WEDDING TIPS:
Marriage License in California
To obtain a marriage license in California, you may apply it online. Once you complete the online application you and your fiancé must come together to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk headquarters in Norwalk or go to any one of their branch offices to pick up your marriage license, pay the license fee and arrange for a civil marriage ceremony, if desired. You do not a blood test and health certificate. Also, you don't have to be resident of the State of California or U.S. citizen. However, both you and your fiancé must apply together in person with valid photo ID. If either party divorced within the past 2 years, verification papers are required. The processing time usually takes approximately 1 hour; however, the time will vary based on client volume and location. By law the license cannot be issued by mail. To ensure same-day service, please arrive the office before 3:00 pm. The marriage license is valid immediately and for 90 days after issuance. The payment can be made in cash, check, or money order. Orange County office will accept debt card.
There are two types of marriage license. The "Public License" is public record and your wedding ceremony may take place anywhere within the State of California. The "Confidential License" is private and all information is available only to you and your wedding ceremony must take place in the county of issue. There is no witness required of your ceremony. In order to obtain a "Confidential License", you must be living together prior to the marriage.
Please confirm your wedding location before you apply your marriage license. Your wedding must be held at the County you applied. There is more information on the County's website regarding the marriage license. You may also complete your marriage application online or setup an appointment.
Los Angeles County Registater-Recorder
Website
Fee: $90.00 (public license); $85 (confidential license)
Orange County Registrar-Recorder
Website
Fee: $61.50 (public license); $66.25 (confidential license)
San Bernardino County Registrar-Recorder
Website
Fee: $83.00 (public license); $85.00 (confidential license)
Riverside County Registrar-Recorder
Website
Fee: $68.00 (public license); $76.00 (confidential license)
Fees and Subjects to Change Without Prior Notice. Review County's Website Prior Apply.
