California Marriage 101

Who can marry?

To be eligible to marry in California, each person in a couple must:

· Be 18 years of age or older (if either or both are younger than 18, different procedures apply)
· Not be closely related by blood or marriage to their intended spouse.
· Not be married to or in a registered domestic partnership or civil union with anyone else. (Please note: Any divorce from a previous marriage, or dissolution of a civil union or domestic partnership with another person, must be final at the time a person applies for a marriage license.)

How do we get a marriage license?

You must apply for a marriage license at the Office of the County Clerk or County Recorder of any California county (it does not need to be to be the county where you live or where you plan to marry).

Some clerks’ offices require that you set up an appointment in advance to apply—call the clerk’s office or visit the clerk’s website to find out more information. (Note: San Francisco County is by appointment only. Licenses will NOT be given on a first-come, first-served basis.)
You can download a license application from most counties’ websites to complete in advance or simply get and complete the form when you visit the County Clerk’s office.

What do we need to bring with us when we apply for a license?

In order to receive a marriage license, both members of the couple must go to the Clerk’s office together and bring:

1. Picture ID
Bring a Driver’s License or other valid government-issued identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates—you can contact the county office you plan to visit in advance to find out if this is recommended. Know your parents’ names, mother’s maiden name, and where your parents were born.

2. Payment
The county clerks charge a fee for issuing the license, and the fee varies by county, but it is generally less than $100. Contact the clerk in the county where you intend to apply to find out how much the fee is and what method of payment—cash, check, or credit card—they will accept.

3. Information about previous marriages
If you have been married before, you will need to provide information about the specific date your last marriage(s) ended as well as how it/they ended (e.g. death, dissolution, divorce, or nullity.) Some counties may require a copy of the final judgment if your previous marriage ended by dissolution or nullity.

Remember, marriage is a serious legal and personal commitment that should not be entered into lightly. Before getting married, couples should educate themselves about the legal consequences of marriage. We advise that you seek individualized legal advice as well. Important Note: Binational couples in which one member does not have permanent legal resident status in this country, anyone serving in the U.S. military, anyone considering adopting a child from another country, and anyone receiving government financial assistance should consult with an attorney with expertise in these areas of law before getting married.

For further information, click here to read the full FAQ's about marriage in California.

I want to extend my personal congratulations to all couples who will be getting married, and wish you much joy and happiness. If you are planning a wedding, the Center has the space and experienced events profesisonals to host a beautiful ceremony or reception. Click here for more information about renting facilities at the Center.