1. We just got engaged, what do we do now?
Before you can be legally married, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Most Marriage Licenses are only good for 90 days from date of issue. If you are getting married more than 90 days from now, hold off on getting the license. I cannot perform a legally binding ceremony if your Marriage License has expired.
The laws vary by county.
Details for each county can be found by clicking on the following links:
Los Angeles
San Diego
Orange County
Riverside County
Ventura County
San Bernardino
Santa Barbara
2. What is the difference between a Public and a Confidential Marriage License?
With a public license, you can get married anywhere in the State of California. You need at least one witness during your ceremony, and the marriage record is made available to the public. A confidential license is only available to couples that are over the age of 18 and are already living together. The Confidential Marriage License will not be listed in the public records, and will only be available to the named parties on the document. You can only get married in the same county in which the Confidential Marriage License was issued.
3. We are a same-sex couple. With the passing of Prop 8, can we still have a ceremony?
Yes! Domestic Partnership Laws have not changed. This entitles you to many of the same rights and benefits as California state law entitles spouses. I can customize and perform a Commitment Ceremony, and help you with your Domestic Partnership paperwork. Due to the recent changes to California State Law, I can no longer perform a legally-binding marriage for same-sex couples. Click on the following link to get full details on how to apply for a Domestic Partnership.
California Domestic Partnership Information
Download PDF Form here:
Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form NP/SF DP-1
4. Will we automatically receive a copy of our Marriage License after it gets filed with the County Court?
No! The court will not send you an official copy until you submit a request for duplicate copy and pay the fee - most counties now charge $14. This form and fee may be sent in along with your signed Marriage License or can be sent in anytime after the license is recorded with the court (Request by mail requires Notarization in most counties). This form will be given to you by the court when you apply for your license. You or your spouse can also order copies in-person directly from the court after the license has been recorded.
5. We just got married, how long does the license take to be recorded by the court?
Generally it will take the court 10 to 14 days to process and record your license once they receive the signed document from your officiant (Officiants are required by the court to personally mail the signed license). This time frame varies according to how busy the courts are. Typically during busy wedding months (April through June), the license may take up to 4 weeks to be processed.
6. How do I legally change my name?
There will be a space on the marriage license application to put your new name. You will still need to contact Social Security, DMV/Passport, IRS, Credit Cards, Insurance Companies, Utilities, etc., individually to have them update your new name. Some of these will require Official Copies of your Marriage License which can be ordered from the court (See Question#4).
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