Alternative Title:
Plan Your Court Date Around Valentine’s Day: Hours, Closures, and Scheduling Tips
Planning a court appearance or filing deadline around February 14th? You’re not alone in wondering whether Valentine’s Day affects court operations and schedules.
Courts typically remain open on Valentine’s Day because it is not a federal holiday, though hours and availability may vary by jurisdiction. Unlike holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Presidents’ Day when courts close for federal holidays, Valentine’s Day falls on a regular business day in 2026.
Understanding court schedules helps you avoid missed deadlines and wasted trips to the courthouse. This guide covers what to expect from court operations on Valentine’s Day, including any special hours or scheduling changes, and provides practical tips for managing your court business on this date. Whether you need to file documents, attend a hearing, or meet with court staff, you’ll know exactly what to prepare for.
Is Court Open On Valentine’s Day?
Courts remain open on Valentine’s Day because it is not a recognized federal or state holiday. The day falls on February 14 each year, and unless it happens to land on a weekend, you can expect normal court operations.
Federal courts follow a specific schedule of holidays set by statute. Court holidays include days like New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, and Independence Day, but Valentine’s Day does not appear on this list.
State courts follow the same pattern. They close for official state holidays, which typically mirror federal holidays with some regional variations. Valentine’s Day is not designated as an official holiday in any state.
If you have a court appearance or filing deadline on February 14, you need to plan to meet that obligation. The clerk’s office will be open during regular business hours. Judges will hear cases as scheduled.
What happens if Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend?
- Courts would already be closed for the weekend
- Your deadline would shift to the next business day
- This follows the standard next business day rule for court deadlines
You should treat Valentine’s Day like any other regular weekday when planning your court matters. If you want to celebrate the holiday, you will need to schedule around your court obligations or request a different court date in advance.
Valentine’s Day Hours And Operating Schedule
California courts follow their normal operating schedule on Valentine’s Day because it is not a recognized court holiday. The courts remain open for regular business on February 14, 2026.
Most California courthouses open at 8:00 AM or 8:30 AM and close between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. You can access clerk’s offices and file documents during these standard hours on Valentine’s Day.
Typical Valentine’s Day Court Hours:
- Clerk’s Office: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Court proceedings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Phone support: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Your court appearance, filing deadline, or scheduled hearing will proceed as normal on this date. You do not need to worry about closures or schedule changes.
If you have plans for Valentine’s Day evening, you can still attend morning or afternoon court sessions. Most court business wraps up by late afternoon, giving you time for personal activities.
The California courts close only for official holidays like New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day. Valentine’s Day does not appear on this list.
Keep in mind that individual courthouses may have slightly different hours. You should verify your specific courthouse’s schedule before your visit. Some courtrooms may also have different start times for particular types of hearings or proceedings.
If Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend in future years, you would need to check whether any Monday deadlines shift. For 2026, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, but courts follow their regular weekday schedule.
Tips For Visiting Court On Valentine’s Day
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early on Valentine’s Day. Courts may experience higher foot traffic than usual, especially if people are filing documents or attending wedding ceremonies.
Call the clerk’s office ahead of time to confirm the court will be open. While Valentine’s Day is not a federal holiday, some courts may adjust their hours for special events or administrative reasons.
What to bring:
- Valid photo identification
- All required documents and copies
- Payment for any filing fees (check accepted payment methods)
- Contact information for your attorney if applicable
Dress appropriately for court proceedings. Even if you’re attending for a quick marriage ceremony, maintain respectful attire that follows the court’s dress code.
Check if you need to schedule an appointment. Some clerk’s offices require advance scheduling for certain services, particularly on busy days.
Leave extra time for security screening. You’ll need to pass through metal detectors and have bags inspected before entering the courthouse.
Avoid bringing prohibited items like weapons, recording devices, or food and beverages. These will delay your entry or require you to return them to your vehicle.
If you’re attending a hearing, review your case documents beforehand. Being prepared helps you respond confidently to questions from the judge.
Park in designated public parking areas only. Courthouse parking can fill up quickly, so consider arriving even earlier or using public transportation if available.
