Introduction
Getting married in California can seem complicated, but we’re here to simplify it for you. In California, the marriage process involves a few key steps: obtaining a marriage license, having a ceremony, and returning the signed license to the County Clerk. You don’t need to be a California resident, and the process only requires valid identification and some simple paperwork.
Here’s a quick summary to get you started:
- Apply for a marriage license at any County Clerk’s Office. Both applicants must appear in person with valid ID.
- Hold a marriage ceremony with an officiant and at least one witness, if required.
- Return the signed marriage license to the County Clerk’s Office to register your marriage.
California doesn’t impose a residency requirement or a mandatory waiting period between the issuance of the license and the marriage ceremony, making it convenient for locals and visitors alike. As long as you’re single, at least 18 years old, and have valid legal identification, you’re on your way to saying “I do.” From a courthouse ceremony to a backyard wedding, the options are flexible to suit your needs.
For further questions, call (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Requirements for Getting Married in California
Getting married in California is straightforward, but there are a few key requirements you need to meet:
Unmarried Persons
To get married in California, both parties must be unmarried. If either person has been married before, they need to know the exact date their previous marriage ended and how it ended (death, dissolution, divorce, or nullity). Some counties may even require a copy of the final judgment if your previous marriage ended by dissolution or nullity.
18 Years or Older
Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 18, special rules apply, and you will need court approval.
Valid Legal Identification
You need to present valid legal identification. This can be a state-issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, or military identification. The ID must include a photograph, date of birth, and an issue and expiration date. Some counties may also require a copy of your birth certificate.
No Residency Requirement
Unlike some states, California does not require residency. This means you don’t have to live in California to get married there. Whether you’re a Californian, from another state, or even another country, you can still tie the knot in the Golden State.
No Citizenship Requirement
There is no U.S. citizenship requirement to get married in California. This makes it an attractive option for international couples wanting to get married in the U.S.
No Blood Test
California does not require a blood test to obtain a marriage license. This simplifies the process significantly compared to some other states that do require health screenings.
Additional Considerations
If one party is a member of the military, under 18, in jail, or hospitalized, different rules apply. Make sure to check these special case marriages to ensure compliance.
For further questions, call (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Obtaining a Marriage License
Public vs Confidential Marriage License
Before you can say “I do,” you’ll need to get a marriage license. Here’s how to get married in California and the key differences between a public and confidential marriage license.
Apply for License
To start, both parties must appear in person at any County Clerk’s Office in California. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you don’t get married within this period, you’ll need to apply for a new license.
No Waiting Period
Good news! There’s no waiting period in California. This means you can get your marriage license and get married on the same day if you wish.
Fees
The cost for a marriage license varies by county but generally ranges from $83 to $100. If you pay by credit or debit card, there may be an additional convenience fee. For example, Santa Clara County charges a $2.50 fee for card payments.
Public vs Confidential License
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Public Marriage License: This type of license is part of the public record. Anyone can request a copy. It’s suitable for most couples and is the standard option.
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Confidential Marriage License: This license is not part of the public record. Only the couple or individuals with a court order can access it. To qualify, you must already be living together. This option offers more privacy but comes with specific requirements and slightly higher fees.
Living Together Requirement
For a confidential marriage license, you must declare that you and your partner are living together. This declaration is made under penalty of perjury, so honesty is crucial.
Application Process
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Visit the County Clerk’s Office: Go to the office during business hours, usually Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Make sure to arrive early to complete your application before closing time.
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Fill Out the Application: Complete the marriage license application form. Some counties offer online forms to expedite the process.
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Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee, either by cash, check, or card (with a possible convenience fee).
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Receive Your License: Once processed, you will receive your marriage license. This document allows you to proceed with your wedding ceremony.
For further questions, call (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Next, we’ll dive into the marriage ceremony itself, including who can officiate and where you can hold your ceremony.
The Marriage Ceremony
Authorized Persons to Perform the Ceremony
In California, several types of officiants can legally solemnize your marriage. These include:
- Judges and Commissioners: Active or retired judges and commissioners of civil marriages. This includes federal judges, magistrates, and even justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Clergy Members: Priests, ministers, rabbis, and other religious leaders from any denomination.
