DCM Ministry Blog – Wedding Officiant
Legal Matters Prior To Wedding Day “Whether it will be an extravagant wedding or a civil ceremony, in the State of California every couple needs to register with their county and purchase a California marriage license. Diane Hall has “done the research and her expertise (and link) is provided to be utilized to inform perspective couples how to prepare.
Divine Call Ministries will review with the couple the steps they need to take together to get married in California—’from applying for a California marriage license to securing a certified copy of the marriage record (a.k.a. a marriage certificate). Ms. Hall will answer FAQs including the “types of marriage licenses in California, the legal requirements, the application process and the cost of a California marriage license so the couple will know what to expect and what documents to gather in order to get properly certified before the wedding day.” 1
https://www.theknot.com/content/california-wedding-planning-tips
Types of California Marriage Licenses
“Before you apply, the first step is knowing that there are two different options: a public marriage license and a confidential marriage license.
Public Marriage License
“A public marriage license is what couples traditionally apply for because there are no restrictions on where the couple lives and does not require that the couple live together before marriage,” she explains. A public marriage license is valid for 90 days before it expires, meaning the marriage ceremony must take place within that time period. It requires the signature of at least one witness (but has space for two) in addition to the couple’s and officiant’s signatures.
After the ceremony, the signed document becomes a legal state contract that establishes the rights and obligations between the couple, their children, and other family members held by The California Department of Public Health Vital Records Office. In California, these marriage records are considered public records because of the legal consequences that may arise among the parties. “Once the marriage license has been registered in the county where the license was purchased, and is a public record, anyone can request an informational copy—the couple and specified relatives can order a certified copy from the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office,” she adds.
Confidential Marriage License
A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record; therefore, the only people able to obtain information about it or order a certified copy are the couple (except by special court order). Oftentimes, celebrities or couples that elope and want to keep their marriage private will choose this option. The couple must be living together prior to the marriage in order to apply for one and it will be valid for 90 days (i.e. the marriage ceremony must take place within that time frame). No witnesses are required to sign a confidential license other than the officiant. It can be issued either by the County Clerk’s office or a special notary who has been authorized by the county.”2
DCM Ministry Blog – Wedding Officiant – Legal Matters Prior To Wedding Day
1 All quotes from Diane Hall. “How to Get a Marriage License in California and Plan Your CA Wedding, “The Knot Worldwide,” August 30, 2022, accessed November 11, 2022, https://www.theknot.com/content/california-wedding-planning-tips.