California marriage license, at a glance
- License fee
- $61–$129 (varies by county)
- Waiting period
- None
- Witnesses
- 1 witness
- License valid for
- 90 days
Courthouse wedding in California
What you need to marry at a courthouse in California: the license fee, waiting period, ID and witness rules. Last verified October 14, 2026 against official sources.
More California rules
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
|---|---|
| Required identification | Both applicants must appear together in person with valid, current government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport). |
| Who can perform the ceremony | A priest, minister, rabbi or authorized person of any religious denomination aged 18 or older, or a county deputy clerk at a civil ceremony. |
| Courthouse ceremonies | Yes. County clerks perform civil ceremonies by appointment. |
Fees and procedures can differ by county. Always confirm with the clerk who will issue your license.
Where to apply
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650 (main office; branch offices also issue licenses) Official page
- San Diego County Recorder/County Clerk, County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101 (by appointment) Official page
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder, Old Orange County Courthouse, 211 West Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (marriage services) Official page
The full California guide
A printable PDF with the step-by-step process, a day-of timeline, a checklist and a budget sheet for California.
Questions couples ask
How much does a marriage license cost in California?
The marriage license fee in California is $61–$129 (varies by county).
Is there a waiting period for a courthouse wedding in California?
The waiting period in California is None.
Do you need witnesses to get married at a courthouse in California?
Witnesses in California: 1 witness.
How long is a marriage license valid in California?
A marriage license in California is valid for 90 days.
Sources
Every rule above comes from an official page. We check these pages again every month.
- www.lavote.gov: Marriage license fee
- www.sdarcc.gov: Marriage license fee, License valid for, Minimum age, Required identification, Witnesses, Courthouse ceremonies
- www.ocrecorder.com: Marriage license fee, Who can perform the ceremony
- www.lavote.gov: Waiting period after the license is issued
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: License valid for
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: Minimum age
- www.lavote.gov: Required identification
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: Witnesses
- leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: Who can perform the ceremony
- www.lavote.gov: Where to apply
- www.sdarcc.gov: Where to apply
- www.ocrecorder.com: Where to apply
This is an informational guide, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with your county clerk.