From majestic mountains to silky sand beaches, the Golden State is home to countless dreamy backdrops for an extraordinary wedding. Plus, with an impressive vendor market and (depending on where in the state you're tying the knot) nearly perfect year-round weather, it's no wonder that California is one of the most sought-after wedding locations in the continental United States. But regardless of whether you're tying the knot at the iconic San Francisco City Hall, hosting a modern affair in the heart of Los Angeles, or planning a rustic celebration at a vineyard in Napa Valley, there's one thing you'll absolutely have to do before you can say "I do" under the Californian sun: To ensure your marriage is legally recognized, you’ll first need to apply for a marriage license in California.
Just like in any other state, California has a few nuances when it comes to obtaining this necessary pre-wedding document—and that nuance starts with understanding the two types of licenses the state offers. Once you decide which license is best for you, you'll need to consider the acceptable timeframes and locations to apply, the required documentation to bring to your appointment, and the post-ceremony steps you'll have to take.
To learn more about the application process, here's a detailed guide on how to obtain a marriage license in California, from how many witnesses you'll need to how long it will be valid for.
The Different Types of Marriage Licenses in California
In the state of California, you can apply for a confidential marriage license or a public marriage license. While both are legally binding (meaning you'll need to get a divorce to end the marital union), each has different requirements, which we unpack below.
Confidential Marriage License in California
A confidential marriage license is a confidential record, not a public record. So, only the married couple may request certified copies of the document, as long as they show their IDs and pay the associated fee. For anyone outside of the union who wants a copy, they’ll need to present a court order to do so.
If you’re considering this type of license, you must be living together at the time of applying (which you’ll need to affirm by signing an affidavit). You don’t need any witnesses to attend the ceremony or sign on the dotted line—making it a great option for elopements. There are also age restrictions: You and your future spouse must be 18 years old, and there aren't any exceptions for minors.
Public Marriage License
Like the name implies, a public marriage license is a public record. This means that anyone (not just the married couple) can request certified copies of the document if they pay the required fee. If you’re thinking about obtaining this type of marriage license, you’ll need at least one witness to attend your ceremony and up to two witnesses to sign the document. You must also be at least 18 years old to apply for a public marriage license, but if you're a minor, you can proceed with written consent from a legal guardian and permission from a California superior court judge.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License in California
Once you've determined which type of license to obtain, you'll be able to start the application process. In the state of California, you can head to any county clerk's office; your in-person appointment (which both you and your partner must attend) doesn't have to take place in the county in which you plan on getting married. So, if you apply in Orange County, you're free to marry in Napa County or any other county across the state. You will, however, need to file the document in that particular county.
When to Apply for a Marriage License in California
Since your license is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued, at the very most, you can apply for your California marriage license three months before your nuptials. If you don’t manage to have your ceremony within that time period, though, your license will expire, so you’ll need to apply and pay for a new license—and there won't be any refunds. After you receive your license (which will happen on the day of your appointment), there isn't any waiting period in California, meaning you can tie the knot as soon as you get the document.
Documentation Needed to Apply for a Marriage License in California
There are a few items you will need to bring to your appointment at the county clerk's office. While the requirements will vary depending on the specific county, generally, you'll need to come equipped with the following documents:
- Proof of Identity and Age: To prove your identity and age (at least 18 years old), each person will need valid photo identification containing a photo, date of birth, full legal name, and dates of issue and expiration. This may be a passport (US-issued or foreign), naturalization certificate, resident alien card, driver’s license, or military ID. Some counties may also request your birth certificate or Social Security number.
- Proof of Divorce: This goes without saying, but you can't be married to anyone else when you apply for your marriage license. If you were previously married, you may need to provide the date of the divorce decree and the reason your marriage ended or the date of your former spouse's death. If you were previously married and the dissolution was final within the past 90 days, a copy of your final judgment is required.
- Money: No matter where you book your appointment, you'll need to pay a fee for your marriage license. The cost varies depending on the county, ranging from $57 to $119, and some counties only accept cash, so be sure to check the requirements of the specific county ahead of time. You'll provide the payment either when you schedule the appointment or during the appointment.
How to Get Married in California
On the day of your appointment up until 90 days after your marriage license is issued, you can make your way over to your venue to say "I do." Since marriage by proxy is not permitted in California (with the exception of military personnel), you’ll both have to be in attendance. You'll also need to bring your marriage license with you, so your officiant and witness (only applicable with public marriage licenses) can sign. While anyone of any age can be a witness (as long as they are capable of completing their job), your officiant must be a priest, minister, rabbi, judge, magistrate, or another authorized official.
After you exchange vows, your officiant will fill out the paperwork and sign it. If you have a public marriage license, this authorized individual will also gather signatures from you, your spouse, and at least one witness. Within 10 days after your wedding ceremony, the presider will return the document to the county clerk's office to file it, where it will become a marriage certificate. Another 10 days after the document is stored, you can purchase certified copies of your marriage certificate online, by mail, or in person for a fee.