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Alameda County, California marriage license: fee, offices and what to bring
What official pages say about getting a marriage license in Alameda County, California: the $81 fee, where to go, appointments, ID and who must appear. A fact is linked to the page it was read on.
Alameda County marriage license at a glance
Fee: The county lists $81 for a public marriage license and $90 for a confidential marriage license.
Where to go: Oakland Office (full service location), 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607, or the other office in the table below.
Appointment: No appointment is needed for an express marriage ceremony: couples can walk in, apply for a marriage license and have the ceremony at the same time. The service has a 4 p.m. cut-off.
Alameda County marriage license: what the office asks for
Issued by the Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder. The lines below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 13, 2026. Fees and hours change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the office before you go.
- Fee
- The county lists $81 for a public marriage license and $90 for a confidential marriage license. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- How to pay
- Cash, debit or ATM card, Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, checks, money orders, and cashier's or traveler's checks are accepted. In-person credit card transactions carry a 2.3% transaction fee. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Appointment
- No appointment is needed for an express marriage ceremony: couples can walk in, apply for a marriage license and have the ceremony at the same time. The service has a 4 p.m. cut-off. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Online application
- Submit the marriage license application online, then within 30 days both parties must come into the office to pay, complete the process and receive the license. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- ID and documents to bring
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID or consulate card. Digital IDs and screenshots are not accepted. A divorce within the last 30 days requires a certified final judgment. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Who must appear
- Both parties must appear together in person and be 18 or older. The county also offers virtual marriage services by video conference. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Virtual marriage services
- A marriage license, or a license and ceremony, can be done by video conference instead of in person. Applicants must be physically located in California during the video conference. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Civil ceremonies
- Civil ceremonies cost $75, are by appointment only, and are offered only at the main office in Oakland. Couples must provide at least one witness. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Express ceremony
- The Oakland and Tri-Valley offices offer express marriage ceremonies for $75. The couple must provide at least one witness, and up to 2 guests may attend. (Source: auditor.alamedacountyca.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
Where to get a marriage license in Alameda County
| Office | Address | Hours | Source, checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland Office (full service location) | 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607 | Monday to Friday (except holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | auditor.alamedacountyca.gov Nov 13, 2026 |
| Tri-Valley Office (Dublin) | 7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160, Dublin, CA 94568 | Monday to Friday (except holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | auditor.alamedacountyca.gov Nov 13, 2026 |
Official links
How Alameda County compares with the California rule
Alameda County lists $81. The California page shows $91, read from Los Angeles County, $10 more.
- California 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 a California license is valid
- The license is valid for 90 days. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
California marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply has the state’s other rules: witnesses, who may officiate, age and certified copies.
Common questions
How much is a marriage license in Alameda County, California?
The county lists $81 for a public marriage license and $90 for a confidential marriage license. Cash, debit or ATM card, Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, checks, money orders, and cashier's or traveler's checks are accepted. In-person credit card transactions carry a 2.3% transaction fee.
Where do you get a marriage license in Alameda County, California?
The Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder issues it. Oakland Office (full service location), 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607 (Monday to Friday (except holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Tri-Valley Office (Dublin), 7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160, Dublin, CA 94568 (Monday to Friday (except holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Do you need an appointment for a marriage license in Alameda County, California?
No appointment is needed for an express marriage ceremony: couples can walk in, apply for a marriage license and have the ceremony at the same time. The service has a 4 p.m. cut-off. Submit the marriage license application online, then within 30 days both parties must come into the office to pay, complete the process and receive the license.
Do both people have to be there to get a marriage license in Alameda County, California?
Both parties must appear together in person and be 18 or older. The county also offers virtual marriage services by video conference.
What do you bring for a marriage license in Alameda County, California?
Bring valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID or consulate card. Digital IDs and screenshots are not accepted. A divorce within the last 30 days requires a certified final judgment.
Next
Other California counties
- Los Angeles County marriage license
- Orange County marriage license
- Riverside County marriage license
- Sacramento County marriage license
- San Bernardino County marriage license
- San Diego County marriage license
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