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In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

Appointment Suggested: It is recommended that you call the County or City Clerk's office to see if they suggest setting an appointment. You could find yourselves in a long line with as much as a 2 hour wait without an appointment in some locales.

ID Requirement: Picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates. Know your parents names, mothers' maiden name and places of their birth.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of California.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Previous Marriages: You must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. You need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree if you have divorced within the 90 days through past year (varies by county.)

Fees: $80.00. Some counties will only accept cash.

Other Tests: No tests. NO BLOOD TEST IS REQUIRED.

Under 18: If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the minor's parents, or legal guardian, must appear with the couple. Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a superior court judge.

Proxy Marriages: No.

Cousin Marriages: Yes.

Common Law Marriages: No.

Same Sex Marriages: No. However, Domestic Partnership Certificates are available in San Francisco and Marin Counties. One partner must live or work in that county and both must have photo ID.

Officiants: Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age of 18 years or over may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 90 days. The license can only be used within the State of California.

Confidential License: A regular marriage license is a public record. A license and certificate of confidential marriage is only accessible by the husband, wife, or by decree signed by a superior court judge. At least one witness is required to observe the solemnization for a regular, public ceremony. No witnesses are required to observe a confidential marriage ceremony. A regular license may be used throughout the state. However, the confidential license may only be used in the county of issue. The confidential license costs $80.00 same as the regular license.

Solemnization Authority: Marriage may be solemnized by any of the following who is of the age of 18 years or older:

   1. A Priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination.
   2. A judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil marriages or retired commissioner of civil marriages, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record in this state.
   3. A judge or magistrate who has resigned from office.
   4. Any of the following judges or magistrates of the United States:
         1. A justice or retired justice of the United States Supreme Court.
         2. A judge or retired judge of a court of appeals, a district court, or a court created by an act of Congress the Judges of which are entitled to hold office during good behavior.
         3. A judge or retired judge of a bankruptcy court or a tax court.
         4. A United States magistrate or retired magistrate.
         5. A legislator or constitutional officer of this state or a member of Congress who represents a district within this state, while that person holds office.

Each county offers civil ceremonies performed by a judge or commissioner. The cost is approximately $40.00. For additional information call your County Clerk's office.

California County Clerk's Office
Alameda County Recorder
Oakland, CA
510.272.6363

