It was the second time around for one couple.
The culmination of a relationship that started in high school for another couple.
And a same-sex couple cited the current political climate for their decision to get married.
Valentine’s Day was a busy one for Pima County Justice Court in downtown Tucson.
Donna and Rod Scholl reignited their love by getting married for a second time Friday.
They’d been split for four years.
“We reunited, not intentionally, but when I had to come back into town for a document,” said Rod, 79.
Donna put in a request for a wedding appointment. To her surprise, the Feb. 14 slots were open.
“That’s a great opportunity for us,” said Donna, 74.
Donna and Rod Scholl share a kiss after their Valentine’s Day marriage ceremony at Pima County Justice Court. The couple had been married previously, but split for four years.
Rod agreed, also noting that getting married on Valentine’s Day would make it easy to remember anniversaries.
Judge Kristel Ann Foster and Judge Ronald Newman performed about 50 scheduled marriages throughout the day.
“Everybody knows about Valentine’s Day being a day of love,” Foster said. “So, I figured, let’s make this an annual event.”
Foster said the court workload can make it difficult for people to get an appointment for a wedding.
Contrary to movies, there is a process to getting married in court. This year the court decided to schedule weddings in advance rather than allow walk-ins.
Foster decorates her courtroom with pink and red balloons to help give a romantic feel.
Some of the couples Friday had a crowd watching their ceremony while others included only the required pair of legal witnesses.
Wardrobes varied from cargo shorts and T-shirts to full wedding dresses and suits.
Sonia Contreras, left, and Celia Moreno share a smile as they get married Friday. Judge Kristel Ann Foster and Judge Ronald Newman performed about 50 scheduled marriages throughout the day at Pima County Justice Court.
Surrounded by family and friends, Celia Contreras and Sonia Palomares walked into the courtroom ready to marry. Contreras carried flowers and had her makeup done, while the entire party wore bright white.
“With everything that’s going we just want to do it before anything can happen,” Palomares said, referring to the federal government’s changing policies, prompting concern same-sex marriages could be challenged.
The two met because of Celia’s mom, who Sonia said was playing “cupid” by setting them up. They’ve been together for about four years since then.
Foster performed their ceremony in Spanish, which is common for her.
She offers bilingual weddings, Foster says, so that couples understand and mean the words they say in the ceremony.
“When you say something in another language, you know, it doesn’t necessarily feel right,” Foster said.
From left to right, Liannee Roman, hands her two-month-old, Arnold Mendoza III, to Aracely Mendoza, as her new husband, Arnold Mendoza, signs the couple’s marriage certificate Friday in front of at Pima County Justice Court Judge Kristel Ann Foster.
For Arnold Mendoza and Liannee Roman, aged 24 and 25, the ceremony is the result of a high school romance and two-year long engagement. They wore T-shirts and his ensemble included tan cargo shorts. The couple said they were excited to get married in the casual environment with their two-month-old baby.
“It feels great,” Arnold said. “I’ve been in love with her since high school.”
Liannee said she and Arnold were friends before she agreed to go on a date.
Soon she realized she wanted to be with him forever.
“I’m ready to commit my life to him,” Liannee said.
Photos: Close to 100 couples say "I do," in courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
Sonia Contreras, left, and Celia Moreno share a smile together as they get married at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
Sonia Contreras, second from left, hugs her step-daughter, Carolina Monteon, after marrying Celia Moreno, second from right, at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
From left to right, Liannee Roman, hands off her two month old baby, Arnold Mendoza III, to Aracely Mendoza, as her new husband, Arnold Mendoza, signs the marriage certificate in front of Judge Kristel Ann Foster at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025. The couple met in high school and Roman said they were friends for a while first before becoming a couple.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
Donna and Rod Scholl share a kiss after getting married at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025. The couple had been married previously, but split for four years before getting back together.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
Jesus Arvizu and Miriam Diaz stand together as they get married at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
Monica Laborin smiles as she watches her son kiss his new wife after getting married at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
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Tetiana Dziun, left, and David Funckes, both deaf, watch the ASL interpreter as they get married at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.
Courthouse weddings on Valentine's Day
Updated
Joseph Kinsley, left, and Lorelei Arvizu pose for a photo before their wedding ceremony at Pima County Justice Court on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.



