How Do We Get a California Marriage License?
Before you can legally get married in Yosemite National Park—or anywhere else in California—you’ll need to obtain a California marriage license. Fortunately, the process is simple, and once you know what to expect, it can usually be completed in a single visit to a County Clerk’s office. The information below will help guide you through the process so you can focus less on paperwork and more on celebrating your wedding day.
Where Do We Get a Marriage License?
California marriage licenses are issued by County Clerk offices throughout the state. One of the great advantages of getting married in California is that you may obtain your marriage license from any California County Clerk’s office, regardless of where your ceremony will take place. For example, if you’re getting married in Yosemite National Park, you might obtain your license in Mariposa County, Madera County, Tuolumne County, or any other county within California. The choice is entirely yours.
When Should We Apply?
A California marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. Most couples choose to obtain their license anywhere from a few days to several weeks before their wedding. If you live in California, I generally recommend applying at least a week or two before your ceremony. That gives you plenty of time without cutting things too close to your wedding day.
Do We Need an Appointment?
Many County Clerk offices require appointments, while others accept walk-in visitors. Before making the trip, check the County Clerk’s website or call ahead to verify current hours, appointment requirements, identification requirements, and applicable fees. A few minutes of planning can save you a great deal of time.
What Should We Bring?
Requirements occasionally vary by county, but most couples should plan to bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Payment for the marriage license fee.
- Any additional documentation requested by the County Clerk’s office.
If either of you has previously been married, some counties may request additional information regarding the date your previous marriage ended. Always verify current requirements with the issuing County Clerk before your appointment.
What’s the Difference Between a Public and Confidential Marriage License?
California offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. A public marriage license becomes part of the public record and requires at least one witness to sign the license following your ceremony. A confidential marriage license is not part of the public record and does not require witnesses. However, California law requires that couples meet specific eligibility requirements before obtaining a confidential license. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, your County Clerk can explain the differences and help you choose the license that best fits your situation.
What Happens After the Ceremony?
Following your wedding, your officiant will complete the appropriate sections of your marriage license. The completed license must then be returned to the same County Clerk’s office that originally issued it. Once your marriage has been officially recorded, you may request certified copies of your marriage certificate directly from the issuing County Clerk. Many couples order several certified copies for changing names, updating bank accounts, insurance policies, Social Security records, passports, and other legal documents.
As your officiant, I’ll take care of completing my portion accurately and returning your license promptly, so you won’t have to worry about handling the paperwork yourself.
Helpful Tips
A little preparation can make the process quick and stress-free.
- If you live in California, apply 1-2 weeks before your wedding day, but remember your license is valid for only 90 days. If you are visiting California, apply as early as your trip itinerary allows.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Verify current fees and appointment requirements before visiting the County Clerk.
- Double-check that all information on your marriage license is correct before leaving the office.
- Store your marriage license somewhere safe until your wedding day, and don’t forget to bring it to your ceremony.
My Personal Recommendation
One of the questions I get asked is, “What if we forget the marriage license?” My advice is simple: don’t wait until the last minute. Once you’ve obtained your marriage license, place it somewhere you’ll see it before leaving for Yosemite. Many couples keep it with their rings, personal vows, or other wedding-day essentials so everything is together in one place.
After the ceremony, you can relax knowing I’ll complete my responsibilities as your officiant and ensure your license is properly returned for recording.
Obtaining a marriage license may not be the most exciting part of planning your wedding, but it’s one of the easiest. With a little preparation, the entire process is straightforward, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating the beginning of your life together.
For a complete list of California County Clerk Offices listed by region, check out this page.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Marriage Licenses
Yes. One of the great things about getting married in California is that you can obtain your marriage license from any California County Clerk’s office. It does not need to be issued by the county where your wedding ceremony will take place.
A California marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. If your ceremony does not take place within that 90-day period, you’ll need to obtain a new license.
It depends on the type of marriage license you choose. A public marriage license requires at least one witness to sign the license following your ceremony. A confidential marriage license does not require witnesses, provided you meet California’s eligibility requirements for obtaining one.
Most County Clerk offices require each person to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Because requirements can occasionally vary, it’s always a good idea to check with the County Clerk’s office before your appointment.
Some California counties allow you to begin the application process online, but in most cases, both parties must appear together at the County Clerk’s office to complete the process and receive the license. Check with the County Clerk where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date procedures.
Unfortunately, I cannot legally perform your marriage ceremony without your marriage license. If you realize you’ve forgotten it before the ceremony begins, don’t panic. If time allows, one of you or a trusted family member or friend may be able to retrieve it. Otherwise, we’ll need to reschedule the legal ceremony until the license is available (we can still have a symbolic ceremony). For that reason, I always recommend placing your marriage license with your rings or other wedding-day essentials several days before your ceremony.
As your officiant, I’ll complete the required sections of your marriage license and promptly return it to the same County Clerk’s office that issued it. You are also welcome to hand deliver the license back to the County Clerk. Once it’s been officially recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate directly from that office.
No, certified copies of a marriage certificate are not automatically issued or mailed to you from California. After your wedding ceremony, your officiant must return the signed marriage license to the county clerk’s office within 10 days for registration. Once registered, you must actively request and pay a separate fee to receive a certified copy.
You only need one copy if you’re planning to update other legal documents, but many couples find it helpful to order two or three certified copies of their marriage certificate. Certified copies are commonly needed when changing your name, updating your driver’s license, Social Security records, bank accounts, insurance policies, passport, and other legal documents.
A certified copy of a marriage certificate in California costs $19 USD. This price reflects a statewide base fee mandated by Assembly Bill 64. It applies whether you request the document directly from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or from the individual County Clerk-Recorder’s office where the license was issued.
A few counties charge slightly more due to localized surcharges. For example, Contra Costa County charges $23.00 USD per copy. Always verify the current payment methods (such as exact cash, check, or credit card constraints) on your specific county clerk’s website before applying.
Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Texas is the only state I’m aware of that allows their marriage licenses to be used anywhere within the United States.
Still Have Questions?
Every couple’s situation is a little different, and it’s perfectly normal to have questions along the way. If you’re unsure about the marriage license process—or anything else related to planning your Yosemite wedding—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to point couples in the right direction, even before you’ve booked your ceremony.