Public Marriage License
You must be at least 18 years old. Persons under 18 with written consent from at least one parent (or legal guardian) and permission from a California Superior Court Judge may marry.
The marriage license is registered at the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the license was purchased, and is a public record. Anyone may request copies of the marriage certificate by submitting the required fee to the County Recorder.
The ceremony can take place anywhere within the state of California
You must have at least one witness present at your ceremony.
Confidential Marriage License
The two parties to the marriage must be at least 18 years old to apply for a confidential marriage license. Minors may NOT purchase a confidential marriage license.
The couple must be living together.
Beginning January 1, 2015, the ceremony may take place anywhere in the state of California
No witnesses are required.
The marriage license is a confidential record and is registered at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where it was purchased. Only the couple may purchase copies of the marriage certificate and must present valid picture identification together with the required fee to the County Clerk in order to do so.
Where to Go
Laws and specific county requirements change from time to time. Please visit the county website in which you plan to obtain your license for the most accurate information.
Los Angeles County (562) 462-2137
Ventura County (805) 654-2263
Santa Barbara County (805) 568-2250
Orange County (714) 834-2500
Riverside County (951) 955-6200
San Bernardino County (855) 732-2575
Certified Marriage Records
Click here to learn how to obtain certified marriage records after you are married.
Name Change After Marriage
Click here to learn how to change your name after you have certified copies of your marriage record.
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