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Getting Married in California
General Information About Marriage in the State of CaliforniaYou do not need to be a California resident to marry in California. The same requirements apply whether you are a U.S. Citizen or foreigner. Only two unmarried persons over the age of 18 years may apply for a marriage license in California. Anyone under 18 must obtain a court order through the Juvenile Court System. Marriage by proxy is not allowed in California. To be married in California you must obtain a marriage license prior to the marriage ceremony. To obtain a regular license, the parties (both over 18 years of age) must appear in person with a photo ID and provide information, including parents’ full and maiden names and their places of birth. In the case of a previous marriage(s), each party affected must provide the date that their most recent marriage ended and if the divorce date is within 90 days of the date the marriage license is purchased, a certified copy of a final judgment must be shown when applying for the new marriage license. In the event of an annulment or the death of a spouse within 90 days of the marriage application, a certified copy of the death record or annulment record must be presented. The Name Equality Act of 2007 became effective in 2009 and allows for designations of new middle and last names (for both parties) on the marriage license after the marriage. There are two types of marriage licenses in the State of California. A public marriage license is a public record. It is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in the State of California. At least one witness is required and there is a $70 purchase fee. A confidential marriage license is not available for public inspection. It is valid only for ceremonies performed in the county in which it is issued. No witnesses are required. The applicants must sign a statement stating that they have been living together as spouses. There is a $72 purchase fee (Napa County). No blood tests are required in the State of California. It is suggested, but not required, that you order at least one certified copy of your marriage license at the time the license is issued for an additional $14 per copy (Napa County). A public marriage license can be obtained from any of California’s 58 County Clerk offices and once issued, the license is good for 90 days and your wedding ceremony can be performed anywhere in the State of California. If either party is under the age of eighteen, a license cannot be issued without a court order. In Napa County, marriage licenses are issued between 8:00 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays. The Napa County Clerk’s office is located at 900 Coombs St., Room 116, Napa, CA, 94559. The phone number is (707) 253-4246. In Sonoma County, marriage licenses are issued between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays. The Sonoma County Clerk’s office is located at 2300 County Center Dr., Suite B-177, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. The phone number is (707) 565-2645. In San Francisco County, marriage licenses are issued between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 pm. Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays. The San Francisco Count Clerk’s office is located at San Francisco City Hall, Suite 168, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA, 94102. The phone number is (415) 554-4950. Other County Clerk offices (near Sacramento Airport, Oakland Airport and San Francisco International): Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder Alameda County Clerk/Recorder Marin County Clerk It is helpful for the couple is designate at least one witness for the ceremony (although you may have up to two witnesses sign your license). In the case of elopements, Napa Wedding Source will provide you with a witness. Either your photographer, musician or onsite concierge can act as your witness. If you would like to have a friend or relative deputized as a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for the Day, contact any California County Clerk’s office. Types of IDs accepted: A valid authentic legal picture ID card is required from each partner. Examples: include passport, driver’s license, naturalization form, resident alien cards, military ID. If the legal picture ID card does not contain your full legal name, you must also present a certified copy of a birth certificate or a social security card, showing your full legal name. Forms of payment accepted: Cash, local pre-printed check, money order, or debit card. There may be a convenience fee for credit cards. If you have any questions, please contact us at: Chris@NapaWeddingSource.com (707) 225-1862 |
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