Getting a marriage license is one of the first steps towards getting married. While the process may vary from state to state, this blog post will specifically focus on how to obtain a marriage license in California.
Whether you are a California resident or getting married in California, it’s important to know the requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license.
Requirements for Getting a Marriage License in California
To obtain a marriage license in California, both parties must appear in person and bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Additionally, both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
It’s important to note that in California, marriage licenses are only issued to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. The state does not issue marriage licenses to more than two people, regardless of gender.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License in California
Marriage licenses in California are issued by the County Clerk’s office in each county. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and there is a fee that varies by county. In some counties, additional fees may apply for a civil ceremony or a ceremony outside of regular business hours.
Most County Clerk offices in California require an appointment to obtain a marriage license, and some offer an online appointment system for convenience. It’s important to check with your local County Clerk’s office for specific requirements and procedures.
Completing the Marriage License Application
When applying for a marriage license in California, both parties must complete an application and provide details such as their full name, date of birth, and place of birth. The application may also ask for information about parents’ names, previous marriages, and addresses.
Both parties must also sign the application under penalty of perjury. It’s important to carefully review the application to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
Obtaining a Confidential Marriage License
California also offers confidential marriage licenses, which are issued by the County Clerk’s office and are not part of the public record. To obtain a confidential marriage license, both parties must be at least 18 years old and living together as partners.
Additionally, the ceremony must take place in California, and the officiant must be authorized by the state to perform a confidential marriage ceremony. The fee for a confidential marriage license is typically higher than for a public marriage license.
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage license in California is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to know the requirements and procedures before starting the process. Be sure to check with your local County Clerk’s office for specific details and to make an appointment. With a valid marriage license in hand, you are one step closer to tying the knot in California!
FAQ
How much does a California marriage license cost?
Getting married in California requires obtaining a marriage license first. A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes couples to get married within the state. It is an essential requirement for getting married in California, and couples must obtain it before the ceremony. So, how much does a California marriage license cost?
As of 2021, the cost of a California marriage license is $61. This fee applies to all couples, regardless of residency. It is important to note that the fee is non-refundable, and couples are required to pay the full amount when submitting their marriage license application.
Additionally, there are two types of marriage licenses available for couples to choose from in California. These are Public Marriage License and Confidential Marriage License, and they differ slightly in cost and features.
A Public Marriage License costs $61, and it can be used anywhere within the state of California. It requires at least one witness to sign the marriage license at the ceremony, and the license becomes a public record.
On the other hand, a Confidential Marriage License costs $66 and can also be used anywhere within California. It is only available to couples who are already living together and do not want their marriage to become public record. The Confidential Marriage License requires no witnesses to sign the license at the ceremony. Only the couple and the officiant need to sign the license, and it is not available to the public without a court order.
Obtaining a marriage license in California is a necessary requirement for couples who want to get married in the state. The cost of a California marriage license is $61 for a Public Marriage License and $66 for a Confidential Marriage License. Couples should carefully consider the type of license they need and ensure that they have all the necessary documentation before applying to avoid any delays in obtaining their license.
How do I get my marriage certificate after my wedding in California?
Congratulations on your recent wedding in California! After your wedding, you may be wondering how to obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. A marriage certificate is an official document that proves a couple is married, and it can be used for many purposes such as changing your name, applying for joint bank accounts, and more.
To obtain a copy of your marriage certificate in California, there are a few options available to you. The fastest and most convenient method is to visit one of the office locations of the California Department of Public Health to request your certificate in person. You will need to complete an application, provide proper identification, and pay a fee for each copy requested. Allow 20 minutes from receipt of completed application and payment to receive your certificate(s). Be sure to check the hours of operation and location of the office before you go.
If you are unable to visit an office in person or prefer to submit your request by mail, you can also request for a copy of your marriage certificate by mail from the same department. You will need to download and fill out an application form, provide proper identification, and send it along with a check or money order to cover the fees. The processing time for mail-in requests can take several weeks.
Another option is to order a copy of your marriage certificate online through a third-party provider. However, it is essential to ensure that the online provider you choose is reputable and authorized by the state of California to provide official copies of marriage certificates.
To get a copy of your marriage certificate after your wedding in California, you can visit one of the Department of Public Health office locations, request by mail, or order online through a trusted third-party provider. Remember to bring proper identification, fill out the application, and pay the necessary fees to obtain your certificate successfully.
How to get legally married in California without a ceremony?
Getting legally married in California without a ceremony is possible through a few different methods. Elopements and civil ceremonies are both legally binding ways to get married without a wedding.
An elopement can take place almost anywhere, so long as you have a marriage license in hand. You will need to visit your local County Clerk and Recorder’s office to obtain your marriage license (which is valid for 90 days) before your elopement. You’ll both need to bring valid identification such as a driver’s license or passport, and expect to pay a fee for the license.
Once you have your marriage license, you can plan your elopement. You can hire a private officiant or ask a friend or family member to get ordained to perform the ceremony. Have them meet you at your chosen location (such as a scenic vista, beach, or park), and with at least one witness present, sign your marriage license. Your officiant will then complete and sign it themselves, and file the paperwork with the county recorder’s office.
Another way to get legally married in California without a ceremony is to obtain a civil marriage/civil ceremony. This can be done through a local county clerk’s office or small claims court. You can also request the services of a deputy commissioner for civil marriages to come to your home or another location to conduct the ceremony. With a civil marriage, you can exchange vows in a more formal setting, but without all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional wedding ceremony.
The process for obtaining a civil marriage is similar to that of obtaining a marriage license for an elopement. You’ll need to visit the County Clerk and Recorder’s office to obtain a license and file the paperwork after your civil ceremony. The cost of obtaining a civil marriage license and the deputy commissioner’s services vary by county, so be sure to check with your local county clerk’s office for specific details.
Elopements and civil ceremonies are both legally binding and valid options for getting married in California without a wedding ceremony. Keep in mind that while it’s possible to get legally married without a ceremony, you’ll still need to obtain and file the necessary paperwork to make the marriage official.
