What are the requirements for marriage in California?
Marriage Law Requirements for California Marriage Licenses:
- To marry in California, the two parties may not be already married to each other or other individuals.
- Both parties must bring in a valid ID (i.e. ...
- Legal Age Without Parental Consent: 18.
- Same Sex Marriage: Yes.
- Waiting Period: None.
- Blood Test Requirement: Not Required.
- Residency: Not Required.
- License Validity: 90 Days.
How do you apply for marriage license in California?
- Each party must be at least eighteen years of age. ...
- You must marry in California. ...
- You must have at least one witness at your ceremony for public marriage licenses. ...
- Couples applying for a confidential marriage license must sign an affidavit attesting to the fact that they live together as spouses at the time of the application. ...
How do you get a marriage certificate in California?
- Marriage licenses are issued Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Issuance of Marriage Licenses and Civil Ceremonies are by appointment only. Please click here Schedule Appointment to schedule an appointment.
- You must apply for a marriage license before your marriage license can be finalized in any ceremony. ...
- Both parties must:
Where can you buy a marriage license?
The easiest place to go for your marriage license is the county clerk's office. "If all documentation is in order, you can plan to spend about an hour there," says Hanes. You can even try to make...
How long does it take to get marriage license in California?
Applications for this program are encouraged at least three weeks before any ceremony. Within 10 days, the authorized person who performs the wedding ceremony will return the original marriage license to the county clerk/recorder. Once they receive and record your license, it becomes a marriage certificate.
What documents do I need to get married in California?
Both parties must present a valid, unexpired authentic legal photo identification card containing a photograph, full legal name, date of birth, date of issue, and date of expiration (Examples: passport, driver's license, naturalization certificate, resident alien card, military I.D.) If the legal picture I.D.
Can you get a marriage license and get married the same day California?
California marriage licenses are only valid for 90 days, so you must obtain your marriage license within the 90 days immediately prior to your wedding date. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. The clerk will give you your license immediately.
How much does it cost to get married by civil in California?
Marriage License and Ceremony FeesServiceFeePublic Marriage License issued after regular hours (Thursday evening appointments)$90Confidential Marriage License$95Confidential Marriage License issued after regular hours (Thursday evening appointments)$100Civil Marriage Ceremony$363 more rows
Can I get a California marriage license online?
Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment; however, customers must complete an online marriage application prior to visiting any of our offices. Appointments are highly recommended and can be made online. A marriage license is valid for 90 days.
Can you get a marriage license online?
In most cases, you can apply for your marriage license online and pick it up in person. Most states issue marriage licenses for 30-60 days. If you apply for a marriage license online, bring photocopies of all identification and listed requirements to the pickup office.
Do you need a blood test to get married in California?
As a result of a little-known change in the law, California no longer requires blood tests for couples seeking a marriage license, joining the majority of states that have dropped the requirement.
Do you need a witness to get married in California?
A PUBLIC marriage license is a public record. The license allows you to have the ceremony anywhere within the State of California and you are required to have at least one witness present during the ceremony.
What is a quick wedding called?
Today the term "elopement" is colloquially used for any marriage performed in haste, with a limited public engagement period or without a public engagement period. Some couples elope because they wish to avoid parental or religious objections.
How much is a courthouse wedding in California?
Public Marriage License fee is $70.00. This is the most common type of marriage license. Must have at least one witness present at the ceremony. No more than two witnesses may sign the official marriage license after the ceremony.
How can I get married fast?
An express marriage ceremony is the fastest way to get married at the County. Walk in, apply for a marriage license, and get married at the service window. The Clerk-Recorder's Office provides a witness to your marriage as part of this quick marriage service.
How do you get legally married in California?
In order to be legally married in California, first a couple must obtain a marriage license and then they must have a wedding ceremony within 90 days. You do not need to be a United States or California resident in order to purchase a California marriage license or get married in California.
How much does a marriage license cost in California?
The California marriage license cost ranges from $35 to $108. This is for the public marriage license. Confidential license ranges from $40 to $108. Both figures belong to Inyo county and San Francisco county, respectively.