    Alpine County Recorder
Markleeville, CA
530.694.2281

    Amador County Recorder
Jackson, CA
209.223.6469

Butte County Recorder
Oroville, CA
530.538.7691

    Calaveras County Recorder
San Andreas, CA
209.754.6375

    Colusa County Recorder
Colusa, CA
530.458.0500

Contra Costa Recorder
Martinez, CA
925.646.2360

    County Of Orange Recorder
Santa Ana, CA
714.834.2500

    Del Norte County Recorder
Crescent City, CA
707.464.7216

El Dorado County Recorder
Placerville, CA
530.621.5490

    Fresno County Recorder
Fresno, CA
559.488.2609

    Glenn County Clerk
Willows, CA
530.934.6407

Humboldt County Recorder
Eureka, CA
707.445.7593

    Imperial County Recorder
El Centro, CA
760.339.4427

    Inyo County Records
Independence, CA
760.878.0410

Kern County Clerk
Bakersfield, CA
805.868.3588

    Kings County Clerk
Hanford, CA
559.582.3211

    Lake County Clerk
Lakeport, CA
707.263.2293

Lassen County Recorder
Susanville, CA
530.251.8217

    Los Angeles County Clerk
Norwalk, CA
562.462.2137

    Madera County Clerk
Madera, CA
209.675.7724

Marin County Recorder
San Rafael, CA
415.499.6092

    Mariposa County Recorder
Mariposa, CA
209.966.2007

    Mendocino County Clerk
Ukiah, CA
707.463.4370

Merced County Recorder
Merced, CA
209.385.7501

    Modoc County Clerk
Alturas, CA
530.233.2512

    Mono County Recorder
Bridgeport, CA
760.932.5241

Monterey County
Salinas, CA
831.647.7906

    Napa County Clerk
Napa, CA
707.253.4246

    Nevada County Clerk
Nevada City, CA
530.265.1221

Placer County Clerk
Auborn, CA
530.889.7948

    Plumas County Recorder
Quincy, CA
530.283.6305

    Riverside County Clerk
Riverside, CA
909.486.7000

Sacramento County Clerk
Sacramento, CA
916.874.5522

    San Benito County Clerk
Hollister, CA
831.636.4029

    San Bernardino Recorder
San Bernardino, CA
909.387.8314

San Diego County
San Diego, CA
619.237.0502

    San Francisco County
San Francisco, CA
415.554.4176

    Orleans Town Clerk
Albion, NY
716.589.5100

San Joaquin Clerk
Stockton, CA
209.468.2362

    San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo, CA
805.781.5088

    San Mateo County Clerk
Redwood City, CA
650.363.4711

Santa Barbara County Clerk
Santa Barbara, CA
805.568.2250

    Santa Clara County Recorder
San Jose, CA
408.299.2481

    Santa Cruz County Recorder
Santa Cruz, CA
831.454.2800

Shasta County Clerk
Redding, CA
530.225.5378

    Sierra County Recorder
Downieville, CA
530.289.3295

    Siskiyou County Clerk
510 North Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097
(530) 842-8084

Solano County Recorder
Fairfield, CA
707.421.6319

    Sonoma County Clerk
Santa Rosa, CA
707.527.3800

    Stanislaus County Clerk
Modesto, CA
209.525.5265

Sutter County Recorder
Yuba City, CA
530.822.7120

    Tehama County Recorder
Red Bluff, CA
916.527.3350

    Trinity County Recorder
Weaverville, CA
916.623.1222

Tulare County Clerk
Visalia, CA
559.733.6518

    Tuolumne County Clerk
Sonora, CA
209.533.5570

    Ventura County Recorder
Ventura, CA
805.654.2263

Yolo County Clerk
Woodland, CA
530.666.8130

    Yuba County Clerk
Marysville, CA
530.741.6341

Where do you get one?
A couple who intends to be married in Florida may obtain a marriage license from Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am to 5:30pm at any Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Hours may vary so be sure to call ahead. The license does not need to be issued in the county that the ceremony will take place in. The ceremony must take place in the State of Florida to be considered valid.

Is there a waiting period?
There is no waiting period for Florida residents that have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last year. There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course. In addition prospective brides and grooms are now required to read a 16-page booklet which describes situations such as how a court would divide their assets and information about child support payments. Court Clerks are allowed by law to waive the three-day waiting period in the event of a "hardship" case. Also, the waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents.

How long is the license valid?
A marriage license is valid for 60 days.

How much does it cost?
The fee is $88.50, payable in cash only. Couples who have completed the state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are only charged $56.00. (Note: Fees for marriage licenses are set by the Florida Legislature, and are subject to change)

Is a premarital physical exam required?
No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a marriage license in Florida.

What are the age and consent requirements for minors?
Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license in the State of Florida. If an individual is under 18 years of age but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is deceased, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor's parents are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry.

Proof of Age and Identity
Both parties for the intended marriage must provide the Clerk's Office a valid photo ID. Accepted forms of ID's are driver's license, State Identification Card, Valid Passport, a I-94 card, Government or Military Identification Card along with a valid Social Security Card.

Previous Marriages
If either party has ever been married and divorced, or widowed, the date of the divorce or date of the spouse's death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

Where can I get copies of my records?

Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
P. O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
(904) 359-6955

by Admin

Here's what you need to know to make the marriage legal in California.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

Appointment Suggested: It is recommended that you call the County or City Clerk's office to see if they suggest setting an appointment. You could find yourselves in a long line with as much as a 2 hour wait without an appointment in some locales.

ID Requirement: Picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates. Know your parents names, mothers' maiden name and places of their birth.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of California.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Previous Marriages: You must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. You need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree if you have divorced within the 90 days through past year (varies by county.)

Fees: $80.00. Some counties will only accept cash.

Other Tests: No tests. NO BLOOD TEST IS REQUIRED.

Under 18: If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the minor's parents, or legal guardian, must appear with the couple. Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a superior court judge.

Proxy Marriages: No.

Cousin Marriages: Yes.

Common Law Marriages: No.

Same Sex Marriages: No. However, Domestic Partnership Certificates are available in San Francisco and Marin Counties. One partner must live or work in that county and both must have photo ID.

Officiants: Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age of 18 years or over may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 90 days. The license can only be used within the State of California.

Confidential License: A regular marriage license is a public record. A license and certificate of confidential marriage is only accessible by the husband, wife, or by decree signed by a superior court judge. At least one witness is required to observe the solemnization for a regular, public ceremony. No witnesses are required to observe a confidential marriage ceremony. A regular license may be used throughout the state. However, the confidential license may only be used in the county of issue. The confidential license costs $80.00 same as the regular license.

