Understanding Marriage Certificate Costs
If you’re wondering how much is a marriage certificate, we’ll cover that right off the bat:
In Southern California, the cost for a marriage certificate typically ranges from $5 to $26. This price can vary based on county-specific fees and any additional copies you may need.
Obtaining a marriage certificate involves a few legal steps, including proving your age, providing your Social Security number, and paying the required fee. Specific requirements may vary between locations like North Carolina and Southern California.
Key Points:
- Standard Cost: $5-$26
- Additional Copies: Extra fees may apply
- Legal Requirements: Proof of age, Social Security number
- Time Frame: Obtain on the same day if all documents are correct
The process of obtaining a marriage certificate can be simple if you know what to expect. In the coming sections, we will break down everything you need to know, from the costs associated with the certificate, to the legal requirements you must meet both in North Carolina and Southern California.
I’m Camden Gray Alchanati, founder of Get Married Today. With years of experience in marriage licensing and ceremonies, I’ve helped countless couples navigate the process quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re marrying in North Carolina or Southern California, I can make sure your big day goes off without a hitch.
How Much is a Marriage Certificate?
When planning your wedding, understanding the costs associated with obtaining a marriage certificate is crucial. Let’s break down the fees and any additional costs you might encounter, both in North Carolina and Southern California.
Standard Costs
The cost of a marriage certificate can vary depending on the state and sometimes even the county. In North Carolina, the fee for a marriage license is typically $60. This fee covers the application and the issuance of the license itself.
In Southern California, the cost of a marriage certificate generally ranges from $17 to $32 per copy. For example, the California Department of Public Health lists the fee for a marriage certificate as $17 per copy. However, fees can vary by county, so it’s a good idea to check with your local county clerk’s office for the exact amount.
Additional Fees
Beyond the standard costs, there are several additional fees you might encounter:
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Search Fees: If you need the office to conduct a search for your certificate, there may be a fee. For instance, North Carolina charges a $24 nonrefundable search fee for each three-year period searched.
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Expedited Processing: If you need your marriage certificate sooner, expedited processing is available for an additional fee. In North Carolina, this fee is $15. Expedited services are often quicker but come at a higher cost.
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Shipping Costs: Regular shipping is usually free, but if you need overnight shipping, the costs can vary. Always check with the issuing office for the exact shipping fees.
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Additional Copies: If you need more than one copy of your marriage certificate, each additional copy in North Carolina costs $15. In California, additional copies also generally cost $17 each.
For any further questions or to book your appointment, call us at (949) 423-6731 or visit Get Married Today.
Understanding these costs will help you budget more effectively for your wedding and ensure you have everything you need for your special day. Next, we’ll look at the steps to obtain a marriage certificate in both North Carolina and Southern California.
Steps to Obtain a Marriage Certificate
Required Documents
To get your marriage certificate in Southern California, you’ll need a few key documents. Here’s what you need:
- Proof of Age: A government-issued ID like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- Social Security Number: You can use a Social Security card, W-2 form, or a payroll stub.
- Proof of Divorce (if applicable): If you’ve been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.
Application Process
Online Applications
Many counties in Southern California offer online applications to speed up the process. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the County Clerk’s Website: Go to the official website of the County Clerk for your county. For example, check out the Los Angeles County Clerk’s website.
- Complete the Application: Fill out your personal details, including your full name, age, and marital status.
- Submit the Application: After filling out the form, submit it online. You’ll get a confirmation number to bring to your in-person appointment.
In-Person Visits
If you prefer to apply in person, follow these steps:
- Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment online through your county’s booking system.
- Gather Required Documents: Bring all necessary IDs and documents.
- Visit the County Clerk’s Office: Both partners need to be present. Bring your confirmation number if you completed the online application.
Notarized Statements
If you don’t have a Social Security number, you’ll need a notarized statement declaring your ineligibility to receive one. Some counties may also require notarized statements for other specific circumstances, so check with your local Register of Deeds.
For any further questions or to book your appointment, call us at (949) 423-6731 or visit Get Married Today.
Next, we’ll explore the processing times and delivery options for your marriage certificate in Southern California.
