Wedding room: Book it today

Waterfront hotel suites aren't the only sold-out rooms on the Gulf Coast on Valentine's Day, which falls on a Friday this year.

Turns out, the wedding room at the Lee County Clerk of Court's recording office gets swamped on Valentine's Day, too.

Last year, 25 couples chose to get married in the Fort Myers courthouse wedding room rather than a traditional chapel. It's a frugal alternative that costs just $30, on top of the $93.50 marriage license.

There usually isn't a crowd at the wedding room. The clerk's office follows a first-come, first-married schedule that allows for 15 minutes for the ceremony.

But sensing love in the air, the clerk's office recently sent out a memo encouraging those who are considering getting married there on Feb. 14 to make reservations. Bonus: Those who get married on Valentine's Day won't have any trouble remembering their wedding anniversary date.