Do you have to leave your heart to get married in California?
Well, you do not have to leave your heart there. Follow your heart and get married… in California! But before you do, there are certain requirements you need to comply before you can marry the love of your life, like your presence, identifications, documentations and of course, the license fee.
Do you have to be a resident of California to get married?
You are not required to be a resident of California to be married there. The public marriage license is required to have at least one witness to sign. No witness is required in the confidential license.
Do you have to be married to get a public license in California?
While two counties charge the public license higher than the confidential one. These are El Dorado County and Los Angeles County. It is not required for two parties to be already married to each other to marry in California.
How to get married in California?
California Marriage - General Information 1 The attorney-in-fact must personally appear at the County Clerk’s Office with the party who is not stationed overseas and POA that is acknowledged by a notary or witnessed by two officers of the United States Armed Forces. Copies of the form, including by facsimile, are not acceptable. 2 The POA shall state the full given names at birth, or by court order, of the parties to be married, and that the POA is solely for the purpose of authorizing the attorney-in-fact to obtain a marriage license on the person’s behalf and participate in the solemnization of the marriage. 3 The original POA shall be a part of the marriage certificate upon registration. Additional information can be obtained from the County Clerk or State Registrar’s Office.
What is POA in a marriage?
The POA shall state the full given names at birth, or by court order, of the parties to be married, and that the POA is solely for the purpose of authorizing the attorney-in-fact to obtain a marriage license on the person’s behalf and participate in the solemnization of the marriage.
What is a magistrate?
Any of the following judges or magistrates of the United States. A justice or retired justice of the United States Supreme Court. A judge or retired judge of a court of appeals, a district court, or a court created by an act of Congress the judges of which are entitled to hold office during good behavior.
Can you marry by proxy in California?
Marriage by proxy is NOT allowed in California. Family Code, Section 420(a), requires the two parties, marriage officiant and witness if applicable be physically present together in the same location for the marriage to be performed.
Do you need a blood test to get a marriage license in California?
Blood tests are NOT required to obtain a marriage license in California. Both parties must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for a marriage license in California.
What is the California Family Code?
The California Family Code provides for a continuous and permanent marriage registration system. The system depends upon the conscientious efforts of local officials, clergymen, and other officiants in preparing the original records and in certifying the information on these records.
Who is the county recorder?
The County Recorder is the local registrar of public marriages (which includes declared and non-clergy marriages) under the direction of the State Registrar (Health and Safety Code, Sections 102285 and 102295).
How old do you have to be to get married in California?
Other laws governing marriage in California include: Each party must be at least eighteen years of age . California offers both public and private marriage licenses. No minor may apply for a private marriage license.
How long does it take to get a marriage license back after a wedding?
The marriage officiant has only ten days after the wedding ceremony to return the completed license to the county recorder where you purchased the license. In cases of a confidential marriage, the license is returned to the county clerk's office for registration.
Do you have to change your name on your marriage license in Orange County?
2. Consider name changes. Counties such as Orange County require the name to be used after the marriage to appear on the marriage license. Neither party is required to make a name change , but any decisions made after the license is signed must be made by a court order.
Can a minor get a marriage license in California?
California offers both public and private marriage licenses. No minor may apply for a private marriage license. Minors applying for a public marriage license must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian (emancipated minors included), as well as permission from a California Superior Court Judge. You must marry in California.
Do you need a copy of a final judgment if you were married before?
If you were married before, you will need to provide the date when your marriage ended. Some counties may ask for a copy of the final judgment if an earlier marriage ended by dissolution or nullity, which is a declaration by the court saying the marriage never happened rather than a divorce.
Does California require witnesses for confidential marriage licenses?
The county will not make the marriage certificate public information for California confidential marriage licenses. Confidential licenses also do not require witnesses at the ceremony or witnesses to sign the marriage license. However, the couple must sign an affidavit attesting to their cohabitation. Thanks!
How long does it take to obtain a California marriage license?
