Marriage Services
Orange County CA Marriage Services helps couples obtain marriage licenses, schedule civil marriage ceremonies, and request marriage-related records through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department. This article explains the steps involved, the documents applicants need, the differences between public and confidential marriage licenses, ceremony requirements, office locations, payment options, and common details couples should know before visiting an office.
Marriage License Services
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department provides marriage license services through walk-in visits and scheduled appointments. Before visiting any office, couples must complete the online marriage application. Appointments are highly recommended and receive priority over walk-in customers. Walk-in service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Couples can begin the process through the official Marriage Services page from the OC Clerk Recorder Department. The online application system is the first step for couples preparing to obtain an official marriage license.
A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. Couples should plan their application and ceremony timing within this period because expired marriage licenses and changes in plans are not eligible for refunds.
Basic License Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements before receiving a marriage license. Both individuals must appear together in person and present valid, non-expired government-issued photo identification.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Each person must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
No citizenship or residency requirements apply.
No blood tests are required.
Both applicants must complete the marriage application online before visiting an office.
Applicants should review their information before signing the marriage license because certain choices made during the signing process may affect the record. The couple must select the name each person wishes to use after marriage when completing the license. Couples are not required to change their names, but any name changes must be completed when signing the marriage license. After the license is signed, changes to names require a court order.
Documents and Special Situations
Most couples need only valid identification when applying for a marriage license. However, certain situations require additional documents before the license can be issued.
Previous Marriage Information
Applicants who were divorced within the previous 90 days must provide a copy of the divorce decree. If a former spouse died within the previous 90 days, the applicant must provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
Providing the correct documents before arriving helps avoid delays during the in-person appointment or walk-in visit.
Language and Translation Rules
Both individuals must be able to read, speak, and understand English. If either person cannot meet this requirement, the couple must bring a sole witness who can translate for the license process and ceremony.
The Clerk-Recorder Department does not provide translation services or witnesses. Couples should make arrangements before arriving if translation assistance is needed.
Public and Confidential Licenses
Orange County offers two types of marriage licenses. Couples should understand the difference before selecting the license type because each creates a different type of record.
Public Marriage License
A public marriage license becomes a public record. Anyone may request an informational copy of the record. The license can be used anywhere in California.
The cost for a public marriage license is $61.
Confidential Marriage License
A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record. Information about this license may only be obtained by the couple unless a special court order allows access.
To obtain a confidential marriage license, the couple must be living together before the marriage. Like a public marriage license, a confidential marriage license can be used anywhere in California.
The cost for a confidential marriage license is $66.
Civil Marriage Ceremonies
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department performs civil marriage ceremonies for couples who obtained their marriage license from the department. Ceremonies are performed by County Deputy Clerks, and outside officiants are not permitted for these ceremonies.
Information about ceremony locations, scheduling, and requirements is available through the official Civil Marriage Ceremonies information page.
Ceremony Appointment Process
Couples must complete the online marriage license application before scheduling a civil marriage ceremony. Ceremony appointments must be scheduled online through the department’s scheduling system. Appointments cannot be scheduled by phone or by visiting an office location.
After completing the marriage license application, couples may select an available ceremony date and time through the online scheduling system.
Ceremony Locations
Civil marriage ceremonies are available at several Clerk-Recorder locations, including the North County Branch Office in Anaheim, the South County Branch Office in the Laguna Hills Civic Center, and the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana.
Couples must present valid government-issued photo identification at their appointment. Ceremony rooms are available for Clerk-Recorder customers who use walk-in or appointment services.
Witness Requirements
Couples receiving a public marriage license and having a ceremony must provide at least one witness. The witness must be present during the ceremony, physically observe the marriage, and sign the public marriage license.
The Clerk-Recorder Department does not provide witnesses under any circumstances. A ceremony will not be performed if the required witness is not present for a public marriage license ceremony.
For couples using a confidential marriage license, the witness requirement does not apply in the same way because confidential marriage licenses do not require a witness signature.
