Just

Going to the Chapel

By Renee de Santos

Just in time for the most romantic day of the year to propose – or get married – wedding minister Ruben Escandon is readying his Vegas-style wedding chapel.

He expects to open his chapel in Central El Paso this spring, hoping to capitalize on some of this week’s Valentine’s Day proposals.

“I’m setting up a wedding chapel here in El Paso that’s an alternative to the courthouse ceremony,” Escandon said. “It also fulfills the need for couples who want a religious ceremony but aren’t getting married in the Catholic Church.”

Escandon got into the wedding ministry business three years ago while working at the county courthouse.

He was saddened to see couples get their marriage license then travel up and down the courthouse corridors to find a judge to marry them.

“Once they’d find someone, it would be between court hearings,” Escandon says. “It was a two-minute ceremony and to me, it was nothing special.”

He customizes wedding ceremonies for couples and performs the wedding at a location of their choice. Packages range from $125 to $450. He’s still available for couples wishing to exchange vows on the most romantic day of the year. Last year, he did his share of weddings on Valentine’s Day, but it was the lucky 7-7-07 that seemed to be even more popular.

“On that particular day, I did eight weddings, one right after the other,” he said.

Even with a chapel in the works, Escandon will continue to travel to other locations to perform wedding ceremonies.

But he feels his chapel will provide a unique alternative to the sterile courthouse marriage, especially for couples who get married without friends or family as witnesses. He plans to have cameras set up so that out-of-town relatives and friends can watch their loved ones exchange vows live on the Internet.

“I do a lot of wedding for Fort Bliss soldiers,” he said. “A lot of times they are by themselves. At least with this option, it allows family back home to log in and watch the wedding online.”

For information, call Escandon at (915) 252-9840.

Story published in the El Paso Inc.  02/12/08 

Aimee and Jared Clement

 David and Loretta Ruiz

How Can We Help You?

If you would like more information on obatining your marriage license, absentee affidavits or bridge marriages,  please feel free to call me for a no obligation consultation at (915) 252-9840. 

Helpful Information for obtaining your marriage license.

• - Both applicants must be present (exception below)*
• - Submit proof of identity and age
• 1. Certified copy of a birth certificate
• 2. or some license, certificate or document issued by Texas or another state, the U.S. or a foreign government Drivers license, military ID, passport or baptismal Both parties must be 18 years or older 14-17 requires parental consent.
• - Both parties must provide their social security number or state they have none.
• - Both parties must provide all information as required on the application and as requested by the clerk
• - Both parties must take the oath printed on the application and sign the application in the presence of the clerk
• * If one applicant is unable to appear personally before the clerk, any adult person or the other applicant may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. The person applying on behalf of an absent applicant shall provide the clerk a properly executed absent affidavit. If both persons are active duty military or confined to a correctional facility as defined by section 1.07 of the penal code both applicants may file an absent affidavit.
• - The cost of the license is $72.00, the license must be properly executed within 30 days. See exceptions below.
• - There is a 72-hour waiting period to get married. The 72-hour waiting period may be waived by court order. Active duty military are exempt from the waiting period.
• - Both applicants will initial the license affirming that all information is correct to include the mailing address.

NEW INFORMATION

The cost of a Marriage License has increased to $82. The marriage license fee may be waived if the couples participate in the
Twogether in Texas Marriage Initiative.
Texas Healthy Marriage Legislation
In an effort to strengthen families and improve outcomes, the Texas Legislature passed HB 2685 and HB 2683 in order to promote healthy relationships, child well-being, and reduce the risk of domestic violence.
Effective September 1, 2008
• **$60 license fee waived if successfully completes Twogether in Texas marriage.

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