Oceanside is promoting itself as a city with a lot of heart this Valentine's week.
On Monday, 10 free military beachside weddings will be part of the citywide celebration of love.
Husband and wife team Christopher Tuttle and Chaplain Mary Cyr will perform the ceremonies. Tuttle said it’s an honor to be part of military couples' special day that may otherwise take place at a courthouse or in Las Vegas.
“We're able to do it, save them the time, and instead of being in that 20 by 20 white room with the plastic arch they get to join us seaside,” Tuttle said.
Visit Oceanside arranged the weddings and will provide free photography, flowers, music and wedding cakes for the couples.
Tuttle and his wife have performed 500 free elopement services for enlisted military over the last nine years. Elopement services allow couples to have a ceremony with religious elements without the expense and lengthy planning process of a formal wedding.
Oceanside will hold many other Valentine-themed events from Feb. 5 to Feb. 15. The week will culminate in a 5K walk/run, bike ride, a paddle-out in Oceanside harbor and a festival.
