The Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office will officiate “Scaremonies” again for the public on Friday October 29, 2021, bringing back a unique tradition for the department.
In past years, the Clerk-Recorder has celebrated Halloween with “Scaremonies,” wedding ceremonies officiated by clerk staff in costume, for those customers who are interested. Approximately 20 ceremonies will be performed at the Contra Costa County Clerk’s office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.
“Scaremonies is a well-loved tradition by customers and staff alike, and we are excited to bring them back this year.” Assistant Clerk-Recorder Barbara Dunmore said. “The appointments were very popular once again, and we are pleased to be able to accommodate those customers who want to be part of this fun tradition.”
Annually around Halloween, the County Clerk’s Office officiates Scaremonies as part of a Halloween tradition at the office with clerk-staff dressed in costume. While the office remained open throughout most of the pandemic and continued to provide services to those residents who needed marriage licenses and who wanted ceremonies, the office was unable to offer this particular event last year.
As with all ceremony appointments currently being offered onsite, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office takes precautions to keep our constituents and our staff safe. COVID-19 protocols will be in place and ceremonies will be conducted with a transparent barrier between the couple and the officiant. Up to 5 guests may join the couple in the ceremony room.
All appointments for the Friday ceremonies have been filled, and the County Clerk’s Office does not accept walk-in appointments for ceremonies. If you would like to apply for a marriage license, appointments are currently available.
Before booking any ceremonies, couples must obtain a marriage license at the main office in Martinez. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential marriage license for $90.
The County Clerk’s Office continues to conduct wedding ceremonies during the week. Couples interested in having their ceremony at the Martinez office must make an appointment. For more information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to https://www.ccclerkrec.us/ or call the office at 925-335-7900.
