Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Joy Editors
Ready to get your California wedding license? You’ve picked one of the most popular wedding destinations in the continental United States. The state’s beautiful locations, amazing vendor options, and perfect year-round weather make it a top choice.
California offers two types of wedding licenses: confidential and public marriage licenses. Each comes with its own set of requirements. The license stays valid for 90 days after it’s issued, whatever type you choose. The state doesn’t have a waiting period, so you can tie the knot right after you get your paperwork.
Need help with online license options and application details? We’ve got your back. This piece covers everything you should know about requirements, costs, and what happens after the ceremony. The information will help your legal preparations run smoothly, whether you plan to marry during California’s busy March-to-November wedding season or in the peaceful winter months.
Understanding California Marriage Licenses
California gives couples two different types of marriage licenses to match their needs and priorities. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
Public vs. Confidential License
Couples in California can pick between public and confidential marriage licenses. Each one comes with its own privacy levels and rules.
The public marriage license, called “License and Certificate of Marriage” (VS 117), becomes public record after filing. Anyone can look up your marriage details by paying a fee to the County Recorder.
The confidential marriage license (“Confidential License and Certificate of Marriage” VS 123) gives you a lot more privacy. Only the married couple can see these records unless there’s a court order from a superior court judge. This keeps your personal details safe, including your parents’ full birth names, birth dates, addresses, and full birth names.
About one-fifth of California couples go with the confidential license option.
Who Can Apply for Each Type
The rules for public marriage licenses say you must:
- Be 18 or older, or if younger, get written consent from at least one parent/guardian AND a California Superior Court Judge’s approval
- Not be married to someone else
- Get parental consent and court permission even if you’re an emancipated minor
Confidential marriage licenses have different rules:
- Both people must be 18 or older – no exceptions for minors
- You need to live together as spouses when you apply
- Both must sign a sworn statement saying you live together as spouses
You don’t need to live in California to get married here. Military personnel in overseas conflict zones can use a power of attorney form, but that’s the only time California allows marriage by proxy.
Witness and Residency Rules
The two license types have a big difference when it comes to witnesses.
Public marriages need at least one witness at the ceremony. You can have up to two witnesses sign the license, but no more. Witnesses don’t need to be a certain age, but they should understand what they’re watching and be able to sign their names.
Confidential marriages are simpler – you don’t need any witnesses for the ceremony or paperwork.
Whatever license type you pick, these rules apply:
- Get your license from any California county
- Have your ceremony anywhere in California
- Use the license within 90 days
- File the license in the same county where you bought it
- Show up together with valid photo ID to apply
Each type of license has its good points based on what matters to you – privacy, witnesses, and living situation. This information will help you pick the right one for your special day.
Where and How to Apply for a License
You’ll need to visit a county clerk’s office in person to get your California marriage license, even if you start online. The process works pretty much the same way all over the state, though each county might have its own specific rules.
County Clerk Office Locations
The best part about getting your California wedding license is you can choose any county clerk’s office in the state. Your license doesn’t have to come from where you live or plan to marry. To cite an instance, you could apply in Los Angeles County and have your ceremony in Napa County.
Most counties have one main office, but bigger counties give you more options. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Los Angeles County has several branch offices ready to help with marriage licenses
- San Diego County lets you visit the County Administration Center, Chula Vista, San Marcos, or Santee offices
- Ventura County serves you at their main Government Center in Ventura and their Thousand Oaks location
You can have your ceremony anywhere in California once you get your license. Just make sure to file the completed paperwork in the same county that issued it.
Do You Need an Appointment?
Each county handles appointments differently:
- Some counties say you must: San Francisco County and Ventura County won’t take you without one
- Others strongly suggest it: Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and Orange County prefer appointments but might take walk-ins
- A few keep it simple: Santa Clara County clearly states “No appointment is necessary for a marriage license”
Counties that want appointments usually let you book online. San Diego County opens new slots daily and lets you book up to 7 weeks ahead. San Francisco has strict rules – you can’t change your appointment time, only cancel and book again.
Can You Apply Online?
Most counties now let you start your application online, but you’ll still need to show up in person. Here’s how it usually works:
- Fill out the marriage license application online
- Keep your confirmation number
- Book your in-person visit if needed
- Show up together at the county clerk’s office with valid photo ID
- Pay your fees
Your online application won’t stay in the system forever. Los Angeles County keeps it for 90 days, Ventura County for 40 business days, and Sacramento County for 60 days. After that, you’ll need to start fresh.
Both of you must go to the county clerk’s office together and bring valid government-issued photo ID. This rule is strict – they won’t accept digital copies or pictures of your ID.
County offices are usually open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but times can vary. Santa Clara County suggests coming early since they stop taking applications at 4:00 PM.
You can pay in different ways at most counties. To name just one example, Ventura County takes “Cash, Check and Debit and Credit cards” but adds a $2.50 fee for credit cards.
What You Need to Bring
Getting ready for your California marriage license appointment needs specific paperwork and fees. The right documentation will help you avoid delays and make the process quick and smooth.
Valid Photo Identification
You and your partner must show valid government-issued photo identification to apply for a marriage license in California. California’s requirements for acceptable identification are clear:
- Your ID needs a photograph, date of birth, issue date, and expiration date
- Driver’s licenses, passports, military IDs, and state-issued identification cards work everywhere
- Permanent resident cards (green cards) serve as valid identification too
Your ID must be current as most counties won’t accept expired documents. Physical documents are mandatory, and the counties strictly prohibit digital images or photocopies of your ID.
