Marriage License versus Marriage Certificate
The difference between a California marriage license and a California marriage certificate lies in their purposes and when they are obtained:
- A marriage license is a legal document issued by the county clerk's office that allows a couple to get married.
- It is obtained before the marriage ceremony takes place and serves as authorization for the marriage to occur.
- The marriage license includes details such as the names of the individuals getting married, the date and location of the marriage, and any required signatures.
- After the marriage ceremony, the officiant or person solemnizing the marriage signs the marriage license, along with the couple and any witnesses present.
- The signed marriage license is then returned to the county clerk's office for official recording.
- A marriage certificate is a legal document that serves as proof of a valid marriage after the ceremony has taken place.
- It is issued by the county clerk's office upon receipt and recording of the signed marriage license.
- The marriage certificate contains information about the marriage, including the names of the individuals married, the date and location of the marriage, and the officiant's signature.
- The marriage certificate may be needed for various legal purposes, such as changing names, applying for benefits, or proving marital status.
- Couples typically receive a certified copy of their marriage certificate from the county clerk's office after their marriage has been recorded.
In summary, a California marriage license is obtained before the marriage ceremony and authorizes the marriage to take place, while a California marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony as proof of the marriage. Both documents are important for legal purposes and may be required for various administrative procedures.
Link to the California Vital Records Website