What You Need to Do to Get Married in California
California requires a marriage license before you can have a wedding ceremony. You and your partner must go together to the county clerk's office, show identification and proof of age, pay a fee, and wait a minimum of four days before the license becomes valid. The license itself lasts 90 days from the date it is issued, so you have a three-month window to hold your ceremony.
The process is straightforward and takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person. You do not need an appointment in most counties, though some now offer online reservations to reduce wait times. After you marry, your officiant files the license with the county, and you can request certified copies for legal documents like name changes or passport updates.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear together at the county clerk's office with valid ID and proof of age to obtain a marriage license.
- California imposes a four-day waiting period after you receive the license before you can legally marry, though you can request a waiver in specific circumstances.
- The license costs between $40 and $100 depending on your county, and the fee structure may differ if you request a waiver.
- Your marriage license is valid for 90 days, giving you a three-month window to hold your ceremony after the waiting period ends.
- After your wedding, your officiant must file the completed license with the county clerk within 10 days for the marriage to be legally recorded.
Documents and ID You Must Bring
Bring a government-issued photo ID for each partner — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The ID must show your current legal name and date of birth. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring both your old and new legal documents showing the change.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. California uses this to check for existing marriages and to prevent fraud. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still marry but must provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid reason why you cannot obtain one.
If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. California requires proof that any prior marriage has ended. If you cannot locate the original document, the county clerk can often help you obtain a certified copy from the court that issued it.
The Four-Day Waiting Period and How to Waive It
After you receive your marriage license, California law requires you to wait four calendar days before you can hold your ceremony. This waiting period begins the day after you receive the license. For example, if you receive your license on a Monday, the earliest you can marry is Friday.
You can request a waiver of this waiting period if you have a reason the county clerk finds acceptable. Common reasons include military deployment, travel for work, or a medical emergency. The waiver is not automatic — the clerk has discretion to grant or deny it. Some counties are more flexible than others, so ask when you explore whether your situation qualifies.
If your request is denied, you must wait the full four days. The waiting period cannot be shortened, and no state office can override a county clerk's decision. Plan your wedding date with this timeline in mind, especially if you are marrying during a holiday weekend when the clerk's office may be closed.
County Clerk Offices and Where to explore
You must explore at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, not where you live. If you are getting married in Los Angeles County, you go to the Los Angeles County Clerk. If you are marrying in San Francisco, you go to the San Francisco County Clerk. Each county has its own office, hours, and fee structure.
Most county clerks' offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some now offer evening or Saturday hours. You can find your county clerk's contact information and hours on the county's official website. Many counties now allow you to reserve a time slot online, which reduces your wait time but does not eliminate the need to appear in person.
Some counties offer a mail-in option for one partner if that person cannot travel to the office in person. This is not available in all counties, and the absent partner must still provide notarized documents and identification. Call your county clerk ahead of time to ask whether this option is available and what paperwork you need.
Marriage License Fees and Payment
The cost of a marriage license in California ranges from $40 to $100 depending on your county. Most counties charge between $65 and $90. Some counties offer a reduced fee if you complete a premarital education course, typically a four-hour class on communication and conflict resolution. The discount is usually $20 to $30 off the full price.
Payment is cash, check, or card — most offices accept all three. If you request a waiver of the waiting period, some counties charge an additional fee, usually $10 to $25. Ask about the total cost when you call or visit, because fees vary and some counties have different rates for residents and non-residents.
If you lose your license before your ceremony, you can request a duplicate from the county clerk for a replacement fee, typically $10 to $20. If your ceremony is delayed and your license expires (after 90 days), you must explore for a new license and wait the four-day period again.
What Happens After You Marry
Your officiant — the person who performs the ceremony, whether a judge, minister, or authorized person — must sign and file the completed marriage license with the county clerk within 10 days of your wedding. This is not your responsibility, but you should confirm with your officiant that they understand this requirement. If the license is not filed within 10 days, the marriage may not be legally recorded.
Once the license is filed and processed, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk. You will need these for name changes, passport updates, Social Security changes, and other legal documents. Certified copies cost $10 to $25 each depending on the county. You can usually order them in person, by mail, or online.
If you change your name after marriage, you must file a separate petition with the court or use the name change process through the Social Security Administration. Your marriage certificate alone does not automatically change your legal name — you must take additional steps to update government records.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is not bringing both partners to the clerk's office. California requires both people to appear in person (with rare exceptions for military or medical hardship). You cannot send a representative or sign documents separately. Plan to go together and bring all required ID.
Another frequent error is miscalculating the waiting period. Partners often think they can marry the same day or the next day. Remember: the four-day wait begins the day after you receive the license. If you receive it on Wednesday, you cannot marry until Sunday at the earliest. Write down the exact date your license becomes valid.
Some couples forget to confirm that their officiant will file the license. If your officiant does not file it within 10 days, your marriage will not be recorded with the state. Before your ceremony, ask your officiant directly whether they have filed marriages before and confirm they know the important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married the same day we get the license?
No. California law requires a four-day waiting period after you receive the license. The earliest you can marry is the fourth day after you receive it. You can request a waiver in specific circumstances, but the clerk has the final say on whether your reason qualifies.
What if one of us was married before and we cannot find the divorce papers?
Contact the court that issued your divorce decree — usually the superior court in the county where the divorce was finalized. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person. The county clerk can sometimes help you locate the correct court if you do not know where you divorced.
How long is the marriage license valid?
Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. After 90 days, it expires and cannot be used. If your ceremony is delayed past the expiration date, you must explore for a new license and wait the four-day period again.
Do we have to marry in the county where we got the license?
No. You can marry anywhere in California or even outside the state. The license is valid wherever you hold your ceremony, as long as your officiant is authorized to perform marriages in California.
What if we are not sure our officiant is authorized to marry us?
Ask your officiant directly. Judges, ministers, rabbis, and other clergy are authorized. Some counties also authorize notary publics or other officials. If you are unsure, contact your county clerk — they can tell you whether your specific officiant is authorized to perform marriages.