Unlocking the Price Tag: The Cost of a Marriage License in California

Love is in the air and you’ve found your soulmate. The ring is on your finger and the date is set, but there’s one important step left before you can officially tie the knot: obtaining a marriage license. While saying “I do” may be priceless, unfortunately, obtaining a marriage license in California is not. So, just how much does it cost? In this article, we will delve into the details of how much a marriage license costs in California and what factors may affect the price. Whether you’re a couple planning to wed or simply curious about the process, keep reading to find out more.

Understanding Marriage Licenses in California

When planning a wedding in California, one of the most important things to consider is obtaining a marriage license. A marriage license is a legal document that gives you and your partner permission to legally marry within the state. It acts as proof of your marriage and must be obtained before the wedding ceremony can take place.

In California, marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk’s office and are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means that you must have your ceremony performed within that time period in order for your marriage to be legally recognized. It’s important to note that California does not have any waiting period between getting your license and being able to legally marry.

How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in California?

The cost of a marriage license in California varies depending on the county in which you apply. Generally, the cost can range from $35 to $105. For example, in Los Angeles County, the fee for a public marriage license is $91 while in San Francisco County, it is $96.

It’s also important to note that there may be additional fees for booking an appointment or obtaining copies of your marriage certificate. These fees vary by county as well.

If you plan on getting married outside of normal business hours or at a location that requires travel for the county clerk, there may be additional fees associated with this as well.

In some cases, couples may qualify for a fee waiver if they can provide proof of low income or participation in certain government programs such as CalFresh or Medi-Cal. It’s best to check with your local county clerk’s office for more information on fee waivers.

Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License

In order to obtain a marriage license in California, both parties must appear together at the county clerk’s office and provide valid identification such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Both parties must also be at least 18 years old and unmarried.

If one or both parties have been previously married, they must provide proof of the dissolution of that marriage, such as a divorce decree or death certificate. Same-sex couples are also able to obtain marriage licenses in California.

It’s important to note that there is no waiting period between obtaining your license and getting married, but it can take some time for the license to be processed and ready for pick up. It’s recommended to apply for your marriage license at least a few weeks before your planned wedding date.

The Process of Obtaining a Marriage License in California

To obtain a marriage license in California, you must first fill out an application form provided by the county clerk’s office. This form will require personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and social security number.

Next, you will need to provide valid identification and pay the required fee. Some counties may require you to make an appointment beforehand while others may allow walk-ins during designated hours.

Once all the necessary information has been submitted and fees have been paid, the county clerk will issue your marriage license. This document will contain important information such as your names, date of issuance, expiration date, and the county in which it was issued.

It’s important to carefully review all information on your marriage license before leaving the county clerk’s office as any errors or inaccuracies may cause issues later on when trying to obtain copies of your marriage certificate.

What Happens After You Get Your Marriage License?

After receiving your marriage license from the county clerk’s office in California, you are legally allowed to get married within 90 days. Once you have had a ceremony performed by an authorized person such as a priest, minister, judge or other designated officiant, they will sign your marriage license along with the two witnesses present.

The officiant will then submit the signed and completed license to the county clerk’s office for filing. This process may take up to two weeks, depending on the county. Once it has been processed, you can obtain copies of your marriage certificate for legal and official use.

Obtaining a marriage license in California is a crucial step in making your union official. Understanding the requirements, fees, and process involved in obtaining a marriage license can help make your wedding planning process much smoother. Be sure to contact your local county clerk’s office for specific information on obtaining a marriage license in your county. Once you have your license in hand, you’re one step closer to happily ever after!

Overview of Marriage Licenses in California

In the state of California, a marriage license is required in order to legally get married. This document serves as proof that a couple has met all of the legal requirements to enter into a marriage. Obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in the wedding planning process and must be completed before the ceremony can take place. In this article, we will dive into the details of how much a marriage license costs in California and everything you need to know before applying for one.

The Process of Obtaining a Marriage License

In California, couples have two options for obtaining a marriage license – online or in-person. The online option is available for couples who are getting married in certain counties and cannot appear in person at the county clerk’s office. However, most couples will need to obtain their marriage license in-person at their local county clerk’s office.

