In California, the customer copy of the certificate and license of marriage serves as proof of marriage once it has been signed by the official. The proof of marriage typically takes the form of the customer copy of the marriage certificate, which is a legal document issued by the Notary Public after the marriage ceremony has taken place.

The marriage certificate includes essential information about the marriage, such as the names of the individuals married, the date and location of the marriage, and the officiant’s signature. It serves as official documentation of the marriage and is often required for various legal, administrative, and personal purposes, including but not limited to:

1. Name Change: The marriage certificate can be used to legally change one’s last name to the spouse’s last name or to a hyphenated combination of both spouses’ last names.
2. Social Security Benefits: The marriage certificate may be required to apply for spousal Social Security benefits or to update existing Social Security records with marital status changes.
3. Health Insurance Coverage: The marriage certificate may be needed to add a spouse to an existing health insurance plan or to qualify for special enrollment periods in health insurance coverage.
4. Tax Purposes: The marriage certificate may be required to file joint tax returns or to claim certain tax benefits available to married couples.
5. Legal Proceedings: The marriage certificate can serve as evidence of the marital relationship in legal proceedings such as probate, estate planning, or divorce proceedings.
6. Immigration Purposes: The marriage certificate may be necessary to prove the validity of a marriage for immigration or citizenship applications.
7. Adoption and Parental Rights: The marriage certificate may be required to establish parental rights or to facilitate the adoption process for married couples.
8. Property and Financial Matters: The marriage certificate may be needed to establish spousal rights in matters related to property ownership, inheritance, or financial transactions.

Overall, the proof of marriage provided by the marriage certificate is a crucial document that validates the marital relationship and facilitates various legal and personal matters for the married couple. It’s important to keep copies of the marriage certificate in a safe and accessible place for future reference and use as needed.