California Marriage Licenses
Regular Marriage License is of public record and requires one witness.
In order to have a marriage ceremony in the state of California,
a license from the state is required to be purchased prior to the ceremony.
- In the state of California two marriage licenses are available.
- Only a designated county clerk's office can issue a license.
- Licenses are issued during business hours Monday through Friday.
- The couple must be over 18 years of age.
- Both bride and groom must apply together, in person, to obtain their marriage license.
- All marriage licenses are good for 90 days from the time of purchase.
Regular Marriage License is of public record and requires one witness.
- This license may be purchased in one county and used in another county.
- This license is open for public viewing and is published in newspapers.
- Only the bride, groom or court order can obtain a copy of this license.
- No witnesses are required on this license.
- This license must be used in the same county.
- The Confidential Marriage License was introduced in the late 1800’s to protect children who were born out of wedlock.