- Deputy Commissioners: Appointed by the Commissioner of Civil Marriages. Some counties allow you to deputize a friend or relative for a day to perform the ceremony.
- Other Authorized Persons: California Family Code Section 400 also allows county supervisors, city clerks, and mayors to officiate while they hold office.
Ceremony Locations
You have many options for where to hold your marriage ceremony:
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Courthouse Weddings: Many couples opt for a courthouse wedding for its simplicity and low cost. For example, the Santa Ana Courthouse in Orange County is a popular choice. Some counties even offer marriage ceremonies over video chat due to COVID-19.
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Private Venues: You can also choose a private venue like your backyard, a nature preserve, or even a rented Airbnb. Some couples hire a private officiant for a more personalized experience.
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Special Locations: Unique locations like Joshua Tree National Park offer a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony. Just make sure to get the necessary permits.
Courthouse Weddings
Courthouse weddings are straightforward and quick. Here’s what you can expect:
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Schedule an Appointment: Due to COVID-19, many courthouses require appointments. Check with your local county clerk’s office.
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Attend the Ceremony: Arrive at the courthouse with your marriage license and valid identification. A judge or commissioner will perform the ceremony.
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Witnesses: Some counties require witnesses, while others do not. Check the specific requirements of your county.
Family Code Section 400
Under California Family Code Section 400, the following persons are authorized to solemnize marriages:
- Judges and Commissioners: Including retired judges and federal judges.
- Clergy Members: From any religious denomination.
- Deputy Commissioners: Appointed for a day by the Commissioner of Civil Marriages.
- County Supervisors, City Clerks, and Mayors: While they hold office.
For more details on authorized persons and how to get married in California, call (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Next, we’ll explore same-day marriage services and how you can expedite the process.
Same-Day Marriage Services
Same-Day License
Want to tie the knot quickly? In California, you can get married on the same day you obtain your marriage license. Here’s how:
- Visit a County Clerk’s Office: Both parties must appear together in person.
- Provide Valid Identification: Driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
- Pay the Fee: Fees vary by county, so check beforehand.
Some counties offer a “confidential marriage license,” which doesn’t require a waiting period and does not need witnesses. This option is available for couples who have been living together.
Same-Day Ceremony
After obtaining your license, you can have your ceremony on the same day. You’ll need an authorized officiant to perform the ceremony. Here are your options:
- Courthouse Weddings: Quick and straightforward. Schedule an appointment in advance.
- Private Venues: Your home, a park, or even your kitchen sink! Hire an officiant to come to you.
For instance, someone shared on Reddit that they got married in their kitchen with an officiant who just came over to sign the paperwork. Simple and quick!
Counties Offering Same-Day Service
Not all counties offer same-day services, so it’s best to check with your local county clerk. Here are a few known for same-day services:
- San Bernardino County: Offers in-office ceremonies.
- Orange County: Known for efficient same-day processes.
- San Diego County: Offers marriage licenses and ceremonies by appointment.
Expedited Services
If you’re in a hurry, some counties offer expedited services. You can:
- Schedule an Appointment: To ensure you get your license and ceremony done on the same day.
- Hire an Expedited Service: Companies like Get Married Today offer quick, casual in-office services. They handle the filing and processing, making it super easy.
For more details on how to expedite your marriage process in Southern California, call (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Next, let’s dive into recording your marriage and ensuring everything is legally recognized.
Recording Your Marriage
Once you’ve said your “I Do’s,” the journey isn’t over just yet. To make your marriage official in the eyes of the law, you need to record your marriage.
Return the Signed License
After your ceremony, your officiant will sign your marriage license. This document must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office or Assessor-Recorder’s Office within 10 business days. The office will then process and record your marriage.
County Clerk and Assessor-Recorder
The County Clerk’s Office is responsible for receiving and recording your marriage license. Once they have it, they will enter the information into the public record. This step is crucial because it transforms your marriage license into a marriage certificate.
