How to Obtain a Marriage License in San Diego

After getting a marriage license in California, you must get married in state.

You can obtain a California marriage license from the San Diego County Clerk's office. You do not have to live in California to get a marriage license and get married in California. If you get a marriage license in California, though, you must get married in the state of California. If you get a confidential marriage license in San Diego, you must get married in San Diego County.

Things You'll Need

• Photo identification
• Certified copy of your birth certificate
• Divorce papers if you were previously married
• Fee of $50 or $55

Instructions

1. Call the San Diego County Administration Center at 619-237-0502 to schedule an appointment to obtain your marriage license. San Diego County does not offer walk-in service. You must have an appointment.

2. Visit the San Diego County Administration Center at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 273, in San Diego with your future spouse at the scheduled time to get your marriage license. Both parties must have photo identifications such as driver's licenses and certified copies of their birth certificates. If you or your future spouse were previously married, you must have a copy of the divorce decree or former spouse's death certificate.

3. Pay the required fee. As of July 2010, San Diego County charges $50 for a non-confidential marriage license and $55 for a confidential marriage license.

4. Receive your marriage license at your appointment with the County Clerk. The license is effective immediately and is good for 90 days. After your wedding, the wedding officiate will return the license to the County Clerk's office for registration. You can then purchase a certified copy if you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• The San Diego County Clerk suggests everyone purchase a non-confidential marriage license unless they have reason to require a confidential marriage license. A confidential marriage license is not a matter of public record and only the marriage couple can obtain a copy of it except by court order. You can only purchase a confidential marriage license if you and your spouse-to-be have been living together prior to the time you purchase the marriage license and you must get married in San Diego County.

• If you are under the age of 18, you must contact the San Diego County Juvenile Court at 858-634-1600 to inquire about getting a marriage license. Your parents must consent to the marriage and a juvenile court judge must also consent.

References

• San Diego County Clerk: Marriage