How to get a Marriage License
There are 2 basic ways to ger a Marriage License.
1. Go to your Local County Office and apply for one
2. Utilize a service like mine to issue you a license on the spot 24/7
To obtain a Marriage License the following is Required.
1. The Couple MUST appear together.
2. Both MUST be over 18. If under 18 a court order must be obtained.
3. MUST have current valid identification. You are REQUIRED to present a CURRENT government-issued photo I.D. such as a passport, a driver's license, a state I.D. card or a green card.
4. For Foreign Citizens a passport is required.
5. If you were previously married and the final dissolution was within the last two years, a copy of your divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate will be required.
If the final dissolution was more than two years, written proof may not be required, but the date of the final dissolution must be provided at the time the license is requested..
6. You must completely fill out either a written or online application.
7. If you plan to get married in Los Angeles County I can issue you a License.
Go to my Marriage License website www.laweddinglicense.com
What you DO NOT need:
1. A blood test or health certificate are NOT required to obtain a marriage license.
2. There is NO residence or citizenship status requirement. You do not need to live in California, Los Angeles or the United States to qualify for a marriage license.
A valid government-issued, picture identification is required to verify name, age, and identity; and any other document that may be applicable for the issuance of a marriage license (e.g. adoption papers, superior court name change, etc.). Before coming to the County Clerk's Office, call and explain your specific situation in detail.
If you do not bring the appropriate documentation, you will not be issued a marriage license.
There is no waiting period. The license may be used upon issuance.
The license is valid for 90 days.
Proxy Marriages or Marriage over the phone or internet are NOT LEGAL in California
Q. How soon can I get the License?
A. To be legally married in California, you must obtain a marriage license within 90 days of your marriage date and it may be used in any county in California. Except for confidential licenses which must be used in the county issued.
Q. Can you provide us with a license?
A. Yes. I am authorized to issue Confidential Marriage Licenses in Los Angeles County. The ceremony must take place in LA County.
Q. Can you issue me a marriage license if my ceremony is in a different County, State or Country?
A. No and Yes. If you are getting married outside of LA County you can obtain the license directly from that County, State or Country OR I can issue you a marriage license do an I do ceremony in my office and then you can have your ceremony anywhere in the world.
Q. Can I apply online?
A. You can either apply on line to have me issue you an LA County confidential license or directly with the county. In Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties, they have online applications. After applying online, both of you must appear in person before me if I am issuing it or at the county office to pick up the license and must present valid picture identification.
Q. How do I get copies of the license?
A. Most counties include a request for copies form along with the license ***fill this out before the ceremony*** and include a check for copies. I will send it in with the license. The copies are $13 each and I recommend getting at least 2 copies. Once the license is recorded you will be sent the copies you requested
Q. How long does it take to get our copies?
A. Los Angeles County can take from 4 to 6 weeks other counties usually are 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. What is the difference between a Public and a confidential marriage license?
A. A public license is a matter of public record and can be viewed by anyone. This is the most popular. A confidential license is only available to couples over the age of 18 who have been living together for at least one year. Confidential Marriage Licenses create a private record of marriage that is only accessible by either party in the marriage or by court order. You can only get married in the county in which the license was issued. I issue LA County Confidential marriage licenses.
Q. Who needs to sign the license?
A. Your Officiant (hopefully me) and at least one but can be two witnesses for a public license. Only the Officiants signature is required for a confidential license
Q. Do we need blood tests?
A. No. They are not required in California
Q. Who sends the license in after it is signed?
A. Traditionally it is the Officiants job to return the license to the County.
Q. What if I was divorced or widowed in the past what do I need to bring?
A. If either party has been married before, you must present a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate if the dissolution occurred less than two years ago. If the previous marriage was dissolved more than that, you must know the date of dissolution.
Q. I live out of state or another country can I get married in California
A. Yes! You do not need to be a California resident or a US citizen to marry in California.
Q. Is their a waiting period to get your license
A. No, you will receive your license immediately.
Q. What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
A. You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
Q. Who can marry us?
A. ME ME ME