California Marriage License

You do not need to be a California resident.

• The couple must not already be married.

• The couple, officiant, and witness if applicable, must be physically present together in the same location.

• Blood tests are not required.

• The couple must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for a marriage license.

• Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within 90 days, the license will no longer be valid.

Public Marriage License

• You must be at least 18 years old.  Persons under 18 with written consent from at least one parent (or legal guardian) and permission from a California Superior Court Judge may marry.

• The marriage license is registered at the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the license was purchased, and is a public record.  Anyone may request copies of the marriage certificate by submitting the required fee to the County Recorder.

• The ceremony can take place anywhere within the state of California

• You must have at least one witness present at your ceremony.

Confidential Marriage License

• The two parties to the marriage must be at least 18 years old to apply for a confidential marriage license.  Minors may NOT purchase a confidential marriage license.

• The couple must be living together.

• Beginning January 1, 2015, the ceremony may take place anywhere in the state of California

• No witnesses are required.

• The marriage license is a confidential record and is registered at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where it was purchased.  Only the couple may purchase copies of the marriage certificate and must present valid picture identification together with the required fee to the County Clerk in order to do so.

Where to Go

Laws and specific county requirements change from time to time.  Please visit the county website in which you plan to obtain your license for the most accurate information.

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Los Angeles County (562) 462-2137
Ventura County (805) 654-2263
Santa Barbara County (805) 568-2250
Orange County (714) 834-2500
Riverside County (951) 955-6200
San Bernardino County (855) 732-2575

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Certified Marriage Records

Couples will not automatically receive a copy of their certified marriage record after the wedding unless they request and pay for a certified copy from the County Clerk or County Recorder.

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Pre-paying

Some counties, like Los Angeles, allow couples to pre-pay for certified copies of the marriage record when they obtain their marriage license. This is the easiest and most recommended method of obtaining certified copies.

Couples that pre-pay should expect to receive certified copies within 5-10 weeks after the county receives the marriage license.

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Paying on the day of the wedding ceremony

Couples that do not pre-pay may have the option (depending on the county) of providing a check payable to the county clerk on the day of the wedding ceremony.

Counties that allow this option provide couples an Application for Marriage Record and Sworn Statement at the time the marriage license is obtained. These documents need to be completed before the wedding ceremony.

The couples’ check will be submitted along with the signed marriage license,completed Application for Marriage Record, and notarized Sworn Statement when it is returned to the county clerk’s office.

Couples who opt for this option should expect to receive certified copies within 5-10 weeks after the county receives the marriage license.

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Paying after the wedding ceremony

Couples that obtain a marriage license in counties that do not allow for pre-payment or allow for providing a check on the day of the ceremony may purchase certified copies of the marriage record directly from the county clerk’s office approximately eight weeks after the county receives the signed marriage license.

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It’s been over 10 weeks

If it has been over 10 weeks and you still haven’t received your certified copies, please contact the county in which you obtained your license.

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Name Change After Marriage

Recently married? Thinking about hyphenating or taking his/her last name? This information will help you change your name in the State of California

Many of your state and U.S. government name change forms must be filed with a certified marriage record as legal proof of your marriage. Your certified marriage record can also be used as proof of marriage for insurance purposes. It is suggested that you obtain 2-3 certified marriage licenses.

See Certified Marriage Records section above on how to obtain copies of your certified marriage record.

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Once you have a certified copy of your marriage record, you can start the process of changing your name. Start with Social Security (Some government agencies match your name against your social security information.) Once you receive your new social security card continue with the other services.

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Social Security– This can be mailed and there is no charge
California Driver’s License – Must be done in-person (make an appointment)
U.S. Passport – This can be mailed. (Always include your current Passport. It will be mailed back)
U.S. Postal Service (Change of Address)
IRS (Change of Address)
Vehicle Title and Registration
Voter Registration