California offers two kinds of marriage licenses. Choosing the right one affects privacy, witnesses, and how your ceremony works.
Public marriage license
- Becomes part of the public record
- Requires at least one witness (no more than two may sign)
- No living-together requirement
Confidential marriage license
- Not part of the public record
- No witnesses, and none may sign
- Couple must be 18 or older and have been living together as spouses
Which should you choose?
| Public | Confidential | |
|---|---|---|
| Public record | Yes | No |
| Witnesses | One or two | None |
| Living together required | No | Yes |
| Good for | Weddings with guests | Private elopements |
An elopement with just the two of you and your officiant is a natural fit for a confidential license. A wedding with family and friends is usually simpler with a public license.
How to get a license in LA County
- Both partners appear together in person with valid photo ID. Check with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for appointments, fees, and accepted ID.
- Hold your ceremony before the license expires (California licenses are valid for 90 days from issue).
- Your officiant completes and signs the license, and returns it to the county recorder within 10 days of the ceremony.
- Order certified copies once the marriage is registered. You will need them for name changes, insurance, and other records.
Common mistakes
- Waiting too long and letting the license expire
- Forgetting the witness on a public license
- Losing the license before the officiant can return it
- Choosing a confidential license without meeting the living-together requirement
We handle the ceremony side
Hernandez Weddings officiates ceremonies and elopements within 50 miles of San Dimas, and we help with your marriage license questions. Packages start at $300. See our California marriage license guide and our pricing.
Ready to talk?
Tell Gabriel your date and the kind of day you want. Call or text (626) 675-9904 or book a free consultation.