Guests and Ceremony Details
Couples planning a civil marriage ceremony may invite guests. A maximum of 20 guests are allowed to attend a wedding ceremony for couples obtaining a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license.
Ceremonies are civil and non-sectarian. The Clerk-Recorder Department performs the ceremony through County Deputy Clerks and does not allow outside officiants.
Marriage Service Locations
The Clerk-Recorder Department provides marriage license and ceremony services at multiple offices. Each location has different available services, so couples should confirm the appropriate office before visiting.
The official Hours and Locations page from the OC Clerk Recorder Department provides office addresses, available services, and operating hours.
Office Services Available
The North County Branch Office in Anaheim provides marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies. The South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills also provides marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies. The Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana provides Marriage Services and OC Archives services.
For in-person service, customers must complete the required online application before visiting an office. This requirement applies to marriage services customers.
Payments and Fees
The Clerk-Recorder Department accepts several payment methods for marriage services. Couples may pay using cash, credit or debit card, check, cashier’s check, or money order.
Checks and money orders must be payable to the County of Orange.
Public marriage license: $61
Confidential marriage license: $66
Marriage ceremony: $28
Marriage service fees are subject to change, so couples should confirm current fees before completing their transaction.
Marriage Records Requests
After a marriage license is completed, the marriage record is maintained by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department. The type of copy available depends on the type of marriage license issued.
A public marriage license becomes a public record, while a confidential marriage license remains restricted. Only authorized individuals may obtain information from a confidential marriage record.
The department’s Vital Records information page provides details about requesting birth, death, and marriage records, including requirements for certified copies.
Planning Before Visiting
Many delays can be avoided by completing the online application before arriving and preparing all required identification documents. Couples should confirm that both applicants can appear together, that identification is current, and that any special documents related to previous marriages are available.
Before visiting an office, couples should also decide whether they need a public or confidential marriage license and whether they plan to have a Clerk-Recorder civil ceremony. Making these choices in advance helps the appointment process move more smoothly.
Marriage Services Offices
Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department — County Administration South, 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 — (714) 834-2500
Old Orange County Courthouse — 211 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701 — (714) 834-2500
North County Branch Office — 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 110A & 110B, Anaheim, CA 92805 — (714) 834-2500
South County Branch Office — 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 150 & 160, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 — (714) 834-2500
Marriage Services FAQs
How do couples apply for a marriage license before visiting an office?
Couples must complete the online marriage license application before going to an Orange County Clerk-Recorder office. The application is the first step in the process, and both applicants must appear together in person to complete the license. Couples can begin the process through the official Marriage Services page from the OC Clerk Recorder Department. A marriage license remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so couples should plan their appointment within that period.
What should applicants prepare before their marriage license appointment?
Each person must bring one valid, non-expired government-issued photo identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport. Applicants who were divorced within the previous 90 days must provide a copy of the divorce decree. If a spouse passed away within the previous 90 days, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. Couples should also decide the names they wish to use after marriage before signing the license because later name changes require a court order.
Can couples schedule a civil ceremony online?
Yes. Couples must complete the marriage license application online before scheduling a civil marriage ceremony. Ceremony appointments must be scheduled online and cannot be arranged by phone or by visiting an office. After completing the application, couples can select an available ceremony date and time through the online scheduling system. More details are available on the official Civil Marriage Ceremonies information page.
Do couples need a witness for an Orange County civil ceremony?
A couple using a public marriage license must provide at least one witness who is physically present during the ceremony and signs the license. The Clerk-Recorder Department does not provide witnesses. Couples using a confidential marriage license do not follow the same witness requirement. If translation assistance is needed, the couple must bring a witness who can translate because the department does not provide translation services.
How can couples request marriage records after the ceremony?
Marriage records are handled through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department. The type of record available depends on whether the couple received a public or confidential marriage license. Information about requesting marriage records and certified copies is available through the official Vital Records page.