Solemnization Authority: Marriage may be solemnized by any of the following who is of the age of 18 years or older:

1. A Priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination.
2. A judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil marriages or retired commissioner of civil marriages, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record in this state.
3. A judge or magistrate who has resigned from office.
4. Any of the following judges or magistrates of the United States:
1. A justice or retired justice of the United States Supreme Court.
2. A judge or retired judge of a court of appeals, a district court, or a court created by an act of Congress the Judges of which are entitled to hold office during good behavior.
3. A judge or retired judge of a bankruptcy court or a tax court.
4. A United States magistrate or retired magistrate.
5. A legislator or constitutional officer of this state or a member of Congress who represents a district within this state, while that person holds office.

Each county offers civil ceremonies performed by a judge or commissioner. The cost is approximately $40.00. For additional information call your County Clerk's office.

California County Clerk's Office
Alameda County Recorder
Oakland, CA
510.272.6363

Alpine County Recorder
Markleeville, CA
530.694.2281

Amador County Recorder
Jackson, CA
209.223.6469

Butte County Recorder
Oroville, CA
530.538.7691

Calaveras County Recorder
San Andreas, CA
209.754.6375

Colusa County Recorder
Colusa, CA
530.458.0500

Contra Costa Recorder
Martinez, CA
925.646.2360

County Of Orange Recorder
Santa Ana, CA
714.834.2500

Del Norte County Recorder
Crescent City, CA
707.464.7216

El Dorado County Recorder
Placerville, CA
530.621.5490

Fresno County Recorder
Fresno, CA
559.488.2609

Glenn County Clerk
Willows, CA
530.934.6407

Humboldt County Recorder
Eureka, CA
707.445.7593

Imperial County Recorder
El Centro, CA
760.339.4427

Inyo County Records
Independence, CA
760.878.0410

Kern County Clerk
Bakersfield, CA
805.868.3588

Kings County Clerk
Hanford, CA
559.582.3211

Lake County Clerk
Lakeport, CA
707.263.2293

Lassen County Recorder
Susanville, CA
530.251.8217

Los Angeles County Clerk
Norwalk, CA
562.462.2137

Madera County Clerk
Madera, CA
209.675.7724

Marin County Recorder
San Rafael, CA
415.499.6092

Mariposa County Recorder
Mariposa, CA
209.966.2007

Mendocino County Clerk
Ukiah, CA
707.463.4370

Merced County Recorder
Merced, CA
209.385.7501

Modoc County Clerk
Alturas, CA
530.233.2512

Mono County Recorder
Bridgeport, CA
760.932.5241

Monterey County
Salinas, CA
831.647.7906

Napa County Clerk
Napa, CA
707.253.4246

Nevada County Clerk
Nevada City, CA
530.265.1221

Placer County Clerk
Auborn, CA
530.889.7948

Plumas County Recorder
Quincy, CA
530.283.6305

Riverside County Clerk
Riverside, CA
909.486.7000

Sacramento County Clerk
Sacramento, CA
916.874.5522

San Benito County Clerk
Hollister, CA
831.636.4029

San Bernardino Recorder
San Bernardino, CA
909.387.8314

San Diego County
San Diego, CA
619.237.0502

San Francisco County
San Francisco, CA
415.554.4176

Orleans Town Clerk
Albion, NY
716.589.5100

San Joaquin Clerk
Stockton, CA
209.468.2362

San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo, CA
805.781.5088

San Mateo County Clerk
Redwood City, CA
650.363.4711

Santa Barbara County Clerk
Santa Barbara, CA
805.568.2250

Santa Clara County Recorder
San Jose, CA
408.299.2481

Santa Cruz County Recorder
Santa Cruz, CA
831.454.2800

Shasta County Clerk
Redding, CA
530.225.5378

Sierra County Recorder
Downieville, CA
530.289.3295

Siskiyou County Clerk
510 North Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097
(530) 842-8084

Solano County Recorder
Fairfield, CA
707.421.6319

Sonoma County Clerk
Santa Rosa, CA
707.527.3800

Stanislaus County Clerk
Modesto, CA
209.525.5265

Sutter County Recorder
Yuba City, CA
530.822.7120

Tehama County Recorder
Red Bluff, CA
916.527.3350

Trinity County Recorder
Weaverville, CA
916.623.1222

Tulare County Clerk
Visalia, CA
559.733.6518

Tuolumne County Clerk
Sonora, CA
209.533.5570

Ventura County Recorder
Ventura, CA
805.654.2263

Yolo County Clerk
Woodland, CA
530.666.8130

Yuba County Clerk
Marysville, CA
530.741.6341

by Admin