Are Confidential Marriages Public Record?

Confidential marriages may offer increased privacy for couples.

Confidential marriage protects a couple's personal information by creating a confidential record of the event rather than a public record. The availability of confidential marriage depends on the laws of the state and county where the couple weds.

Function

When offered by the state, a confidential marriage license provides an alternative to a standard, public marriage license. For example, a California couple can obtain a confidential marriage license restricting public access to the official record of their marriage, according to the California Department of Public Health. Confidential marriages are not matters of public record.

Requirements

Applicants for confidential marriages licenses must meet state and county requirements. According to the County of Los Angeles, the state of California only allows confidential marriage if the two individuals already live together as spouses. Both spouses must also be at least 18 years of age. Furthermore, the couple must marry and record their confidential marriage in the same county that issued the license.

Benefits

If a couple obtained a confidential marriage, only the two spouses themselves can access the marriage record. In California, if any other party or member of the public wishes to access a confidential marriage record, that person must obtain a court order.

References

• California Department of Public Health: Types of Marriage Licenses
• County of Los Angeles: Marriage License Application