Fill out your marriage license legibly.
Filing a marriage license in California is fairly simple. As long as you are both single, of legal age and have valid identification, you will have no problem at all. Many county clerks will perform a civil marriage ceremony right in their offices, saving you the expense of renting a church or chapel.
Instructions
1. You must marry within 90 days.
Obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office in any county in California. Prices vary from county to county. You must be 18 years old or be accompanied by a parent of legal guardian. No blood tests are required. Simply show up together at the county clerk's office with valid picture identification, such as a state-issued identification card or driver's license, passport or military identification. Some counties require you to bring a copy of your birth certificate, so it's best to call ahead and ask. If you've been living together as husband and wife, you may obtain a private marriage license.
2. Only two witnesses may sign a public license.
Set a date and place to get married. You can get married in any county in California, but you must do so within 90 days of obtaining your marriage license. After 90 days, the license becomes invalid, and you'll have to purchase a new one.
3. Find a qualified officiant to perform your ceremony.
Choose a qualified officiant to perform your ceremony. In California, you may choose a priest, minister, rabbi, judge or retired judge, U.S. magistrate or retired magistrate, legislator or constitutional officer of California, or a member of Congress representing the district you are being married in.
4. Remind the officiant to return your original marriage license to the county clerk office from which you obtained it. It is his duty to do so, and it must be done within 10 days of your wedding ceremony.
5. Request a certified copy from the County Clerk from which you obtained it if you want a copy of your marriage license. This request can be made in person or by mail, unless you used a private marriage license. You'll need to send the required fee with your request. If you used a private marriage license, both of you must appear at the County Clerk's office together with picture identification to obtain a certified copy.
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