What are the guidelines for obtaining a marriage license?
Each state has different laws & requirements. Remember that you must purchase your marriage certificate in the state where the ceremony takes place. Check with the laws of the state or country in which you are getting married for details. Contact the county clerk or registrar where you are planning your wedding for details at least 30 days in advance. Officiants can not marry you without seeing the official license prior to the ceremony. Some officiants require you show them id, as well. Check with your officiant.
How do we obtain a marriage license in the state of California?
Your license can be obtained at any county clerks office throughout the state, up to 90 days prior to your ceremony. Both partners must be present and bring valid identification. Been married before, documentation of divorce or death certificate required [each county has different requirements].
California county clerks offices are open Monday through Friday.
In California, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Residency and blood tests are not required. There is no waiting period to obtain the license, which is valid for 90 days.
If we live in another state and are planning on getting married in California, do we need to have a California license or can we purchase one in the state we live?
If you live in another state, you still must purchase a California Marriage License to be married in the state of California. This holds true for other states as well. Marriage licenses are issued by the state not by the federal government.
Getting married in San Francisco?
Make your appointment at city hall online:
Each state has different laws & requirements. Remember that you must purchase your marriage certificate in the state where the ceremony takes place. Check with the laws of the state or country in which you are getting married for details. Contact the county clerk or registrar where you are planning your wedding for details at least 30 days in advance. Officiants can not marry you without seeing the official license prior to the ceremony. Some officiants require you show them id, as well. Check with your officiant.
How do we obtain a marriage license in the state of California?
Your license can be obtained at any county clerks office throughout the state, up to 90 days prior to your ceremony. Both partners must be present and bring valid identification. Been married before, documentation of divorce or death certificate required [each county has different requirements].
California county clerks offices are open Monday through Friday.
In California, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Residency and blood tests are not required. There is no waiting period to obtain the license, which is valid for 90 days.
If we live in another state and are planning on getting married in California, do we need to have a California license or can we purchase one in the state we live?
If you live in another state, you still must purchase a California Marriage License to be married in the state of California. This holds true for other states as well. Marriage licenses are issued by the state not by the federal government.
Getting married in San Francisco?
Make your appointment at city hall online:
