There are two types of marriage licenses available: A standard (or public) license, and a confidential license.
Standard License
A public marriage license is a public record, and anyone can request a copy or information from the record. This license can be used anywhere in the State of California.
- The fee in Orange County is $61. Please note that pricing is different in each California county.
- Effective immediately (there is no waiting period in California).
- Valid for 90 days. May be married anywhere in the State of California.
- No residency requirement in California.
- Blood Test not required
- A witness is required. One witness is required, but there is space on the license for two witnesses. Typically couples will choose the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor, their Mothers, their Fathers, or a good friend. The witness must be present at the ceremony.
- Certified copies of the marriage certificate available approximately one to two weeks post-filing.
- Certified copies of the marriage certificate may be obtained, for a $15 fee, by authorized individuals with proper identification.
- A public record.
Confidential License
A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record, and the only people able to obtain information about it are the couple, except by special court order. The requirements to obtain this type of license are:
- Couple must be living together prior to the marriage.
- The fee in Orange County is $66. Please note that pricing is different in each California county.
- Effective immediately (there is no waiting period in California).
- Valid for 90 days. May be married anywhere in the State of California.
- No residency requirement in California.
- Blood Test not required
- No witnesses are required for the ceremony.
- Certified copies of the marriage certificate available approximately one to two weeks post-filing.
- Certified copies of the marriage certificate may be obtained, for a $15 fee, ONLY by either spouse with proper identification.
- Not a public record.