Dallas, February 10, 2026
On Valentine’s Day, the 101st Civil District Court in Dallas will waive fees for wedding ceremonies, allowing couples to marry or renew vows for free. Officiated by Judge Staci Williams, ceremonies will occur at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courthouse from noon to 4:15 p.m. Couples must secure a Texas marriage license at least 72 hours prior. This initiative aims to promote community engagement and diminish financial barriers to marriage, making love more accessible to all couples in Dallas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 101st Civil District Court offering on Valentine’s Day?
The 101st Civil District Court is offering free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, waiving the usual $80 fee.
When and where will the ceremonies take place?
The ceremonies will be conducted by Judge Staci Williams from noon to 4:15 p.m. at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courthouse, located at 600 Commerce St., Dallas, Texas.
How can couples obtain a marriage license?
Couples must obtain a valid Texas marriage license at least 72 hours before the ceremony. The license can be acquired by completing an online application and visiting the Records Building at 500 Elm St. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Is there a fee for the ceremony?
No, the usual $80 marriage fee is waived for this Valentine’s Day event.
How are the ceremonies scheduled?
The weddings will be performed on a “first-come, first-served” basis during the designated hours.
Who can participate in the ceremonies?
The event is open to all couples, whether they are marrying for the first time or renewing their vows.
Dallas Courthouse to Host Free Wedding Ceremonies on Valentine’s Day
Dallas, Texas – The 101st Civil District Court in Dallas County is set to create a special celebration this Valentine’s Day by offering free wedding ceremonies on February 14, 2026. This heartfelt initiative aims to provide couples with an opportunity to marry or renew their vows without the financial burden typically associated with such events.
This effort not only highlights the courthouse’s commitment to community engagement but also recognizes the spirit of love that characterizes Valentine’s Day. The reduced regulatory burden on marriages encourages more couples to take this meaningful step in their lives, reaffirming the value of local institutions in fostering personal and economic growth.
Details of the Valentine’s Day Wedding Event
The ceremonies will take place at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courthouse located at 600 Commerce St., Dallas, Texas, from noon to 4:15 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Judge Staci Williams will officiate the weddings, which will be conducted on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Couples must also acquire a valid Texas marriage license at least 72 hours prior to the ceremony.
This initiative not only aims to bring joy to couples but also provides an encouraging example of how local governments can lessen financial barriers to important life events. Last year, many couples took advantage of the free wedding ceremony offer, reflecting positively on community spirit and the court’s role in facilitating significant milestones without excess costs.
Requirements for Participation
To participate in this unique opportunity, couples must ensure that they obtain their marriage licenses in advance. This can be done through an online application followed by a visit to the Records Building at 500 Elm St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Once the marriage license is secured, couples should present it to Judge Williams on the day of the ceremony.
Key Features of the Valentine’s Day Wedding Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day |
| Date | February 14, 2026 |
| Time | Noon to 4:15 p.m. |
| Location | George L. Allen, Sr. Courthouse, 600 Commerce St., Dallas, Texas |
| Officiant | Judge Staci Williams |
| Marriage License Requirement | Obtain a valid Texas marriage license at least 72 hours before the ceremony |
| Fee | Waived for this event |
| Scheduling | First-come, first-served basis during designated hours |
| Eligibility | Open to all couples, whether marrying for the first time or renewing vows |
The Community Impact
This event not only underscores the personal significance of marriage but also illustrates how local initiatives can effectuate positive change within the community. By addressing financial barriers, the courthouse is enabling couples to focus more on the significance of their vows and less on the expenses associated with them. This kind of responsiveness helps create a culture of support and inclusivity in Dallas.
As other jurisdictions observe this initiative, it can serve as a model for similar programs elsewhere, illustrating the benefits of local government working hand-in-hand with its citizens.
Conclusion
The free wedding ceremonies offered by the 101st Civil District Court on Valentine’s Day are a commendable effort to make such a meaningful event accessible to all couples in the Dallas community. For those interested in participating, it’s an excellent opportunity to embrace love without financial constraints, and for the broader community, it serves as a reminder of the potential positive impact of reduced red tape and local engagement. Couples are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity and to continue supporting local initiatives that stimulate personal milestones while enhancing community cohesion.
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
