California Marriage License
California Marriage License Laws
California has become one of the most progressive states for couples who are getting married. The laws that regulate the validation of marriages are less-stringent than many other states. That being said, there are a few details that you should know in advance. Below, we'll explain the documents you'll need for your marriage license as well as what to expect from the process of obtaining it.
Identity And Residence
First, plan to make an appointment with your city clerk's office. California is a popular state to get married in. If you want to avoid waiting for a few hours, call the clerk's office at least a month (especially during the summer) before the ceremony to make the appointment.
Bring your driver's license or identification card. Also, when you call the clerk's office, ask whether they'll need a birth certificate (oddly, each city and county has varying requirements). When you arrive, be ready to provide the names of your parents (including your mother's maiden name) and where they were born.
You're not required to be a resident of California to get married in the state.
Past Marriages
Like most states, California wants to be sure you're not already married before issuing you a marriage license (that's understandable). So, if you've been married in the past, you'll need to show evidence that the marriage was either annulled or you got a divorce. That requires documentation (a wounded look is insufficient). If your spouse passed away, you'll probably need to show a death certificate.
Fees, Tests And Other Considerations
Getting married costs money. And it starts with your marriage license. Currently, the fee is $45 and it's payable at the clerk's office. In a move that seems contrary to society's shift toward electronic banking, most clerks' offices want cash. It's not as romantic, but it gets the job done. So, bring the $45 with you.
California doesn't require that either the bride or groom submit to blood tests before getting married. This was done a lot in the past, but the laws have been significantly relaxed over the past several years.
There are a few other things you should consider. First, if the bride or groom are under 18, one of their parents (or a legal guardian) needs to be present. They'll need to provide birth certificates and plan to meet with a counselor before getting married. Second, marriages between cousins are allowed as are same-sex marriages (though the latter is a recent development in California). And third, proxy marriages generally aren't available. So, if you want a marriage license, both of you need to show up.
Getting Married In California
We've made it sound difficult to get married in California. However, it's actually easy. You simply need to follow the rules and prove your identity. That said, here's a quick tip: if you absolutely refuse to make an appointment with the clerk's office (that's a bad move, by the way), don't show up around lunchtime. Usually, the offices are closed (it's a government office, after all). Try to show up during the middle of the week and early in the day.
So, bring $45 in cash with you and all the documentation mentioned above and you'll have your marriage license.