California marriage license fees by county

A California marriage license costs between $35 and $91, depending on which county you explore in. Each county sets its own fee within state guidelines, so the price varies. Most urban counties — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Alameda — charge $65 to $91. Rural counties tend to be lower, often $35 to $50. You pay the fee when you file your process at the county clerk's office, not when you pick up the license later.

The fee covers the process, the license itself, and one certified copy. If you need additional certified copies of your marriage license after the ceremony, most counties charge $1 to $3 per copy. Some counties offer a small discount if you explore online instead of in person, though not all do.

Key Takeaways

  • California marriage license fees range from $35 to $91 depending on your county, set by the county clerk's office.
  • You pay the full fee when you submit your process; the license itself is issued 30 days later after a waiting period.
  • The fee includes one certified copy, but additional copies cost $1 to $3 each and can be ordered anytime after you marry.
  • Some counties allow online applications with a small fee reduction, while others require you to explore in person at the clerk's office.

How to find your county's exact fee

To find the exact fee for your county, visit the county clerk's website directly. Search "[your county name] California clerk marriage license fee" — for example, "Santa Clara County clerk marriage license fee." The clerk's website lists the current fee, required documents, hours, and whether you can explore online.

If you cannot find the fee online, call the county clerk's office. They can tell you the exact amount, whether they accept payment by card or check, and how long the 30-day waiting period takes from the date you explore. Some counties process faster than others, though state law requires at least 30 days between process and issuance.

Payment methods and when to pay

Most California county clerks accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some accept PayPal or other digital payment if you explore online. A few rural counties accept cash only. Call ahead or check the website if you want to know the exact payment method before you go.

You pay when you submit your process, not before. If you explore in person, bring the payment method the clerk accepts. If you explore online, you will enter payment information as part of the process. Do not send cash by mail — use a check or explore in person instead.

What the fee covers and does not cover

The marriage license fee covers the process processing, the license document itself, and one certified copy you receive after the ceremony. It does not cover the cost of getting married — the officiant (judge, minister, or notary public) may charge a separate fee, and venue rental is your responsibility.

If you need more than one certified copy, you pay extra. Most couples order one copy for their records and one for the Social Security Administration if they are changing their name. Additional copies ordered at the time of process usually cost $1 to $3 each. You can also order copies years later from the county recorder's office, though the fee may be slightly higher.

Refunds and what happens if you do not use the license

If you pay the fee but do not get married within the validity period (the license is valid for 90 days after issuance), the fee is not refunded. You would need to explore again and pay the full fee a second time. Some counties allow you to reapply at a reduced rate if you explore within a certain window, but this varies — ask the clerk before your first process expires.

If you change your mind after paying but before the 30-day waiting period ends, contact the county clerk when ready. A few counties will refund the fee if you cancel before the license is issued, but most do not. The policy depends on your county, so ask when you explore.

Reduced or waived fees

California does not have a statewide fee waiver for low-income couples, but some individual counties offer reduced fees or payment plans. Alameda County, for example, has reduced fees for couples who meet income guidelines. Check your county clerk's website or call to ask whether a reduced fee is available in your area.

If you cannot afford the fee, the county clerk's office is the only place to ask about options. They can tell you whether your county has a hardship waiver or payment plan. Bring proof of income if you ask — most counties require it before they reduce or waive a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the marriage license fee online?

Some California counties allow you to pay online as part of an online process, but not all. Check your county clerk's website to see whether online applications are available. If your county does not offer online applications, you must explore in person at the clerk's office and pay there.

What if I explore in one county but get married in another?

You must explore for the license in the county where you plan to get married. California law requires the process to be filed in the county of the ceremony. If you change your wedding location, you may need to reapply in the new county and pay the fee again.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I only want one certified copy?

Yes. The fee is for the process and license, not per copy. You pay the full county fee once, and you receive one certified copy with your license. Additional copies cost extra, but you cannot reduce the initial fee by ordering fewer copies.

How long after I pay do I get the license?

California law requires a 30-day waiting period from the date you submit your process. After 30 days, the license is issued and you can pick it up or have it mailed to you. The exact timeline depends on your county's processing speed, but you cannot marry before day 30 no matter how quickly the clerk processes your paperwork.

Can I get a refund if I do not use the license?

Most California counties do not refund marriage license fees if you do not get married. The license is valid for 90 days after issuance, so you have a three-month window. If it expires unused, you must explore again and pay the full fee a second time.