Follow these guidelines if you want to get married during your visit to California.
- Go to any County Clerk's office to get a marriage license. You can apply online in some counties, but you will still have to go to the office to pick up your license.
- You do not need to be a California or United States resident.
- You must be at least 18 years old. People younger than 18 need written consent of at least one parent (or legal guardian) and permission from a California superior court judge.
- Blood tests are not required for the marriage license.
- Both partners must appear together when filing application and issuing license. Bring photo I. D. such as a passport or driver's license.
- As of January, 2009, both parties can choose and list on the marriage license the name they will use after marriage. Discuss this before you go to avoid delays.
- If you are divorced, you will need to know the exact date your divorce was finalized. If it was within the last 90 days, bring your divorce decree with you.
- A marriage license is immediately valid and remains valid for 90 days anywhere in the state.
- The license fee varies by county and can be paid in cash, pre-printed check with a California address or a money order written out to the County Clerk.
- You can be married by a judge, county clerk, priest, minister or rabbi of any religious denomination who is 18 years old or over. Active and retired judges can also perform the ceremony. You also need one witness.
- Larger cities perform marriage ceremonies by appointment at City Hall. There is an extra fee for the ceremony ($35 to $70).
Tips for Getting Married in California
- Current California state law does not allow same-sex marriages but does provide for registering a domestic partnership
- Government offices often close at lunch time and are least busy in the middle of the week. Some locations take appointments. Most are not open on weekends.
- In Los Angeles County: As of May, 2009, the fee is $70. County Clerk Information. You can apply online, but still have to pick up your license in person. Locations for Civil Ceremonies
- San Diego County: As of May, 2009, the fee is $50. Make an appointment to save time waiting. You'll find the phone number at the County Clerk website. Locations for Civil Ceremonies
- San Francisco County: As of May, 2009, the fee is $93. Print forms in advance at the County Clerk website. You can also make an appointment through their website up to 90 days ahead of time. Civil Ceremonies are performed at City Hall, weekdays only.
- Lake Tahoe: Things get complicated at Lake Tahoe. Part of the lake is in California and part in Nevada and the laws are different. Some chapels in California issue marriage licenses on premises, but in Nevada, you have to go to the court house. More about getting married at Lake Tahoe.