Some counties provide options if you don’t have standard identification. Santa Clara County lets two “Credible Witnesses” (friends or family with valid ID) verify your identity by signing an affidavit. This option costs $20 more.
Proof of Divorce or Death (if applicable)
Previous marriages require information about how and when your last marriage ended. The requirements change based on timing:
- A copy of the final divorce decree with the judge’s signature is needed for divorces completed in the last 90 days
- The decree requirement extends to six months in some counties
- A certified death certificate copy is needed if your spouse passed away within the last 90 days
You should know the exact date your previous marriage ended.
Application Fees and Payment Methods
Marriage license costs vary by county. Here’s what you can expect:
- Public marriage licenses cost between $61 in Orange County and $97 in Los Angeles County
- Confidential marriage licenses run slightly higher, from $66 in Orange County to $98 in Los Angeles County
- Extended hours services add about $9 to the fee in some counties
Counties accept several payment options:
- Cash
- Credit/debit cards (small surcharge may apply)
- Personal checks
- Cashier’s checks
- Money orders[114]
Make checks and money orders payable to your county’s clerk-recorder office[114]. San Diego payments go to “San Diego Recorder/County Clerk”.
Extra services come with additional costs. Civil ceremonies range from $49 to $107, and witness services cost between $27 and $58 if you need the county to provide them[114].
Important Rules and Timelines
Getting your California wedding license at the right time is vital to your wedding plans. You need to understand the timeframes and rules to avoid any legal issues on your special day.
License Validity Period
A California wedding license stays valid for 90 days from when it’s issued. This rule applies to counties throughout the state. The license becomes void after this period ends.
You’ll need to buy a new license if you don’t have your ceremony within these 90 days. Note that you can’t get any extensions to this deadline, and the state won’t give any refunds for expired licenses or changed plans.
No Waiting Period Explained
California makes it easy to get married quickly. Your wedding license is immediately valid, and you can tie the knot the same day you get your paperwork.
Other states aren’t a match for California’s convenient process. New York, for example, makes couples wait 24 hours. California’s system gives you more flexibility to plan your wedding day.
When to Apply Before the Wedding
The best time to get your California wedding license is within three months of your planned ceremony date. The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on:
- Your completion of online forms beforehand
- Other applicants waiting in line
- How ready you are with required documents
Your officiant must submit the completed license to the county recorder’s office within 10 days after your ceremony. This step matters because you can’t get certified copies of your marriage certificate until the license is filed properly. Couples with confidential marriages need their license returned to the county clerk’s office instead of the recorder’s office.
After the Ceremony: What Happens Next
Your California marriage process doesn’t end with saying “I do.” Several legal steps need completion after your wedding ceremony. The state needs proper documentation and recognition of your marriage.
Who Files the License
The wedding officiant must return your completed marriage license to the county office within 10 business days of the ceremony. This rule applies to both public and confidential licenses. The officiant should send public marriage licenses to the County Recorder’s office and confidential licenses to the County Clerk’s office.
Your officiant should keep the license legible without alterations. The license becomes invalid if someone changes information, crosses it out, or uses white-out. This situation requires buying a duplicate. The county office will verify and register your license, which then becomes your marriage certificate.
How to Get Certified Copies
The county won’t automatically send your marriage certificate after registration. You need to request and buy certified copies. These copies are usually accessible to more people 10 business days after recording the license.
Two types of certified copies are available:
- Certified Authorized Copy: This serves as legal proof of marriage that you can use to change your name on ID documents or claim benefits
- Certified Informational Copy: Most places won’t accept this as proof of marriage. It has a watermark saying “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY”
Each certified copy costs $17[203]. You can get copies in person, by mail, or online based on your county. Authorized copy requests by mail need your sworn statement signed with a notary public present.
Changing Your Name Legally
Your new name must appear on the marriage license before it’s issued if you plan to change it through marriage. The name change becomes legal right after the ceremony.
Your marriage certificate shows your former name at the top and new name at the bottom. This document helps you update your ID with the Social Security Administration, DMV, and passport offices.
A court petition becomes necessary if you didn’t include your new name on the license or want changes beyond your last name. This costs about $435-$450 plus newspaper publication fees[214].
Conclusion
Getting a marriage license in California needs some planning, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know what to do. This piece covers everything from picking between public and confidential licenses to application steps, documents you need, and what to do after the ceremony.
California gives you more options than most other states. You can get your license from any county in the state, whatever your home address or wedding location is. It also lets couples get married right after they receive their documents – no waiting period needed.
The timing of your legal paperwork is crucial. Your license stays valid for exactly 90 days after you get it. If you apply too early, it might expire before your big day. The core team must send back the completed paperwork within 10 days after your ceremony.
Having your documents ready saves you time at the county clerk’s office. A valid photo ID, details about previous marriages, and money for fees make the process run smoothly. The fees are different in each county, so check what your county charges to avoid any surprises.
The marriage license is just one part of planning your wedding, but it’s a vital legal step. Good preparation, applying at the right time, and knowing what to do after the ceremony ensure your marriage is legally recognized. Your certified marriage certificate ends up being the official proof of your union – you’ll need it for name changes, benefits claims, and other important life events.
Wedding planning has many moving parts, but the legal requirements need extra attention. Now that you understand how to get a California marriage license, you can focus on celebrating your special day knowing all the legal boxes are checked.