The first step in obtaining a marriage license is completing the application form. This can typically be done online or printed and filled out beforehand. The application will ask for basic information such as full names, birth dates, social security numbers, and current address. Both parties will also need to provide valid identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

Once the application is complete, both parties will need to appear together at the county clerk’s office to sign and submit the application. Some counties may also require proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. It is recommended to call ahead and confirm all necessary documents with your local clerk’s office before arriving.

After submitting the application and required documents, there may be a waiting period before your marriage license is issued. In most counties, this waiting period is five days from the time you submitted your application. This allows time for any potential objections to be raised against your marriage.

How Much Does A Marriage License Cost?

One of the most common questions couples have when it comes to obtaining a marriage license is the cost. In California, the cost of a marriage license varies by county. On average, the cost ranges from $60 to $100. However, there may be additional fees for copies of your marriage license.

These fees can often be paid with cash or credit card at the time of application. It is important to note that all fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you decide not to get married.

Additional Fees and Services

In some counties, couples may have the option to purchase additional services along with their marriage license. These services can include a civil ceremony performed by a county official or a confidential marriage license.

A civil ceremony is a non-religious ceremony that can be performed by a clerk or deputy clerk at the county clerk’s office. This option may be ideal for couples who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to get married without having a traditional wedding ceremony.

A confidential marriage license offers additional privacy as it does not require a public record. Only the couple and individuals authorized by law are able to obtain copies of this type of license.

What if You Need To Amend Your Marriage License?

In some cases, couples may need to amend their marriage license after it has been issued. This could be due to a mistake on the original document or changes in personal information. In these situations, there will be an additional fee required to make any amendments.

It is important to review your marriage license carefully before submitting it for approval and make any necessary changes before it is issued. If you do need to amend your license after it has been issued, you will need to follow the same process as obtaining one initially and pay any applicable fees.

How Long Is A Marriage License Valid?

Once your marriage license has been issued, it will be valid for 90 days. This means that you must have your wedding ceremony within those 90 days in order for your marriage to be legally recognized. If you do not get married within the 90 days, the license will expire and you will need to reapply.

Obtaining a marriage license in California is an essential step in getting married. Couples must follow the proper procedures and pay all applicable fees in order to obtain a valid marriage license. It is recommended to plan ahead and understand all of the requirements before applying for a marriage license to avoid any delays or issues. With the information provided in this article, couples should feel confident and prepared when obtaining their marriage license in California.

1) What is the cost of getting a marriage license in California?
The cost varies by county, but on average, a marriage license in California costs around $35.

2) What additional fees could I incur when applying for a marriage license in California?
Some counties may require you to pay an additional fee for a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You may also need to pay for a public marriage license if you are not having a religious or civil ceremony.

3) Are there any discounts available for obtaining a marriage license in California?
No, there are no discounts offered for obtaining a marriage license in California. The cost is set by state law and cannot be waived or reduced.

4) How do I pay for my marriage license in California?
Most counties accept cash, check, or credit/debit cards as forms of payment. Some may also have online payment options available.

5) Can I obtain a marriage license after hours or on weekends?
The availability varies by county, but some offices may offer extended hours or weekend appointments for an additional fee. It is best to check with your specific county for their hours and availability.

6) Is there a waiting period before I can use my marriage license in California?
Yes, there is a mandatory waiting period of 24 hours after obtaining your marriage license before you can have your ceremony. The only exception to this rule is if both parties can provide proof of completing premarital counseling with an approved provider.

In conclusion, obtaining a marriage license in California may seem like a daunting and expensive process. However, with proper research and planning, couples can navigate the various fees and requirements to make the process more affordable. The cost of a marriage license in California varies depending on the county and other factors such as premarital counseling or shortened waiting periods. Additionally, there are ways to obtain fee waivers for those who may not be able to afford the regular charges.

Furthermore, couples should keep in mind that a marriage license is just one aspect of the overall cost of getting married. Other expenses such as venue rental, catering, and decor can quickly add up. Therefore, it is essential to budget and prioritize household finances accordingly.

On a positive note, California offers various options for couples to obtain a marriage license that suits their preferences and budget. From online application services to civil ceremonies at the county clerk’s office, couples have the flexibility to choose what works best for them.

Lastly, regardless of the cost, obtaining a marriage license in California marks the beginning of a new journey in life with your partner. It is an exciting step towards building a life together and should not be overshadowed by financial concerns. With careful planning and proper communication between partners, getting married in California can be a beautiful and

Author Profile

Kelsey Garrison

Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.