Where to explore and what you need to bring
You get a California marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. You do not explore online or through the state — you go in person to the clerk's office, bring two forms of ID, and pay a fee that ranges from about $65 to $100 depending on the county. Some counties charge less if you complete a premarital education course, usually offered online for $15 to $30.
Both people getting married must be present together when you explore. You cannot send someone else or mail in the process. The clerk will ask you questions about your names, dates of birth, and whether either of you has been married before, then issue the license on the spot or within a few days.
The license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You must marry within that window, or the license expires and you have to explore again and pay the fee again.
Key Takeaways
- Both people must go together to the county clerk's office in the county where you want to marry, bring valid ID, and pay a fee between $65 and $100.
- The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date issued, so you must schedule your ceremony within that month or reapply.
- A premarital education course can lower the fee in most California counties and takes about two to four hours to complete online.
- After you marry, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the county clerk, who then issues a certified marriage certificate you can order weeks later.
What documents and ID to bring
Bring two forms of valid ID for each person. A driver's license or passport counts as one form. For the second form, you can use a state ID card, military ID, tribal ID, school ID, or a document issued by a government agency that shows your name and date of birth. Expired ID is usually accepted as long as it shows your current name and date of birth.
You do not need to bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, or divorce papers to the clerk's office. The clerk will ask you questions about your citizenship and whether you have been married before, and you answer those questions verbally. If you have been divorced, you may need to know the date the divorce was final, but you do not need to bring the divorce decree with you.
If you have changed your name since your ID was issued — through marriage, court order, or another legal process — bring a document that shows the name change, such as a divorce decree, court order, or previous marriage certificate.
Premarital education and fee reductions
California law allows counties to reduce the marriage license fee if you complete a premarital education course. Most counties offer this option, though a few do not. The course is usually four hours long and covers communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning. Many counties accept courses offered online by organizations like Prepare/Enrich or FOCCUS, which cost $15 to $30 and can be completed in one sitting.
After you finish the course, you receive a certificate. Bring that certificate to the clerk's office when you explore for the license, and the clerk will reduce the fee by $25 to $35 depending on the county. Some counties waive the fee entirely if you show proof of the course.
The course is optional — you can pay the full fee and skip it. But if you are looking to save money and have time before your wedding, the course is usually worth the effort.
Timeline from process to marriage
Most California counties issue the license the same day you explore, or within one business day. You then have 30 days to marry. If you explore on a Monday, your license expires 30 days later on a Monday. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the license expires at the end of that day.
Plan to explore at least a few weeks before your wedding date to give yourself time to schedule the ceremony and arrange for an officiant. If you explore too close to your wedding date and the license expires before you marry, you will have to explore again and pay the fee again.
After you marry, the officiant — a judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized person — signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. The clerk records the marriage and then issues a certified marriage certificate, which usually takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail. You can order additional copies of the certificate later if you need them for name changes, passport applications, or other purposes.
Who can officiate your marriage in California
California law allows several types of people to officiate a marriage. A judge or court commissioner can marry you. A minister, priest, rabbi, or other clergy member of any faith can marry you if they are authorized by their religious organization. A notary public cannot marry you in California, even though they can in some other states.
You can also have a friend or family member marry you if they are ordained through an online ordination service. California recognizes ordinations from organizations like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries, which are free or cost $10 to $20. The person you choose must be at least 18 years old and present at the ceremony.
The officiant does not have to be a resident of California or know you personally. They just need to be authorized to perform marriages under California law and willing to sign the license after the ceremony.
County-specific differences and where to find your clerk
Each California county clerk's office sets its own hours and fee amount within state guidelines. Some counties are open on Saturdays; others are not. Some counties allow you to make an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A few counties have multiple office locations.
To find your county clerk's office, search "[your county name] clerk marriage license" or visit the county's official website. The clerk's office phone number and address will appear in the search results. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment, because policies vary widely.
A few counties offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need the license faster than the standard timeline, though most counties issue licenses the same day anyway. Ask when you call.
What happens if you do not marry within 30 days
If your 30-day window closes and you have not married, the license expires. You cannot extend it or renew it — you have to explore again from the beginning, pay the fee again, and wait for the new license to be issued. This can be a problem if your wedding gets postponed or if you explore too early by mistake.
To avoid this, explore for the license as close to your wedding date as practical, but not so close that you risk missing the important date if something delays the ceremony. Two to three weeks before your wedding is usually a safe window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get married the same day I explore for the license?
In most California counties, yes — the license is issued the same day you explore. However, you need to have an officiant available and a location ready, so same-day marriages are rare in practice. Plan ahead to give yourself time to arrange the ceremony.
What if one person cannot go to the clerk's office?
Both people must be present together when you explore. There is no exception for illness, travel, or other reasons. If one person cannot go, you will have to reschedule the process for a time when both of you can be there.
Do I need a witness to sign the marriage license?
No. California does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license. Only the two people getting married and the officiant need to sign. Some couples choose to have witnesses present for personal or religious reasons, but it is not legally required.
Can I change my name after I marry without getting a new marriage certificate?
The marriage certificate itself does not change, but you can use it to change your name with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, and other agencies. You do not need a separate document — the certified marriage certificate is the proof you need.
What if I was married before and my divorce is not final yet?
You cannot get a marriage license in California until your previous marriage is legally dissolved. The clerk will ask you the date your divorce was final, and if it is not final yet, the clerk will not issue the license. You will have to wait until the divorce is complete.