County Says Yes to Nuptial Rites

This was one proposal the Ventura County Board of Supervisors couldn’t turn down.

After holding off for more than a century, supervisors finally said “yes” to County Clerk Philip Schmit’s request Tuesday to start performing marriages at the Hall of Administration.

The clerk’s office has long issued marriage certificates to couples at the Hall of Administration in Ventura. But until now, the clerk has not performed the civil ceremony that makes it all official.

The reason for the change of heart was money.

Schmit told supervisors he could save four clerical positions in his office by charging $25 for each ceremony. His office gets about 10 requests a week for a quick service, he said.

Fees for a variety of other services, such as providing a marriage license or a copy, will also increase 41% to 306% as of July 1 to stave off reductions. The increases combined with those charged for civil ceremonies could generate more than $340,000 a year for the clerk’s office, officials said.

“We’re promoting family values for a modest price,” quipped County Executive Officer Johnny Johnston.

Schmit said the county historically has kept fees low as a benefit to the public. But with Ventura County government facing a $36-million budget shortfall, the time for generosity has passed, he told supervisors.

Many other counties and municipalities offer civil ceremonies, he said.

As the county’s commissioner of civil marriages, Schmit has occasionally performed the ceremony himself.

But starting July 1, all of the clerks manning the marriage certificate counter will be deputized to do the same, he said. Not only is it convenient, it’s a bargain, the clerk said. Judges, pastors and other officiaries typically charge between $200 and $400 to wed couples.

Most of the ceremonies will take place at the counter, he said.

If a couple wants privacy, however, Schmit said he would be willing to give up his office for a few minutes. He even plans to bring in a white wedding arch, decorated with artificial flowers and bows, to add a festive touch.

“Someone suggested that we charge $50 to do the ceremony in front of the [outside] fountain, and $75 if the couple wanted water coming out of it,” he joked.

Berto Morales, 21, and his soon-to-be wife Claudia Gonzalez, 20, thought the new service is a good idea. Filling out their marriage certificate Tuesday, the couple said they already had a wedding party planned for June 5.

But for couples trying to save a few dollars, a tidy civil service might be just the ticket, Morales said.

“Instead of going to Vegas, come here,” he said. “It’s a lot cheaper.”

Schmit, 59, who will celebrate his 33rd wedding anniversary on June 5, offered the young couple a bit of advice.

“Marriage is like banking,” he said. “If you show interest, you get good dividends.”