How to Get Your Marriage License in Los Angeles

A vital step in your wedding planning journey

With a million and one tasks on your wedding checklist, it's easy to overlook one crucial item - obtaining your marriage license. 

But trust us, it's a step that should not be missed. 

So, what exactly is a marriage license, you might wonder? That's a great question. 

A marriage license is a legal document granted by your state's governing authority, confirming that there is nothing preventing you from tying the knot. The process for obtaining a marriage license can vary from state to state and city to city, and in this blog post, we'll get into the specifics of acquiring a marriage license in Los Angeles, California.

How do I get my marriage license? 

In Los Angeles, couples should go to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office. There are a number of locations around the county and you can find the most convenient one for you on this list.  This is the place you pick it up before the wedding and drop it off after the wedding. While the first step is for your to apply for the license online, in order to get the official copy of the marriage license, couples need to go together and provide both identity and age documents which can be either a driver’s license or a passport. 

Keep in mind, after receiving your marriage license, it is valid for 90 days. Once you submit your application to get the official marriage license, you will need to schedule an appointment to visit the registrars office in person. Those appointments are scheduled no more than 3 weeks in advance and fill up quickly. So, don’t wait until your wedding month to get your wedding license. It’s too risky. It’s all about timing with the marriage license. Apply for it when you’re no more than 90 days from your wedding day but no less than 1 month from your big day. 

How much is a marriage license in Los Angeles? 

In Los Angeles, you have two options: the Public Marriage License at a cost of $91, or the Confidential Marriage License, which is priced at $85. All marriages in California are considered public information, making your marriage details accessible to anyone interested. However, if you wish to keep the details of your marriage private and prevent the public record from obtaining your information, the Confidential Marriage License would be the preferable choice. The only requirement is that you and your partner must be living together as spouses when you apply for this license. With a Confidential Marriage License, your official marriage certificate and information about your spouse will remain confidential and out of reach unless someone obtains a court order. 

Do I have to be a California resident to have an official marriage in Los Angeles?

Nope! If you're planning to have a legally recognized marriage in California, just follow the steps outlined above: complete the application, book your appointment, and bring the necessary photo identification. Make sure you do this within 90 days of your wedding ceremony.

Is the marriage license the same as the marriage certificate? 

A marriage license serves as the initial confirmation that there is nothing preventing you from getting married, ensuring you're eligible to wed. A marriage certificate on the other hand is the document that formally acknowledges and records the fact that you and your partner have indeed tied the knot.

During your wedding ceremony, you, your spouse, 1-2 witnesses, and the officiant all sign the marriage license. After your wedding day, it's the officiant's responsibility to submit this marriage license to the relevant authority or office from where you initially obtained it. In California, this must occur within 10 days following the ceremony, otherwise, the license becomes invalid.

Once received by the office, they will then proceed to generate your official marriage certificate. To obtain this certificate, you will need to request either in person or via mail. 

Final Thoughts

If you're not using a wedding planner and are managing your own wedding timeline, be sure to include "Obtain the marriage license" in your checklist for the three months leading up to the wedding. And if you have enlisted the help of a wedding planner, rest assured, they've got you covered and will ensure it's not overlooked!

Require additional assistance? Don't hesitate to get in touch – our team is here to support couples throughout their journey to marital bliss! You can contact us via email at info@dunniweddings.com