Confidential Marriage License versus Public Marriage License
Confidential Marriage License
In California, confidential marriage licenses are legally binding and serve a special purpose. They are not public record, unlike public marriage licenses.
Confidential licenses do not require witnesses.
Confidential licenses grant couples greater confidentiality.
Public Marriage License
Public marriage licenses are public record, so anyone can request copies for a fee.
Public licenses usually require at least two witnesses to be present during the ceremony.
Public licenses require certain details to be disclosed publicly, such as through announcements in newspapers or online platforms.
Confidential licenses can only be accessed by the couple unless the person requesting it has a court order.
Confidential licenses can be useful for celebrities avoiding fans or people with a stalker ex. They can also protect sensitive information, such as full names and places of birth, from telemarketers, spammers, and identity thieves.