Need a Marriage License?
The process can feel a bit daunting and confusing. The process is actually rather straight forward and simple, but reading through all of the information and documentation can be overwhelming.
So here are the basics:
1. APPLY FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE
Both parties (bride & groom) must go, in person, to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for a California marriage License.
-Bring valid picture I.D.
-Money $68 (current price as of 4/13)
(Valid picture identification is one that contains a photograph, date of birth, and an issue and expiration date, such as a state issued identification card, drivers license, passport, military identification, etc. Some counties may also require a copy of your birth certificate.)
*If you have been married before, you will need to know the specific date your last marriage ended, and how it ended (Death, Dissolution, Divorce or Nullity). Some counties may require a copy of the final judgment if your previous marriage ended by dissolution or nullity.
2. GET MARRIED WITHIN 90 DAYS
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 and you must purchase a new license.
3. RETURN of LICENSE
The person solemnizing the marriage must return the original marriage license to the County Clerk or County Recorder as applicable within 10 days of the date of the ceremony. (Most are aware of this from experience, but it is always good to be aware.)
4. REQUEST AND PAY FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE
You will NOT receive a copy of your marriage license after you have been married unless you request and pay for a certified copy from the County Clerk or County Recorder as applicable.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION:
*Don’t need to be a California Resident
*Blood test are NOT required
*Bride & Groom must be 18 or older (If not arrangements for a court order and parent signed consent is needed.)
*All information on the marriage license must be legible, unambiguous and reproducible. DO NOT change any information on the license, cross out information, use white out, etc., as that will require the payment and issuance of a duplicate marriage license. (Contact the County Clerk’s Office if you have questions about completing the marriage license and/or incorrect information contained on the marriage license.)
Resources:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/pages/marriagelicenseinformation.aspx
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/MarriageLicenseceremonygeneralinfo.aspx
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