California marriage license: cost and requirements

How much is a marriage license in California?

Varies by county: check yours. Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County

What do you need to get the license?

• ID: Current photo ID with date of birth and issue and expiration dates (state ID, driver's license, passport, military ID). Some counties ask for a birth certificate.
• Minimum age: 18. Under 18: written consent from at least one parent or guardian and permission from a California Superior Court judge (emancipated minors are not exempt). The confidential license is only for people over 18 who already live together as a couple.
• Other requirements: Both must appear in person. No blood test. If there was a prior marriage, you must know the date and how it ended; some counties ask for the decree. Two types of license: public (public record) and confidential (only the couple can request copies).

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

County Clerk (County Clerk / Clerk-Recorder) of any California county.

Where it is valid: The wedding must take place in California, in any county; the license is recorded in the county where it was purchased.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

• Waiting period: Varies by county: check yours. San Bernardino County
• Validity: 90 days from issuance.

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

• Witnesses: Public license: at least 1 witness and at most 2 witness signatures (no minimum age, but they must understand what they are witnessing). Confidential license: no witnesses.
• Who can officiate: Priests, ministers or rabbis of any denomination; judges and commissioners (active or retired); certain legislators and officials; county supervisors, city clerks or mayors in office (Family Code 400 and 400.1). "Deputy for a day" commissioner where the county offers it.

Can you marry by proxy?

Only in one special case: a member of the Armed Forces stationed abroad can use a proxy with the State Registrar's power-of-attorney form.

California counties with an AltarPlan guide

These California counties have their own guide: fee, office, documents and official link, with a verification date.

• Los Angeles County (Los Angeles)Public license: $91.
• Orange County (Santa Ana)Public license: $61.
• Riverside County (Riverside)Public license: $111.
• San Bernardino County (San Bernardino)Public license: $120.
• San Diego County (San Diego)Public license: $129.

Other counties couples often look up

We haven't verified these counties yet. The California rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.

• Alameda County (Oakland)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Contra Costa County (Concord)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Fresno CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
• Imperial County (El Centro)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Kern County (Bakersfield)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Merced CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
• Monterey County (Salinas)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Sacramento CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
• San Francisco CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
• San Joaquin County (Stockton)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• San Mateo County (Redwood City)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Santa Barbara CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
• Santa Clara County (San Jose)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Solano County (Fairfield)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Sonoma County (Santa Rosa)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Stanislaus County (Modesto)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Tulare County (Visalia)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Ventura County (Oxnard)State rule No guide of its own yet.

How to get a marriage license in California

1. Confirm where to apply: County Clerk (County Clerk / Clerk-Recorder) of any California county.
2. Gather your ID: Current photo ID with date of birth and issue and expiration dates (state ID, driver's license, passport, military ID). Some counties ask for a birth certificate.
3. Marry within the validity period: 90 days from issuance.
4. Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and review date

1. California Department of Public Health, Vital Records (California Marriage License General Information) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
2. California Department of Public Health, Vital Records (Types of Marriage Licenses) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
3. California Department of Public Health (Marriage Officiant FAQ) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.