Plan Your Marriage Ceremony
Who Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony?
Family Code Section §400
Marriage may be solemnized by any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, a judge or retired judge, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record, a judge or magistrate who has resigned from office, or by a person authorized to do so under Family Code Section §401.
Effective January 1, 2017
Expands who may solemnize marriages in California to include: a former member of the Legislature or constitutional officer of this state or a former member of Congress from this state or a person that holds or formerly held a city or county elected office.
Family Code Section §401
For each county, the county clerk is designated as a commissioner of civil marriages. The commissioner of civil marriages may appoint deputy commissioners of civil marriages who may solemnize marriages under the direction of the commissioner.
Civil Marriage Ceremonies
- Civil marriage ceremonies are conducted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
- The ceremony can be performed immediately following the issuance of the license.
- All fees are non-refundable. For current civil marriage ceremony fees, click here.
- 8-10 guests are allowed.
- You must bring at least one witness for a public marriage ceremony. No witnesses are required for a confidential marriage ceremony.
Proof of Marriage
A marriage certificate verifies that you are legally married and may be required when you apply for spousal benefits for healthcare or social security.
How a Marriage License Becomes a Marriage Certificate
After the marriage ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office within 10 business days. The Office records the license and it then becomes a marriage certificate
