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APPOINTMENTS FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE ARE LIMITED!

Click on the link below to make the appointment for your California Marriage License in San Diego!

https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/marriage-license-civil-ceremony.html

GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE

 

You will need a California Marriage License in order to get married in San Diego. The marriage license may be purchased anywhere in the State of California and is valid to use anywhere in the state. No blood test is required and applicants must be 18 years old.

 

The couple must appear together, with their valid government-issued photo ID, at any County Clerk-Recorder office in California and the marriage license will be issued on the spot. There is no waiting period or residency requirement. The wedding license is effective immediately and valid for up to 90 days anywhere in the State of California.

YOUR CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE LICENSE...​ AN EASY PROCESS.

Obtaining Your Marriage License in San Diego

 

First, count back 90 days from your wedding date. You can obtain your license anytime within that 90-day window.

 

Second, call (619) 237-0502 or visit https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/marriage-license-civil-ceremony.html to make an appointment. The San Diego Clerk requires an appointment to apply for a marriage license.

 

  • Marriage licenses are issued in San Diego County by appointment only, Mon - Fri from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
     

  • No walk-ins are accepted in San Diego

 

Third, to save time at the Clerk's office, download and fill out your San Diego marriage license application ahead of time.

 

 

Finally, the couple must appear together, at their scheduled appointment time, with their valid photo ID at one of the County Clerk's offices in San Diego.

 

SAN DIEGO COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER
1600 Pacific Highway  Suite 260

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 237-0502

Mon - Fri from 8 am - 4:30 pm
 

KEARNY MESA BRANCH OFFICE
9225 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92123

(619) 237-0502

Mon - Fri from 8 am - 4:30 pm

CHULA VISTA BRANCH OFFICE
590 Third Street

Chula Vista, CA 91910

(619) 237-0502

Mon - Fri from 8 am - 4:30 pm

SANTEE BRANCH OFFICE
10144 Mission Gorge Rd.

Santee, CA 92071

(619) 237-0502

Mon - Fri from 8 am - 4:30 pm

SAN MARCOS BRANCH OFFICE
141 East Carmel Street

San Marcos, CA 92078

(619) 237-0502

Mon - Fri from 8 am - 4:30 pm

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLERK-RECORDERS

 

Remember that each California County Clerk-Recorder office will have different hours, fees and appointment requirements to apply for your marriage license, and to obtain official copies of your marriage certificate after the wedding. If you have any questions or concerns, it's a good idea to call the respective Clerk-Recorder's office for additional information.

San Diego Public Marriage License

 

  • The fee for a Public Marriage License is $129

  • Applicants must be 18 years old

  • A blood test is not required

  • There is no waiting period

  • Each applicant must present (1) form of valid photo identification with proof of age (drivers license, passport)

  • If either party has been granted a divorce within 90 days of applying for a new marriage license, a copy of the final divorce decree must be presented at the time of issue. If it has been more than 90 days, the decree is not required, and you need only supply the date of dissolution.

  • The marriage ceremony may be performed ANYWHERE in the State of California

  • California requires only ONE WITNESS be present at the actual ceremony (not when applying for the license)

  • San Diego Marriage License Application

 

Confidential Marriage License

 

  • The fee for a Confidential Marriage License is $144

  • Applicants must be 18 years old

  • A blood test is not required

  • No witness is required

  • There is no waiting period

  • Each applicant must present (1) form of valid photo identification with proof of age (drivers license, passport)

  • If either party has been granted a divorce within 90 days of applying for a new marriage license, a copy of the final divorce decree must be presented at the time of issue. If it has been more than 90 days, the decree is not required, and you need only supply the date of dissolution

  • The marriage ceremony may be performed ANYWHERE in the State of California

  • Both parties must sign an affidavit confirming that they have been living together for 6 months or more

  • Only the married couple may obtain official copies of the marriage certificate, except by order of the Superior Court

  • San Diego Marriage License Application

 

Once you have your marriage license, the wedding ceremony can be performed at any location by your wedding officiant.

 

Just bring your license to the ceremony and we will take it from there. Immediately following the wedding ceremony, we will have one witness sign the marriage license. If you don't have a witness with you, we can provide one at no additional charge.

 

If we performed the ceremony, we will return the signed license to the County Clerk of Record, via Certified Mail Return Receipt Required, so it is trackable and has to be signed for, and we have a record of delivery.

 

If you have chosen to bring your own pastor or minister, it is the legal responsibility of your wedding officiant to file the license with the Clerk of record within 10 days of the wedding ceremony.

 

Official Copies of Your Marriage License

 

Official certified copies of your marriage license (which becomes your Marriage Certificate) may be purchased from the County Clerk of record approximately 14 days after the license is received by the County Clerk-Recorder's office.

 

Important: The County Clerk-Recorder WILL NOT automatically send you a copy of the official marriage certificate after the wedding. You must formally request copies and pay for them.

 

After 14 days have passed, you can go in person to the Clerk of Record to purchase the official copies. Or you can mail in the Request Form that will be included in the envelope with the marriage license, or download the request form below.

 

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