Marriage Laws in California: A Complete Guide for Couples
Whether you’re hosting an intimate vineyard wedding in Temecula, a laid-back boho ceremony on the cliffs of Encinitas, an elegant ballroom celebration in downtown San Diego, or a beachfront sunset wedding in Coronado, California offers an extraordinary variety of stunning settings to choose from. The Golden State is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the country — and yes, the major coastal cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco do tend to land toward the higher end of national wedding pricing. Smaller communities further inland or in less-trafficked corners of the state often deliver beautiful celebrations at gentler price points. Wherever you say your vows in California, the legal requirements for getting married are the same — and surprisingly straightforward once you know what to expect.
What You Need to Know Before Applying for a California Marriage License
Below is a clear breakdown of California’s marriage license requirements as they stand today. We always recommend confirming the latest details directly with your local County Clerk’s office before you apply, since fees and small procedural details can vary by county.
Identification Required
Both partners must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of application. Acceptable forms of identification include a current driver’s license, military ID, U.S. or foreign passport, U.S. permanent resident (green) card, or a state-issued identification card. The name on the ID must match the name being entered on the marriage license.
State Residency
You do not need to be a California resident to obtain a marriage license here. Couples from anywhere in the United States — or anywhere in the world — can legally marry in California, which is part of why so many couples plan destination weddings in the state.
Age Requirement
Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry in California without parental consent. Marriages involving anyone under 18 require additional court approval and are subject to specific legal procedures.
License Validity Period
Your California marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. The wedding ceremony must take place — and the license must be returned to the County Clerk for recording — within that window. If 90 days pass and you haven’t married, the license expires and a new one must be obtained.
Required Wait Time
There is no mandatory waiting period in California. You can apply for and receive your marriage license on the same day you submit your application, which means you could legally marry the same afternoon if you wanted to.
Blood Test Requirement
California does not require a blood test or any medical examination as part of the marriage license process.
Proxy Marriages
Proxy marriages are not legal in California. Both partners must be physically present at the ceremony when the marriage license is signed.
Witnesses
A California marriage license requires the signature of at least one witness, with space provided for up to two witnesses to sign. The witness must be at least 18 years old. For a public marriage license (the standard option), a witness signature is required. Confidential marriage licenses, available in California, do not require a witness signature on the license itself but do require both partners to sign.
Confidential vs. Public Marriage Licenses
California is one of the few states that offers two types of marriage licenses — public and confidential. A public license is the standard option, requires one or two witness signatures, and the marriage record is available for public viewing. A confidential license requires no witness signature on the license itself, can only be obtained by couples who are already living together, and the resulting marriage record is sealed and available only to the married couple. Couples who value privacy often choose the confidential option.
What Happens After the Ceremony
After your San Diego wedding ceremony, your officiant is responsible for completing the marriage license, signing it, and returning it to the County Clerk’s office for recording. Most officiants handle this automatically, but it’s always smart to confirm the process during your initial booking conversation. Once the license is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate — you’ll need these for changing your name, updating accounts, and any number of post-wedding administrative tasks.
Planning a San Diego wedding ceremony? Our San Diego wedding officiant directory connects you with experienced local officiants who guide couples through every step of the legal process — from license application to the final signature on your wedding day.
