Some 245 couples have applied to have their marriages solemnised on Feb 14, which this year happens to be both Valentine's Day and Yuan Xiao Jie, the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day which falls on the 15th day of Chinese New Year.

This is far more than the 35 to 50 applications that the Registry of Marriages (ROM) sees on an average weekday, it said in a media release on Wednesday.

To celebrate the occasion, the ROM premises will be specially decorated and couples getting married on Friday will receive a limited edition pair of decorative mandarin ducks symbolising wedded bliss and fidelity.

There will also be free ice-cream and popcorn, as well as activities from 8.30am to 4.30pm including on-site song dedications and instant photograph-taking.

The ROM said it is also holding the celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, which was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 and is celebrated once in 10 years.

Registrar of Marriages Cynthia Chan said: "As Valentine's Day this year is doubly special, we hope that the couples will have a memorable day at ROM and also be reminded that marriage is a lifelong journey together and it takes love, respect and commitment to keep the marriage alive."

The last time that Valentine's Day coincided with the 15th day of Chinese New Year was in 1995. On that day, a record 1,082 couples got married.

Couples and families can share photos at http://treasures.ify2014.sg for a chance to win vouchers and IKEA Gift Cards. Photos submitted on Valentine's Day qualify for a special draw with four $50 CapitaVoucher prizes to be won.