Marriage licenses in California are issued by county clerks or recorders, with requirements for identification, fees, and waiting periods set by state law. Couples must obtain their license from a county within the state where the ceremony will be performed.
Marriage Licenses locations are available in 63 cities across California. They are spread across 50 counties.
Cities with the highest concentration include San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, which serve as county seats with the busiest marriage license offices in the state.
Couples in California should verify current ID and documentation requirements directly with the issuing county clerk before applying, as requirements for previously divorced or widowed applicants may differ from those marrying for the first time.
Marriage Licenses by Counties
Couples in California should check whether their county clerk offers online appointment scheduling for marriage license applications, which can reduce wait times significantly compared to walk-in visits, especially during the busy spring and summer wedding season.
Browse Marriage Licenses by county across California to find the nearest location.