Obtaining a Marriage License

OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE

by Judith Rivers-Moore, author of Beautiful Events Books
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 539-3585
Toll Free: (800) 233-3850
Fax: (707) 568-6658

The following information is about California. Each state (and sometimes each individual county in other states) have their own marriage requirements as do other countries in the world. These are the rules in California USA.

THE TYPES OF MARRIAGE LICENSES

This is offered in California and is good for ninety days of the issue date. California does not require the usual Blood Test and wait of 3 days. You can obtain your license and be married the same day, or within 90 days of the issue. Please read further for details.

Although county clerks offices are open 8:a.m.-4:30 or 5:p.m. Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays, You can be served faster by going on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. It should take approximately two hours. Often these offices offer a marriage ceremony on-site. It is always best to call ahead for an appointment.

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN ENGLISH

Both parties must appear in the County Clerks office with picture identification (drivers license or passport). You may be married anywhere in the state of California with the PUBLIC license. However, not from a confidential license or one issued in another state or foreign country.

THE CONFIDENTIAL LICENSE

Allows for marriage in the same county of issue. If you do not speak English, you must bring someone to translate for you to the county clerks office. If you have been divorced, bring the date and the PAPER PROOF of when your last marriage ended. If your marriage ended within the preceding two years, bring a copy of the final judgement papers.

If you are under eighteen, you MUST a legal parent or guardian. An appointment with a counselor and a required appearance before a superior judge is required. Call the office ahead of time to schedule with the superior judge.

THERE ARE TWO STYLE OF LICENSE:

CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE LICENSE - Parties who live together may obtain a confidential license, but must be married in the same county they obtain the license. A witness is not necessary with this license. This license will NOT be issued to persons under eighteen years of age. If you are planning a destination wedding (elopement) (same-day)then please arrive at the"destination" county clerk's office during the week and prior to your wedding to achieve your license.

THE PUBLIC LICENSE - follows many of the above requirements and requires a witness be present and sign the marriage certificate. All marriage certificates must be mailed by the officiant within three days of the ceremony to the County Recorders office for it to be a legal marriage. A certified copy will be sent to you (at your request) for a fee. It is important for insurance benefits and social security concerns that you have a copy of your marriage license in your personal files.

Please call the marriage license office and confirm all information with the individual county you choose to be married in. Laws can change. See our web site menu for the marriage license county clerk's phone numbers. Also consider purchasing a "Name Change Kit" in the Gifts area of this web site. This has all the forms you will require to make the transition easy.