You may obtain your license at any County Clerk's office (does not have to be in the county in which you live or the one in which you will be married). It is recommended that you call the County Clerk's office to see if they suggest setting an appointment. You could find yourselves in a long line without an appointment in some locales.
Licenses are only valid for 90 days, so you must go sometime within the 90 days prior to your wedding.
No blood test is required.
No waiting period is needed. The clerk will give you your license immediately.
The two of you must go to the County Clerk's office together and bring photo identification. Picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates. Know your parents names, mothers' maiden name and places of their birth.
If you have been married before, you must show proof of divorce, death or annulment.
The cost varies by county. Some counties will only accept cash.
Don't forget to bring your license on your wedding day. Your officiant will file it with the county on your behalf and the county will mail it back to you within a few weeks.
Below is the contact information for some of the County Clerk's Offices in the areas we serve.
Bay Area
Alameda County Recorder
1106 Madison Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510-272-6363
Contra Costa Recorder
555 Escobar St.
Martinez, CA 925-646.2360
Marin County Recorder
3501 Civic Center Dr.#232
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-499-7215
San Francisco County Recorder
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, City Hall, Room 190
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-554-4176
San Mateo County Clerk
555 County Center, First Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063-1665
650-363-4711
Santa Clara County Recorder
70 West Hedding Street, East Wing,
1st floor
San Jose CA 95110 408-299.2481
Sonoma County Clerk
2300 County Center Drive
Suite B177
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-527-3800
Santa Cruz/Monterey
Monterey County Recorder
168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor,
Salinas, CA 93901
831-647-7906
Santa Cruz County Recorder
701 Ocean Street, Room 230
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-454-2800
