The Paperwork Before the “I Do”
How to Obtain a Marriage License in California
Ready to get married? Let’s get your marriage license taken care of. If your wedding will take place in California, Great Officiants can help qualifying couples obtain a confidential marriage license without a trip to the County Clerk’s office.
Arrange an appointment at our Long Beach office or ask about mobile marriage license service at your location. We will help you understand the process and what you need before your appointment.
Your marriage license authorizes your marriage, but obtaining it does not make you married. You still need a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant, followed by completion and return of the license for registration.
Your ceremony can be a simple exchange of “I do” or a personalized celebration filled with your love story. We can help with that part, too!
Three Ways to Get Your Marriage License
Choose the option that works best for your schedule, location, and eligibility.
Visit a County Clerk’s Office
County Fees Vary
You can apply directly through a California County Clerk’s office. Check the county’s appointment requirements, identification requirements, available license types, and current fees before visiting.
This is also an option for couples who need a public marriage license rather than a confidential license.
Meet Us at Our Long Beach Office
From $175
Our authorized notaries can arrange confidential marriage license issuance at our Long Beach office for qualifying couples, by appointment.
- Marriage license fee
- $85
- Notary fee
- $45
- Delivery to our Long Beach office
- $45
- Starting total
- $175
Office:
3740 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201
Long Beach, CA 90807
Have Us Come to Your Location
From $250
Prefer to meet at your home, hotel, wedding venue, or another convenient location? Ask us about mobile confidential marriage license service.
Delivery is subject to your location, eligibility, notary availability, and any applicable travel fees. Contact us to confirm service for your California location.
- Marriage license fee
- $85
- Notary fee
- $45
- Delivery fee
- $120
- Starting total
- $250
Who Can Use Our Marriage License Service?
Great Officiants works with authorized notaries who issue confidential marriage licenses for eligible couples getting married in California.
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be living together as spouses when you apply and attest to that fact on the license.
- Your wedding ceremony must take place in California.
- Both applicants must complete the required issuance process and provide acceptable identification.
Not sure whether you qualify? Contact our team before making arrangements. If a confidential license is not appropriate for your circumstances, ask a County Clerk about obtaining a public marriage license.
Read the California Department of Public Health’s marriage license guidance for official information about license types.
How the Process Works
- Complete your application. Start with our online marriage license application and provide the requested information accurately.
- Confirm the details with our team. We will help coordinate your appointment, review requirements, and confirm your service total.
- Attend your issuance appointment. Meet the authorized notary at our Long Beach office or your confirmed location with the required identification.
- Have your wedding ceremony. Present your valid marriage license to your officiant before the ceremony. Your officiant completes and returns the license for registration afterward.
An online application is the first step. Submitting the form does not by itself issue your marriage license or confirm an appointment.
When Should You Get Your Marriage License?
California marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Your ceremony must take place before your license expires.
We recommend arranging your license about a month before your wedding when possible. That gives you time to complete the paperwork without adding another task to your wedding-day checklist.
Planning a last-minute wedding? Call us to discuss availability and your circumstances. We will help you understand the next steps.
Official reference: California marriage license general information .
Let’s Take Care of the Paperwork
Start your application, tell us when and where you are getting married, and let our team help you arrange your marriage license appointment.
A little paperwork now. A wonderful “I do” ahead.
Need a ceremony too? Check wedding officiant availability .