Season of Love: Judge Speedlin Gonzalez Offers No-Cost Wedding Ceremonies Through February

February 1, 2021 - San Antonio

Love is in the air. “It’s time that our LGBTQIA brethren have equal access to all things legal: marriage, adoption, [and] justice,” said Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez who is offering no-cost wedding ceremonies to both LGBTQIA and hetero… — **Love is in the air.** “It’s time that our LGBTQIA brethren have equal access to all things legal: marriage, adoption, [and] justice,” said Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez who is offering no-cost wedding ceremonies to both LGBTQIA and heterosexual couples throughout the month of February. *Photo: Facebook.*

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez is offering no-cost wedding ceremonies at the County Courthouse throughout the month of February

"During this pandemic, many want to marry those they love and care for most to add them under their health insurance provider; I want to faciliate that," said the judge

Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez is carrying on her annual tradition of offering no-cost wedding ceremonies at the County Courthouse throughout the month of February.

According to an announcement she posted on her Facebook page Monday, ceremonies will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ups are welcome.

Covid-19 protocols, such as the wearing of masks, maintaining a six-feet distance from others, and washing your hands, will be strictly observed, and only two guests will be allowed in the ceremony. These two guests, the happy couple, the judge, and the required deputy is a total of six individuals in the room.

I asked Speedlin Gonzalez why offering no-cost February wedding ceremonies to both LGBTQIA and heterosexual couples is important to her.

“The most important reason for me personally is that it is a judicial duty that I swore to execute in my capacity as a County Court-at-Law Judge,” she replied via Facebook Messenger. “I personally do not believe I should charge to perform ceremonies during regular courthouse business hours.”

She does, however, charge a fee for ceremonies requested after regular business hours, evenings and weekends.

“During this pandemic, many want to marry those they love and care for most to add them under their health insurance provider, and I want to facilitate that,” she added.

Speedlin Gonzalez, the first openly LGBTQIA judge in the history of Bexar County, has been a longtime advocate for equality on all fronts.

“It’s time that our LGBTQIA brethren have equal access to all things legal: marriage, adoption, [and] justice,” she said.

To schedule a ceremony, call 210-335-2625 during regular business hours.

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded