14 Couples Marry In Day Of 'Destination Weddings' At John Muir House

MARTINEZ, CA — The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office brought back the popular “Destination Weddings” event in partnership with the National Park Service.

Fourteen couples had the special opportunity Friday to hold their wedding ceremony at the John Muir National Historic Site. The ceremonies were all held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and were performed outside, at the bottom of the steps, in front of the beautiful home at 4202 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring back this very popular and special event," said Laura Wilson, acting assistant clerk-recorder. "We have some beautiful locations in Contra Costa County and our staff enjoy giving customers a unique experience for their wedding day that they will remember forever."

The ceremonies performed Friday at the John Muir National Historic Site were set in a piece of Contra Costa history. The Victorian-style mansion which was built in 1882 provided a stunning backdrop for the couples who got married. The Clerk-Recorders' Office provided seating for five guests for each ceremony.

Other past locations for Destination Weddings have included Mount Diablo State Park in Concord, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front Park in Richmond, and the California Theatre in Pittsburg. The coronavirus pandemic put a hold on the events for two-and-a-half years. Customers and staff eagerly awaited the time when the office could begin scheduling them again.

A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $86, while a confidential license is $90. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60.

For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to www.contracostacore.us or call the office at 925-335-7900 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.