How to Get Married Legally in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Songbird
- Jun 29
- 6 min read
Planning your dream wedding involves choosing a venue, finding the perfect dress, and creating a celebration that reflects your love story. But before you can officially say "I do," there are a few legal steps you'll need to complete to make your marriage official in the State of California.
The good news is… the process is usually much simpler than couples expect!
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about legally getting married in California, from obtaining your marriage license to filing your completed paperwork after the ceremony.
Table of Contents
Check That You're Eligible to Marry in California
Choose Between a Public or Confidential Marriage License
Apply for Your Marriage License
What to Expect at Your In-Person Appointment
Understand Your Marriage License Timeline
Choose an Authorized Officiant
Witness Requirements
Get Married!
File Your Marriage License
Order Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
+Frequently Asked Questions
1. Check That You're Eligible to Marry in California
Before applying for a marriage license, both parties must meet California's legal requirements.
Couples must:
Be 18 years or older.
Both parties must be single.
If you were divorced or your domestic partnership ended in the last 90 days, you must bring proof
Most couples will have no issues meeting these requirements, but it's always a good idea to check with your local County Clerk's office if you have any questions regarding your specific circumstances.
2. Choose Between a Public or Confidential Marriage License
One of the first decisions you'll make is whether you want a Public Marriage License or a Confidential Marriage License.
Public Marriage License
A public marriage license becomes part of the public record after your marriage is registered. This is the most common option for couples getting married in California.
Confidential Marriage License
A confidential marriage license is not publicly accessible. To qualify, couples must already be living together at the time they apply. Reasons someone may want a confidential marriage license include:
Elopements: It does not require any witness signatures to get legally married, making private ceremonies easy.
Privacy: Your marriage record (including your names and home address) is completely sealed and kept off public databases.
If you're unsure which option is right for you, your County Clerk's office can explain the differences and requirements in more detail.
3. Apply for Your Marriage License
Marriage licenses are issued through California County Clerk offices.
Many counties allow couples to begin the application process online before attending an in-person appointment. Requirements and fees can vary slightly by county, so it's best to check with the specific county where you plan to apply.
How to Apply: You start by filling out the application online, but both partners must appear in person to the county clerk to finalize and pick up the license.
Apply Online: Fill out the forms online before your visit.
This depends on which county you live in. For example, in Los Angeles County, submit your details using the LA County Online Marriage License System.
Schedule an appointment: Schedule your appointment ahead of time. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted but rarely guaranteed.
Fees: Have a valid payment method ready. The cost varies by location.
4. What to Expect at Your In-Person Appointment
When attending your appointment, you'll typically need:
A valid government-issued photo ID ( Be sure your identification is current and not expired. )
Any required application forms for your county
Payment for the marriage license fee
The appointment will usually go like this:
Document Check: A clerk will review your IDs to verify your age and legal name.
Swearing In: You will both take an oath stating that the information you provide is true and that you are legally free to marry.
Issuance: The clerk will print and hand you your official marriage license.
Same-Day Ceremonies: If you would like, many county offices offer the option to marry at the office right after the license is handed to you. If you choose to do this, depending on your certificate preference you might need to bring a witness or pay a small witness fee.
5. Understand Your Marriage License Timeline
Timing matters when it comes to your marriage license.
In California:
There is generally no waiting period after receiving your license.
Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.
Your ceremony must take place before the license expires.
For most couples, applying about one to two months before the wedding date provides plenty of flexibility while avoiding expiration concerns.
6. Choose an Authorized Officiant
To legally marry in California, your ceremony must be performed by someone authorized to solemnize marriages.
This can include:
Religious clergy members
Judges
Commissioners of Civil Marriage
Other individuals legally authorized under California law
Many couples also choose to have a friend or family member officiate after completing the appropriate steps to become legally authorized. Be sure to confirm your officiant is qualified before the wedding day.
7. Witness Requirements
Witness requirements depend on the type of license you choose.
Public Marriage License
At least one witness is required.
Up to two witnesses may sign the marriage license.
Confidential Marriage License
No witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.
This is one reason confidential licenses are popular among couples planning intimate ceremonies or elopements.
8. Get Married!
Now for the fun part!
On your wedding day, you'll exchange vows, celebrate with loved ones, and officially become newlyweds.
Be sure to bring your marriage license packet to the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete the necessary sections and gather any required signatures from the couple and witnesses.
9. File Your Marriage License
Your marriage isn't fully registered until the completed license is returned and recorded.
In California, the officiant is generally responsible for completing and returning the marriage license for registration after the ceremony. Many counties recommend submitting the completed license within 10 days.
To avoid delays, it's always a good idea to confirm with your officiant that the paperwork has been submitted.
10. Order Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage has been registered, you may want to order certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Certified copies can be useful for:
Name changes
Updating Social Security records
Passport updates
Insurance changes
Banking and financial accounts
Other legal documents
Many couples find it helpful to order multiple certified copies right away so they have them available when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we get our marriage license?
Most couples apply one to two months before their wedding. Since California licenses are valid for 90 days, this provides a comfortable window before the ceremony.
Can we get married the same day we receive our license?
Yes. California does not generally have a waiting period between receiving your marriage license and holding your ceremony.
Can we use a California marriage license in another state?
No. A California marriage license must be used within California.
Do we need witnesses?
For a public marriage license, at least one witness is required. Confidential marriage licenses do not require witnesses.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement and Do I Need One?
A prenuptial agreement, often called a "prenup," is a legal contract created before marriage that outlines how certain assets, debts, and financial matters would be handled if the marriage were to end.
Prenups aren't just for celebrities or wealthy individuals. Some couples choose to create one if they:
Own a business
Have significant savings or investments
Own real estate
Have existing debt
Expect to receive an inheritance
Have children from a previous relationship
Whether or not you need a prenup depends on your unique financial situation and goals as a couple. If you're considering one, it's best to discuss it well before the wedding and consult with a qualified family law attorney who can explain your options and help determine what is appropriate for your circumstances.
How Do I Legally Change My Name After Marriage?
If you plan to change your name after getting married, you'll typically begin the process once you've received a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
While the exact order may vary, many newlyweds start by updating:
Their Social Security record
Driver's license or state ID
Passport
Employer payroll information
Bank accounts and credit cards
Insurance policies
Professional licenses
Voter registration
Because multiple organizations require proof of the name change, many couples find it helpful to order several certified copies of their marriage certificate when it becomes available.
Before beginning the process, be sure to review the specific requirements of each agency or institution, as documentation requirements may vary.
In Summary
While wedding planning can feel overwhelming at times, the legal process of getting married in California is not as scary as it seems. By obtaining your marriage license, choosing a qualified officiant, meeting the witness requirements, and ensuring your paperwork is properly filed, you'll be ready to start your next chapter together with confidence.
And once the paperwork is complete, you can get back to focusing on the fun part, the wedding celebration!
If you need expert guidance to bring your vision to life, our wedding planning team is here to help. We specialize in Chinese-American & Destination Weddings! We will help you from choosing the perfect venue to coordinating every detail, we make the process seamless so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to us to start planning your dream wedding today! 💍✨
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