California · 2026
California Marriage License: Cost and Requirements
A marriage license in California costs $58–$129, depending on the county, and there is no waiting period. The license is good for 90 days.
- License fee$58–$129
- Waiting periodNo waiting period
- Valid for90 days
- Witnesses1 required
- Blood testNot required
- Apply onlineVaries by county
California marriage license fees by county
Fees for the 16 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.
| County | License | Certified copy | Courthouse ceremony | Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $91 | $19 | $35 | No waiting period |
| San Diego | $129 | $19 | $107 | No waiting period |
| Orange | $61 | $19 | $28 | No waiting period |
| Riverside | $111 | $19 | $96 | No waiting period |
| San Bernardino | $120 | $19 | $100 | No waiting period |
| Santa Clara | $80 | $19 | $112 | No waiting period |
| Alameda | $81 | $21 | $75 | No waiting period |
| Sacramento | $97 | $19 | $49 | No waiting period |
| Contra Costa | $95 | $23 | $50 | No waiting period |
| Fresno | $58 | $19 | $21 | No waiting period |
| Kern | $101 | $19 | Not offered | No waiting period |
| Ventura | $123 | $19 | $74 | No waiting period |
| San Francisco | $129 | $19 | $113 | No waiting period |
| San Joaquin | $65 | $19 | $75 | No waiting period |
| San Mateo | $79 | $19 | $65 | No waiting period |
| Stanislaus | $76 | $19 | $45 | No waiting period |
— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.
California marriage license rules
License fee
$58–$129
Each county sets its own fee. Public licenses ran from $58 in Fresno County to $129 in San Diego and San Francisco on the county pages we checked; Los Angeles County has announced a new $176 fee.
Source: sdarcc.gov
Waiting period
No waiting period
There is no waiting period; Los Angeles County issues the license and performs the ceremony in the same 45-minute appointment.
Source: lavote.gov
How long the license is valid
90 days
The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.
Source: ocrecorder.com
Minimum age and parental consent
California sets no fixed minimum age. Anyone under 18 needs a court order plus written consent from at least one parent or guardian.
Source: web.archive.org
What to bring
Each partner brings a valid, current government photo ID.
Source: sdarcc.gov
Blood test
Not required
No blood test is required.
Source: ocrecorder.com
Do both of you have to appear?
Yes
Both partners must appear together to get the license.
Source: sdarcc.gov
Applying online
Varies by county
Many counties take the application online, but the couple still appears at the clerk's office to get the license. Rules vary by county.
Source: ocrecorder.com
Who can officiate
Clergy age 18 or older, judges and other listed officials may officiate. Counties such as Los Angeles and San Diego also offer a deputy commissioner for a day program.
Source: web.archive.org
Witnesses
1 required
A public license needs at least one witness at the ceremony, and no more than two may sign.
Source: sdarcc.gov
Proxy marriage
Military members only
Proxy marriage is allowed only for a service member stationed overseas in a conflict or war, using a notarized power of attorney.
Source: web.archive.org
Out-of-state couples
There is no residency or citizenship requirement, so out-of-state couples can marry in California.
Source: ocrecorder.com
Who issues the license
County clerk
Licenses are issued by each county clerk (often the clerk-recorder). Couples choose a public or a confidential license.
Source: ocrecorder.com
Not in our data yet: premarital course discount. Ask your county office.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a marriage license in California?
$58–$129, depending on the county. Each county sets its own fee. Public licenses ran from $58 in Fresno County to $129 in San Diego and San Francisco on the county pages we checked; Los Angeles County has announced a new $176 fee.
Is there a waiting period in California?
No. There is no waiting period; Los Angeles County issues the license and performs the ceremony in the same 45-minute appointment.
How long is a California marriage license valid?
90 days. The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.
How old do you have to be to get married in California?
California sets no fixed minimum age. Anyone under 18 needs a court order plus written consent from at least one parent or guardian.
Does California require a blood test?
No. No blood test is required.
Do you need witnesses to get married in California?
A public license needs at least one witness at the ceremony, and no more than two may sign.
Sources
- Issuer (ocrecorder.com)
- Fee (sdarcc.gov)
- Waiting period (lavote.gov)
- Age (web.archive.org)
- Officiants (web.archive.org)
- Proxy (web.archive.org)
- Fresno County marriage license (fresnocountyca.gov)
- Los Angeles County RR/CC marriage (lavote.gov)
Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.
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