Marriage License Info

The legalities of getting your marriage license vary in different states; as I am in California I will give those specifics here, although I do weddings all over the world. Please check with your locality for specific requirements. In order to get a California marriage license, you first need to apply for one through the county recorder’s office. Your license application is good for 90 days prior to the wedding. You may choose to get a standard/public license (of public record) or a confidential marriage license, that does not require witnesses and is of private record. Then you need to fill out the marriage license application, both bring your picture identification, and pay for the license, The price varies based on what county is issuing it and can range from around $60-$110. 

On the application, you need to provide: 

• Your legal name, place/date of birth (for both of you) 
• The same information for both sets of parents 
• The new name you or your spouse will take after marriage (if either or both of you are changing your last names). 
• Proof of divorce and the divorce date if either of you have had a previous marriage as neither party can be legally married at the time of license issue. (back margin wouldn’t work ugh) 

I like to get the license witnessed at the rehearsal, so you can check that off your list and go right from ceremony to photos/reception fun! Alternatively, I will sign the license after the ceremony, and take care of mailing it in. You will also receive a form from the County that enables you to mail it in for your own certified copy, which can take a few weeks.