Processing Times and Delivery
Regular Processing
When you apply for a marriage certificate in Southern California, regular processing typically takes around 3 months. This timeframe can vary depending on the county and the volume of requests they receive.
Once your application is processed, your marriage certificate will be delivered via standard mail. This method is reliable but can take a bit longer, especially during peak times like wedding season.
For more information on regular processing times, you can check with your local county’s vital records office. Here’s a helpful link to Los Angeles County’s Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for reference.
Expedited Processing
If you need your marriage certificate faster, expedited processing is available for an additional fee. This option can significantly reduce the waiting time, ensuring you get your certificate much sooner.
For example, using a service like VitalChek can speed up the process. VitalChek is an authorized vendor that offers expedited services for marriage certificates. They also accept all major credit cards, making the transaction smooth and quick.
Expedited delivery methods include overnight shipping, which can be especially useful if you’re in a hurry. Be prepared to pay extra for these services, but the convenience and speed are often worth it.
For any further questions or to expedite your process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.
Next, we’ll dive into the legal requirements for marriage in North Carolina.
Legal Requirements for Marriage in North Carolina
Age and Relationship Restrictions
To get married in North Carolina, both parties must meet certain age requirements. You must be at least 18 years old to marry without any additional approvals. For those aged 16 or 17, you can still get married, but you’ll need a parent or guardian’s written consent. The person you are marrying cannot be more than four years older than you.
If you’re under 16, marriage is not permitted under any circumstances.
Relationship restrictions also exist. You cannot marry anyone closer in relation than a first cousin. Additionally, double first cousins (children of two siblings who married another set of siblings) are prohibited from marrying.
Ceremony Requirements
Once you’ve got your marriage license, the ceremony itself has a few simple requirements:
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Officiants: Your wedding can be officiated by a magistrate or an ordained minister. Some religious denominations and federally or state-recognized Native American tribes have their own recognized ways of conducting marriages.
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Witnesses: You need at least two witnesses present at your ceremony to sign the marriage license afterward.
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No medical exam: North Carolina does not require a medical exam or pre-marital counseling before you get married.
Both parties must declare their intent to marry during the ceremony, making it official and legally binding.
For any further questions or to expedite your process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.
Next, we’ll dive into the steps to obtain a marriage certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage Certificates
How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage Certificate?
The time it takes to get a marriage certificate can vary based on several factors:
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Regular Processing: In California, regular processing times can take about 5-10 business days for online requests. Mail requests usually take longer, around 2-3 weeks. If you visit the county clerk’s office in person, you can often get your certificate the same day.
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Expedited Processing: If you need your certificate faster, services like VitalChek can expedite the process for an additional fee. This can significantly reduce the wait time, but be prepared for extra costs.
What Do I Need to Get Married in North Carolina?
To get married in North Carolina, you’ll need to follow a few steps and gather specific documents:
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Proof of Age: You must provide a driver’s license, military or State ID, passport, or certified birth certificate.
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Social Security Number: Show proof of your Social Security number with a W-2 form, payroll stub, or any official document that displays it.
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Proof of Divorce or Spouse’s Death: If you were previously married, you need to provide the date of your divorce or the date of your prior spouse’s death.
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Application Process: You can apply for a marriage license at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the marriage will take place. Both parties must be present to sign the application. There is no waiting period, and the marriage license is valid immediately upon issuance.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in NC?
In North Carolina, a marriage license costs $60. This fee is payable in cash only. It’s important to note the following:
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Validity Period: Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days. You must get married within this period, or the license will expire.
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County-Specific: The license must be obtained from the Register of Deeds office in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place.
For any further questions or to expedite your process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.
Conclusion
At Get Married Today, we aim to make your marriage process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re planning a grand ceremony or a quick, intimate gathering, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Same-Day Services in Southern California
If you’re in Southern California, you’re in luck! We offer same-day marriage license and ceremony services to make your special day even more convenient. No need to wait weeks or even days—get everything done in a single visit.
Contact Information
Have questions or need further assistance? We’re just a phone call away. Reach out to us at (949) 423-6731. You can also book your appointment today.
For more detailed information on obtaining a marriage license and other related services, visit our Marriage License Services page.
Thank you for choosing Get Married Today. We’re excited to help you start your journey together!