How to Get a California Marriage License

When floating on a cloud of white silk organza, perfect flower arrangements, and a triple chocolate cake topped with a miniature bride and groom, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the legal logistics of obtaining your marriage license.  Simply follow these five easy steps, and you will be on your way to lawfully wedded bliss.

1. Pick a date! The question most couples get when they announce they are getting married is, “Have you set a date?”  While this is an important question for wedding planning in general, it is critical for obtaining a marriage license. A California marriage license is valid immediately, but only remains so for 90 days after the date it is issued.  If you do not get married within 90 days of receiving your license, you must reapply and purchase a new one.
2. What name will you use after you get married? If you are changing or hyphenating your name, discuss this with your partner ahead of time.  Both parties can choose and list on the marriage license the name they will use after marriage.
3. Is this your second marriage? If so, you will need to know the exact date your divorce was finalized.  If it was within the last 90 days, you must bring your divorce decree with you.
4. Visit your local County Clerk’s office to apply for your marriage license. In some counties, you can apply online, but you will still have to visit the office in person to pick up the license.  Both partners must appear together when filing the application and don’t forget to bring your photo I.D., such as a passport or driver’s license.  Not getting married in the county that issued your marriage license?  No problem, but you must be married in the state of California and file the license in the county where it was purchased.
5. Don’t forget to bring your wallet! The marriage license fees vary by county and most County Clerk’s offices require the fees to be paid by cash or check.  Some locations accept debit cards but there is an extra processing fee.

Once you have completed the five steps detailed above, you should have everything you need to keep moving forward toward your big day.  Don’t forget that you need to have at least one witness present at your ceremony who signs your license, but there is no age requirement for this witness, as long as they understand that they are witnessing a marriage ceremony and are able to sign their name.

Rose Kesten, founder of The Kesten Law Group is a California licensed attorney specializing in family law.  Rose’s practice focuses on family formation and reproductive matters including adoption, surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, pre and post nuptial agreements, child custody matters, parenting plans and collaborative divorce. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Rose via email at Rose@KestenLawGroup.com or visit www.KestenLawGroup.com.