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Marriage Laws U.S. California Marriage License

Requirements vary as each marriage license bureau in California have their own requirements. If you have questions, please contact the appropriate clerk's office.

Alturas  Auburn  Avalon  Bakersfield  Beverly Hills  Bridgeport  Colusa  Crescent City  Downieville  El Centro  Eureka  Fairfield  Fresno  Hanford  Hollister  Independence  Jackson  Lakeport  Lancaster  Los Angeles

Madera  Mariposa  Markleeville  Martinez  Marysville  Merced  Modesto  Napa  Nevada City  Norwalk  Oakland  Oroville  Placerville  Quincy  Red Bluff  Redding  Redwood City  Riverside  Sacramento  Salinas

San Andreas  San Bernardino  San Diego  San Francisco  San Jose  San Luis Obispo  San Rafael  Santa Ana  Santa Barbara  Santa Cruz  Santa Rosa  Sonora  Stockton  Susanville  Ukiah  Van Nuys  Ventura  Willows  Woodland  Yuba City

Do you plan on getting married in California?

Find a local California Wedding Officiant

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Call for Appointment:

It is recommended that you call the California County or City Clerk's office to see if they suggest setting an appointment.

ID and California Residency Requirements:

California requires a picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates.

You do not have to be a resident of California to apply for a marriage license there.

Information you need to know before you start filling out the marriage license application:

• Where each of your parents were born (city and state)
• The names of your parents including your mother’s maiden name

Confidential License in California:

If you have lived together as a married couple, you can apply for a confidential license. This means there is no public record of your marriage.

Previous Marriages:

You must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. You need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree if you have divorced within the 90 days through past year (varies by county).

California Waiting Period:

There is no waiting period in California.

Fees:

It will cost you $45.00+ to get married in California. Some California counties charge $84+. The cost of receiving a marriage license varies from county to county and some California counties will only accept cash ... so call to verify what the county charges for a marriage license and don't leave home without cash to pay for the license!

Other Tests:

California doesn't require blood tests.

Under 18:

If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the minor’s parents, or legal guardian, must appear with the couple. Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a California superior court judge.

Proxy Marriages:

Yes, proxy marriages are allowed in California but on a very limited basis. Only members of the armed forces who are stationed far away in wars or conflicts can apply for a proxy marriage. The California proxy marriage law allows military personnel to give their power of attorney for someone to stand in for them during their wedding ceremony.

Cousin Marriages:

Yes.

Common Law Marriages:

No.

Same Sex Marriages:

No.

• Gay couples can still apply for a Domestic Partnership Certificate. More info

Officiants in California:

Clergy, Justices, Judges, Magistrates, Marriage Commissioners (current or retired).
Frequently Asked Questions by Marriage Officiants

Miscellaneous:

License is valid for 90 days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

You have to contact the County Recorder's Office in the county in which the marriage occurred to get a certified copy of a marriage license. Need it fast? USA Vital is your official source for vital records. With secure online ordering, partnerships throughout the country, and quick turnaround, they're the one to trust. When you need birth certificates or marriage, divorce, or death records, USA Vital is your source.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

To notify us of corrections or additions send an email to update@usmarriagelaws.com.

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