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California Marriage License Information

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Understanding California Marriage Licenses

There are two types of marriage licenses issued in California, the public marriage license and the confidential marriage license. Both types of marriage licenses are issued by county clerks offices in California. You must purchase a marriage license before you can be married in California.

Public California Marriage License:

  • Age requirement for applying for a public marriage license is 18 or older.
    Persons under 18 must have notarized written consent from at least one parent or legal guardian and permission from a California Superior Court Judge. This includes emancipated minors.
  • Any county clerk in California may issue a public marriage license which may then be used in another county. You are not required to get married in the county where you purchase the public marriage license however, you must file the license in the county where it was purchased.
  • A public marriage license must be signed by one or two witnesses to your ceremony. Your witnesses must be old enough to understand they are viewing a marriage ceremony, and be able to sign their name on the official marriage license.
  • The marriage officiant must complete the marriage license and return it to the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the license was purchased within 10 days of the event for registration.
  • Anyone may request copies of the marriage license by submitting the required fee to the County Recorder.

    • Confidential California Marriage License:

  • Minors (under 18 years old) are not eligible for a confidential marriage license, even with consent of a parent or guardian.
  • You must be living together as spouses at the time of application for a confidential marriage license.
  • You are required to marry in the county that issued the license, so apply for it in the county where the ceremony is to take place.
  • No witnesses are required.
  • The marriage officiant must complete the marriage license and return it to the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the license was purchased within 10 days of the event for registration.

  • Only the couple named on the license may purchase copies from the County Clerk in the county where the license is registered. Persons other than the married couple must obtain a court order before requesting a copy.

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    To receive a copy of your marriage license after you have been married you must request and pay for a certified copy from the County Clerk or County Recorder as applicable.

    California Requirements for Marriage Licenses

    • ID: Both applicants must be present to receive a California marriage license. You must have valid picture ID's that includes date of birth, issuance and expiration date. Some counties may require state certified birth certificates also.

    • Age: 18 and older. (Minors may apply for a public marriage license with consent-see public California marriage license explanation above.)

    • Residency: You do not need to be a California resident to apply for a license and marry in California.

    • Previous Marriages: Copies of divorce decrees must be shown to the clerk at the time of application. At least 60 days must have passed from the issuance of the decree.

    • Covenant Marriage Option: No

    • Waiting Period: No

    • Fees: Varies by county.

    • Blood Tests: No

    • License Valid for: 90 days from the date of issuance.

    • Proxy Marriages: No

    • Common Law Marriages: No

    • Same Sex Marriages: Not at this time:
      Under the California Constitution an amendment becomes effective the day after the election at which the voters adopt the amendment. Based on this provision and on the Secretary of State's report of the semi-official results of the November 4 election relating to Proposition 8, County Clerks have ceased issuing licenses for or performing civil marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.

    • Copy of Certificate: Copies of the marriage certificate are usually available three to four weeks after the ceremony from the county clerk/recorder where the license was issued. This gives the officiant time to return the license to the county office where it is then processed. The fee is $13.00 for a copy of the marriage certificate. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your check or money order.

    California Wedding Professionals:

    Resources, Vendors, etc., will be listed here for your convenience.

    Good luck with your wedding!

     

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    Disclaimer: The information shown here is gathered from various government websites and should be used for guidance only. It should not be regarded as legal advice. Since marriage license requirements can change (and have in California several times in the last few years) it is important that you verify all information before planning a wedding. Different counties may have special requirements also.
     

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