Requirements vary as each marriage license bureau in California have their own requirements. If you have questions, please contact the appropriate California clerk's office listed below.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation
Orange County Marriage License Office
Orange County Recorder
211 West Santa Ana Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Room 201
(714) 834-2500
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F
Closed for holidays Observed by Orange County
Call for Appointment:
It is recommended that you call the Orange County or City Clerk's office to see if they suggest setting an appointment.
ID and Orange County Residency Requirements:
Orange County requires a picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates.
You do not have to be a resident of Orange County to apply for a marriage license there.
Information you need to know before you start filling out the marriage license application:
- Where each of your parents were born (city and state)
- The names of your parents including your mother’s maiden name
Confidential License in Orange County:
If you have lived together as a married couple, you can apply for a confidential license. This means there is no public record of your marriage.
Previous Marriages:
You must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. You need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree if you have divorced within the 90 days through past year (varies by county).
Orange County Waiting Period:
There is no waiting period in Orange County.
Fees:
It will cost you $45.00+ to get married in Orange County. Some California counties charge $84+. The cost of receiving a marriage license varies from county to county and some California counties will only accept cash ... so call to verify what the county charges for a marriage license and don't leave home without cash to pay for the license!
Other Tests:
Orange County doesn't require blood tests.
Under 18:
If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the minor’s parents, or legal guardian, must appear with the couple. Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a California superior court judge.
Proxy Marriages:
Yes, proxy marriages are allowed in Orange County but on a very limited basis. Only members of the armed forces who are stationed far away in wars or conflicts can apply for a proxy marriage. The Orange County proxy marriage law allows military personnel to give their power of attorney for someone to stand in for them during their wedding ceremony.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
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