A couple can get a marriage license on the same day that they apply for one. After receiving the license, the couple has 90 days to have the ceremony. A couple must file a marriage license within 10 days after the marriage ceremony.
How much does a marriage license in California cost?
The costs of a marriage license vary depending on where the application is filed within California. Prices for a marriage license usually range from $35-$100. The fee for Credible Witnesses – to prove identity for those without identification – is around $20.
Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a marriage license?
Not all counties have the same rules, so it would be best to check your county’s website on whether or not to make an appointment. However, to ensure getting a license on the day you want, it is best to make an appointment.
Can an underage individual obtain a marriage license?
In California, an underage individual must bring a certified copy of the court order granting the minor permission to obtain a marriage license. Emancipated minors are not exempt from this rule.
Do both partners have to be present when applying for a marriage license?
Yes, both partners must be present at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office in order to apply for and receive a marriage license.
Contact Us
If you need legal help or have any more questions about getting a marriage license in California, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our family law attorneys in California today!
How much does it cost to get a marriage license in New York?
New York: If you apply for a marriage license in New York City, the fee is $35. If you apply for a marriage license anywhere else in the state of New York, the fee is $40. North Carolina: The fee for a North Carolina marriage license fee is $60 and is required at the time of application.
How much does it cost to get married in Montana?
Montana: he marriage license fee is $53 to get married in Montana. Nebraska: Nebraska marriage license fee is $15 and is required at the time of application. Nevada: The fee for a Nevada marriage license varies by county and is required at the time of application.
How much does a marriage license cost in Maine?
Maine: The fee for a Maine marriage license is $40 (Forty Dollars), and is required at the time of application. Maryland: The fee for a Maryland marriage license varies by county and is required at the time of application.
How long is a marriage license valid?
Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You must have a ceremony performed by an officiant on or after the issuance date, and on or before the expiration date of the license. Licenses not used within this timeframe are void.
How to contact the state of New York for a marriage license?
Your license will be issued, and marriage ceremony performed on the same day. Please contact us by phone directly at (707)445-7593, extension #2 to schedule your in-person license issuance and marriage ceremony appointment.
What happens when you sign a marriage certificate?
When you sign the actual license and certificate of marriage, you are stating under penalty of perjury that the information you have provided is true and correct, that you are currently an unmarried couple, and that there is no legal objection to the marriage.
When do you have to appear in person for marriage license in New York?
After completing the application in Self-Service Web, both applicants must appear together in-person in the Clerk Recorder’s Office between the hours of 10:30am and 4:00pm to complete the process and obtain the marriage license.
Where do you perform a marriage ceremony?
Marriage ceremonies are performed in a designated area of the Clerk Recorder’s Office. Due to mask requirements you may not kiss each other without masks during or after the marriage ceremony while in the Clerk Recorder’s Office .
Can I get a refund for my marriage license?
No refunds are given for marriage license s purchased in error, expired, or change of heart. You will not be notified that your license has been registered once it's returned to our office after the ceremony. You do not automatically receive a certified copy.
Do you need a witness for a confidential marriage license?
If you are applying for a "confidential" marriage license no witness is required; Therefore only the couple will be permitted to enter the office for the ceremony. An additional $100 ceremony fee of in cash, money order, or credit card (no checks), is due at the time of your appointment.
Average Cost of Marriage License in California
Additional Costs
- As mentioned, your license validity will only be within 90 days from issuance. Failure to get married within that time frame would make the license invalid and you need to apply for another one, thereby entailing another cost. If you need an extra copy or a certified true copy of your license, you can get it for an additional fee, which also varies depending on your county as the C…
Where to Apply For Marriage License
- A marriage license can be acquired by applying to your respective county’s Office of the County Clerk. Check out USMarriageLaws.com for the list of locations where you could apply. If you need other information, California Department of Public Health or CDPHcan help you out.
Application Process
- Requirements for applying for a marriage license in California may differ in some aspects in each county. Some of the most common prerequisites include: 1. Paying the marriage license fee at the time of application. The amount varies per county and the cost of a confidential marriage license is usually higher than the public license. Except in some counties where both licenses cost the s…