Marriage license · Free to use

California marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What California's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

California marriage license at a glance

Fee: Los Angeles County lists $91 for a public marriage license and $85 for a confidential license. A county notice says higher fees ($176 and $220) take effect 30 days after a fee ordinance is adopted. Waiting period: None. The Siskiyou County Clerk states there is no waiting period between receiving a marriage license and the ceremony. How long it is valid: The license is valid for 90 days.

California counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Los Angeles County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

California marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: Los Angeles County lists $91 for a public marriage license and $85 for a confidential license. A county notice says higher fees ($176 and $220) take effect 30 days after a fee ordinance is adopted. (Source: lavote.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None. The Siskiyou County Clerk states there is no waiting period between receiving a marriage license and the ceremony. (Source: siskiyoucounty.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is valid for 90 days. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: A public license can be bought in any California county and the ceremony held anywhere in California, but the signed license must be filed in the county that issued it. (Source: cdph.ca.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: A public license needs at least one witness (no more than two may sign). A confidential license needs none. (Source: cdph.ca.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Clergy 18 or older, judges and commissioners, city clerks, Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages, county supervisors, and current or former elected city or county officials. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: LA County says someone ordained online may officiate if they hold ordination papers from that faith, and warns that some sites are for entertainment use only. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Age: 18 or older. Anyone under 18 needs a notarized parent or guardian consent statement and a Superior Court order. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both parties appear together with valid, unexpired government photo ID and age documents, in English or with a notarized certified translation. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: At any of the seven Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk branches, by appointment, after completing the online application. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. Complete the online application first, then book an in-person appointment (up to three weeks ahead) to buy the license. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request a certified copy of a recorded Los Angeles County marriage record online through VitalChek, by mail, or at an in-person appointment; $19 per copy. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in California?

Los Angeles County lists $91 for a public marriage license and $85 for a confidential license. A county notice says higher fees ($176 and $220) take effect 30 days after a fee ordinance is adopted. California counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Los Angeles County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in California?

None. The Siskiyou County Clerk states there is no waiting period between receiving a marriage license and the ceremony.

How long is a California marriage license valid?

The license is valid for 90 days.

Do you need witnesses to get married in California?

A public license needs at least one witness (no more than two may sign). A confidential license needs none.

Who can officiate a wedding in California?

Clergy 18 or older, judges and commissioners, city clerks, Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages, county supervisors, and current or former elected city or county officials. LA County says someone ordained online may officiate if they hold ordination papers from that faith, and warns that some sites are for entertainment use only.

How do you get a certified copy of a California marriage certificate?

Request a certified copy of a recorded Los Angeles County marriage record online through VitalChek, by mail, or at an in-person appointment; $19 per copy.

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