Learn About Getting a California Marriage License

What California Requires Before You Get Married

California has specific rules about who can get married in the state, and these rules exist to protect both people entering into marriage. Before you head to a county clerk's office, it's worth understanding what the state actually requires.

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First, both people must be at least 18 years old. This is a hard line in California—there are no exceptions for parental consent or court approval for anyone under 18. If you're under 18, you cannot marry in California, period. This applies whether you're a California resident or someone coming from out of state.

Second, you cannot be currently married to anyone else. This means your previous marriage must be officially ended through divorce or the death of your spouse. If you're unsure about the legal status of a previous marriage, California records can help clarify this, but you'll need to sort it out before moving forward.

Third, the two people getting married cannot be closely related by blood. California law prohibits marriage between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, and aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews. First cousins, however, may marry in California.

You'll also need to be of sound mind—meaning you understand what marriage is and what you're agreeing to. This isn't something the county clerk will quiz you on, but it's a legal requirement if the marriage is ever challenged.

Practical takeaway: Before doing anything else, confirm that both people meet these basic requirements. If there's any uncertainty about a previous marriage's legal status, contact your county clerk's office or search California's vital records database to verify.

Understanding California's Waiting Period and Timeline

California has a mandatory waiting period that affects when your marriage actually becomes legal—and many couples don't realize this until they're at the county clerk's office. Understanding this timeline helps you plan accordingly.

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Once you receive your marriage license from the county clerk, you must wait at least four calendar days before the marriage can be solemnized (performed). This means if you get your license on a Monday, the earliest you can have your wedding ceremony is Friday. The waiting period includes weekends and holidays, so the timing doesn't change based on when you plan your ceremony.

However, there is one exception to this waiting period: if you're in the military and show valid military ID, you can request a waiver of the four-day wait. This waiver isn't automatic—you need to specifically request it when you obtain your license, and you'll need to present military identification to the county clerk.

The marriage license itself is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued. This means you have a three-month window to actually get married after receiving your license. If those 90 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you'd need to obtain a new one if you still want to marry.

Your officiant—whether that's a religious leader, a judge, or a notary public who's authorized to perform marriages—must complete and sign the license during the ceremony. After the wedding, your officiant has responsibility for returning the completed license to the county clerk's office.

Practical takeaway: Plan your wedding date at least four days after you pick up your license, and do this within 90 days of obtaining it. If you're military, bring your ID to request a waiver when you obtain your license if you need to shorten the wait.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Walking into a county clerk's office without the right documents will waste your time and delay your marriage plans. California has specific document requirements, and they're strict about what counts.

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Both people getting married must bring valid government-issued photo identification. This can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or any other state or federal ID that includes your photograph and signature. The ID needs to be current—expired IDs are generally not accepted, though some county clerks may exercise limited discretion. If your ID is expired, call your specific county clerk's office beforehand to confirm their policy.

You'll need to provide proof of your social security number. You can bring your social security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return that shows your full social security number. If you don't have a social security number, California allows you to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

If either person was previously married, you need the final divorce decree, dissolution judgment, or death certificate of the previous spouse. This document shows the court officially ended the prior marriage. A copy is fine—you don't need the original, though bringing it is acceptable.

You'll also need to list your parent or guardian information on the marriage license application, even if you're an adult. This is standard information requested on the form—they want the names and birthdates of your parents or, if you were raised by a guardian, that person's information. If you don't know this information or were in foster care, speak with the county clerk about what alternatives they might accept.

Some counties have additional local requirements. Los Angeles County, for example, may have slightly different procedures than Kern County. Calling your specific county clerk's office or checking their website before you go is a smart move.

Practical takeaway: Gather your photo ID, proof of social security number, and any prior divorce/death documents before heading to the county clerk. Call or check your county's website to learn about any local variations in their process.

Where to Get Your Marriage License and What It Costs

In California, you obtain a marriage license from your county clerk's office, not from any state agency. Each of California's 58 counties has its own clerk's office, and they're the only places authorized to issue marriage licenses.

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You don't need to live in the county where you're getting your license. California allows anyone—residents or non-residents—to obtain a license from any county clerk's office in the state. Many couples get married in a county where they have family or where they're having their wedding, even if neither person lives there.

As of 2024, the cost ranges from approximately $65 to $100, depending on which county you're in. San Francisco County, for instance, charges around $100, while some rural counties charge closer to $65. If cost is a concern, you can call the county clerk's office in advance to learn the exact fee for that specific location.

County clerk offices typically operate during standard business hours—usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, some larger county offices may have extended hours or Saturday hours. Smaller rural offices may have more limited hours. It's worth checking your specific county's website or calling before you go, especially if you're traveling a distance.

Many county clerk offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Scheduling an appointment in advance can significantly reduce your wait time. If your county doesn't offer appointments, you'll likely encounter walk-in hours, and arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.

You'll leave the county clerk's office with your official marriage license certificate, which your officiant will complete during your ceremony. Keep this document safe—you'll need to provide it to your officiant before the wedding.

Practical takeaway: Contact your desired county clerk's office about their specific hours, fees, and whether they offer appointment scheduling. Booking an appointment in advance saves considerable time and eliminates uncertainty about when you can be seen.

Filling Out the Marriage License Form Correctly

The marriage license application form itself is straightforward, but mistakes on it can cause real problems. Understanding what information is required and how to provide it accurately prevents delays or complications.

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You'll need to provide your full legal name as it appears on your identification. If you've changed your name legally in the past—through marriage, court order, or other means—use your current legal name. The form will ask for your maiden name or former name if applicable, which helps with record-keeping and prevents confusion in vital records.

The form requests your date and place of birth. You need to know the city and county where you were born, not just the state. If you were born outside the United States, you provide the country. Your birthdate needs to be accurate—this is matched against your ID, so any discrepancy will be caught.

The application asks for your parents' names and dates of birth. If one or both parents are deceased, you still