California Marriage Licenses

Guidelines for obtaining a Marriage License in California
Marriage License

  • The couple must apply together in person.
  • Valid photo ID is required.
  • The license is valid immediately and for 90 days of issuance.
  • Applicants do not have to be residents of the state of California.
  • If either party has divorced within the past 90 days, verification papers are required.

Public License

  • The license is a public record.
  • The ceremony can take place anywhere within the state of California.

Confidential License

  • The license is private information available only to the couple.
  • The ceremony must take place in the county of issuance.
  • The couple must be living together.
  • No witnesses are required.

Where to Go

Laws and specific county requirements change from time to time.  Please visit the county website in which you plan to obtain your license for the most accurate information.

Los Angeles County

Ventura County

Santa Barbara County

Orange County

Riverside County

San Bernardino County

Day of Ceremony

(For Legal Weddings only) - Please bring everything the County Clerk’s office gave you to the ceremony.
  1. License and Certificate of Marriage
  2. Application for Marriage Record
  3. Certificate of Identity/Sworn Statement
  4. A personal check ($14/copy for certified copies of marriage record – made payable to the County Clerk)
On the day of the ceremony, Eric will complete all of the forms, including notarizing the Certificate of Identity/Sworn Statement.  After the ceremony, Eric will mail the completed forms and check to the issuing agency within two (2) business days.