessing so many couples step into their new chapter reminded me of my own—because my wedding day was the best day of my life. No matter where it happens, the moment you say “I do” stays with you forever, and seeing that same joy on the faces of these couples was a powerful reminder of what makes these ceremonies so meaningful.

Since I have had the honor of being elected to serve as Humboldt County’s Clerk-Recorder, my team has had the opportunity to rethink how marriage services are provided. Expanding service hours and locations on Valentine’s Day reflects our desire to make weddings and the services we provide more accessible to folks who live outside of Eureka.

To do this takes a true community effort. The success of the day was made possible by the dedicated work of the county’s staff and local businesses, all coming together to create something special.

A heartfelt thank you to Public Information Specialist Catarina Gallardo, whose outreach efforts ensured couples knew about this unique opportunity. Catarina even stepped in to officiate one of the ceremonies, making the day even more memorable. Our incredible AFSCME-represented staff from both the Clerk-Recorder’s and Elections offices worked behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly, ensuring each couple had a seamless and stress-free experience.

We were also honored to have Supervisors Natalie Arroyo, Rex Bohn, and Mike Wilson, as well as Interim Auditor-Controller Mychal Evenson, officiating throughout the day. Their participation added an extra special touch, making the experience all the more meaningful for the couples exchanging vows.

A special thank you to Eureka Florist, whose generosity transformed our ceremony spaces with beautifully decorated arches, stunning centerpieces, and elegant bridal bouquets. Their floral arrangements added a touch of romance and beauty that made each ceremony and couple feel extra special. And at Table Bluff, where the coastal weather kept us on our toes, North Coast Event Rentals provided a gorgeous canopy that kept our couples and guests dry, ensuring the celebrations could go on without a hitch, rain or shine.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Love Across the County

With the overwhelming success of this event, we’re already planning for the future. We plan to expand this initiative across the entire county, bringing wedding ceremonies to every supervisorial district on Valentine’s Day next year. This not only gives couples more opportunities to say “I do” in meaningful and unique locations but also showcases the incredible beauty of our county parks as stunning wedding venues.

As such, couples thinking about getting married may want to consider this special opportunity for next year. Whether it’s at the beach, beneath a redwood grove, or in a scenic open space, we look forward to providing more couples with the chance to celebrate their love in a setting as unforgettable as the moment itself.

As the sun dipped below the Pacific, closing out a day filled with love, laughter, and new beginnings, one thing was clear—this was more than just a day of ceremonies. It was a testament to the power of community, the beauty of love, and the magic of saying “I do” in a place as extraordinary as the people who call our county home.

For now, we celebrate the 17 couples who made history with us and look forward to many more joyful unions in the future.