Time Frame: 10 Business Days
You have a 10-business-day window to return your signed marriage license. This period ensures that the recording process is timely and that your marriage becomes legally recognized as soon as possible.
Marriage Certificate
Once the Clerk-Recorder’s Office records your license, it becomes your marriage certificate. Typically, you can purchase a copy of your marriage certificate two business days after the license is recorded. This certificate is your official proof of marriage.
For any questions or to expedite the process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Next, we’ll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to get married in California.
How to Get Married in California
Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to tie the knot in California? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Step 1: Apply for a Marriage License
First, you and your partner need to apply for a marriage license at a county clerk’s office. Both of you must be present and bring valid photo IDs, like a driver’s license or passport.
- No residency requirement: You don’t need to be a California resident.
- No citizenship requirement: You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen.
- Fees: Expect to pay around $80 for a standard license or $83 for a confidential license.
Pro Tip: Some counties let you fill out the application online before your visit, saving you time.
Step 2: Schedule Your Ceremony
Once you have your marriage license, you have 90 days to get married. You can choose a courthouse wedding, a private venue, or even your backyard.
- Courthouse Weddings: Many county clerks offer civil ceremonies. You might need an appointment, especially post-COVID.
- Private Venues: You can hire an officiant to come to your preferred location. This could be a beach, a park, or even your living room.
Same-Day Marriages: Some counties offer same-day marriage services, especially if you opt for a confidential marriage license. Check with your county clerk for availability.
Step 3: Perform the Ceremony
During the ceremony, the officiant and at least one witness (for public licenses) need to sign the marriage license. For confidential licenses, witnesses are not required.
Authorized Persons: Judges, commissioners, clergy members, and deputy commissioners can perform the ceremony. Even a friend can get ordained online to officiate.
Step 4: Return the License
After the ceremony, return the signed marriage license to the county clerk’s office for registration. This must be done within 10 days of the ceremony.
Step 5: Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
Once the county clerk records your license, it becomes your marriage certificate. You can typically purchase a certified copy two business days after it’s recorded. This certificate is your official proof of marriage.
For any questions or to expedite the process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about getting married in California.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Married in California
What is required to get married in California?
To get married in California, you need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Both parties must be unmarried and at least 18 years old.
- Both must have valid legal identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
- No residency or citizenship requirements.
- No blood tests are required.
You also need to apply for a marriage license from a county clerk’s office. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Can you get married the same day in California?
Yes, you can get married on the same day you obtain your marriage license, but there are some conditions:
- Obtain a confidential marriage license, which does not require a waiting period.
- Schedule a marriage ceremony with an authorized officiant on the same day you get the license.
Some counties, like Santa Clara and Alameda, offer expedited services that allow for same-day marriages. Always check with your local county clerk’s office for specific details.
How much does it cost to get married at the courthouse in California?
The cost to get married at the courthouse varies by county. Here are some general fees you might encounter:
- Marriage License Fee: Typically around $80 for a standard license and $83 for a confidential license.
- Civil Ceremony Fee: Additional fees may apply if you choose to have a civil ceremony at the courthouse, often ranging from $25 to $75.
For exact fees and to schedule your ceremony, contact your local county clerk’s office. For any questions or to expedite the process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book today.
Conclusion
Getting married in California doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the process smoothly and efficiently. Whether you prefer a courthouse wedding or a private ceremony, California offers flexibility and convenience to suit your needs.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in offering same-day marriage services across Southern California. We make it easy to get your marriage license, perform the ceremony, and file all necessary paperwork—all within a single day.
Our customizable packages allow you to choose the level of service that fits your needs, whether you want a simple, no-fuss ceremony or something a bit more personalized. We even offer confidential marriage licenses, ensuring your privacy and protecting your personal information.
Once the ceremony is complete, you’ll receive a proof of marriage certificate, which acts as legal proof until your official copies arrive in the mail. This ensures you have immediate documentation of your new marital status.
For any questions or to expedite the process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book today. We’re here to help make your special day as seamless and memorable as possible.