What Are California Marriage Records?

California marriage records are the overall record of a couple's union. The state began maintaining these records in 1905, and different authorities maintain and issue them depending on the time and location of the marriage event.

Marriage records commonly include two main types of documents: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. A marriage license is a prerequisite before marriage, as mandated by California Family Code Section 350. Meanwhile, a marriage certificate is issued post-wedding as evidence of the marriage.

Both records may include the full names of the spouses, the marriage date, the ceremony location, the names of the officiants and witnesses, and the signatures of the registrants and witnesses.

When accessed, marriage records benefit individuals and government entities. Individuals can use these records to verify marital status, facilitate legal name changes, and access spousal benefits. Government entities, on the other hand, utilize these records to confirm marital status for tax filings, demographic studies, and other legal proceedings.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In California, marriage certificates are generally considered public records, as governed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA). This law allows the public to access certain records, including public marriage certificates, unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure.

Anyone can request public marriage certificates. While these records are available to the public, sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, contact details, home addresses, financial information, and other personal identifiers are typically redacted to safeguard the privacy of the individuals involved.

Conversely, confidential marriage certificates are treated differently. These records are private and can only be accessed by the individuals involved in the marriage, their legal representatives, or certain authorized government agencies.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in California?

Individuals can look up California marriage records through both state and county agencies.

The California Department of Public Health, Vital Records (CDPH-VR) holds records for marriages that occurred between 1905 and 1999 and from 2008 to 2022. For marriages between 2000 and 2007 or in 2023 and later, individuals should contact the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage occurred.

Expect to face different procedures when looking up the state's marriage records depending on the type and the agency maintaining it. However, the following information is typically needed when looking up these records:

• Full names of both parties involved in the marriage
• Date of marriage
• County where the marriage license was issued
• Purpose of the request
• A valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of authorization (if requesting certified copies)
• Fee payment

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

California issues two types of marriage certificates: certified copies and informational copies.

Certified copies are official government-issued documents with a raised seal. These are often required for legal purposes like name changes, financial transactions, immigration, etc. Informational copies contain the exact details. However, they are labeled as non-legal and invalid for identity verification.

Individuals can obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in California through the following options:

Online

• Visit the CDPH-VR Request a Copy of Vital Record Online page and choose from the official third-party online services.
• Fill up a form that typically requires the following information:
  • Names of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • County or place where the marriage occurred
• If required, verify identity by submitting a scanned copy or photo of a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
• Pay the required $17 fee per copy using major credit cards. Note that an additional processing fee may apply.
• Submit the request and wait for the CDPH-VR to process it. The average processing time takes four to six weeks, and the CDPH-VR does not offer any expedited options.

In Person

• Visit the CDPH-VR location or the county clerk's office where the marriage occurred.
• Prepare the following information and document:
  • Names of the married parties
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Valid government-issued ID
• Pay the $17 fee using cash, check, money order, credit or debit cards, and Samsung or Apple Pay.
• Receive the certified marriage certificate immediately upon payment. However, some offices may require processing time, especially for older records.

By Mail

• Determine where the marriage certificate was filed.
  • If the certified marriage certificate was filed in CDPH-VR, download the Application for a Certified Copy of Marriage Record Form.
  • If the certified marriage certificate was filed by the county clerk, visit their county website and download their respective form.
• Complete the application form by providing the following details:
  • Full names of individuals involved in the marriage
  • Date of marriage
  • County where the marriage was recorded
• Prepare a proof of identity if required.
• Attach a $17 payment using a check or money order made payable to the CDPH-VR or the county clerk's office.
• Send the completed form, photocopy of a valid ID (if required), and payment to the appropriate address.

For CDPH:

For County Clerk's Office:

Check the abovementioned directory or the county's website for the exact mailing address.

• Processing time usually takes four to six weeks.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In California, marriage licenses are maintained at the county level by the county clerk's office where the license was issued. Under state law, duplicates of these documents are publicly accessible.

To obtain a copy of the marriage license, contact the county clerk's office where the license was issued. Each county has its process for searching marriage records, but individuals can typically request them in person or by mail. Some counties, like the Los Angeles County Clerk, also allow the public to request marriage licenses online.

Requesters will need to supply the full names of individuals on the marriage license, the date of marriage, and the marriage license number if available. They must also verify their identity for confidential marriage licenses.

Finally, a fee must be paid to complete the process of obtaining a marriage license. This amount varies among county clerk offices, and individuals are advised to inquire with the respective office to get the exact amount.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to official sources, various third-party websites offer access to California marriage records and historical indexes.

Genealogical societies, such as the Root Cellar, curate family history research databases that often include marriage records. Additionally, commercial services such as RecordsFinder enable users to explore public records online, including marriage records from various states, including California.

While not offering certified copies, these platforms validate the existence of a marriage and offer essential marriage details. Users usually need to provide fundamental marriage details and pay a fee for each search on these services.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Confidential marriage is a type of marriage that allows couples to forgo witnesses during the ceremony and ensures that the marriage record remains sealed from public view. This type of marriage is legally recognized in the state under the California Family Code Section 500.

The decision to opt for a confidential marriage is often driven by the desire to maintain privacy regarding marital status, particularly for high-profile individuals seeking to avoid public scrutiny. Some couples also choose this route to keep their marriage undisclosed from family members or ex-partners.

Access to confidential marriage records in California is restricted only to the couple directly involved in the ceremony. Those who are not part of the couple must secure a court order to access these records.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

The process of applying for a marriage license in California is governed by the California Family Code Sections 350-360. To complete this procedure, prospective spouses are required to adhere to specific steps and submit necessary documents.

The couple must visit any county clerk's office in California to begin the application. They should complete a marriage license application form, which is available either at the county clerk's office or via their official websites.

In addition to the application form, both parties must supply valid identification documents. Accepted documents include a passport, driver's license, state-issued ID card, or military identification.

Furthermore, individuals must present evidence of age. State rules indicate that individuals can marry once they reach 18 years old. If either party is below this age, parental consent or a court order is required.

If the marriage involves non-US citizens, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and Social Security numbers for both individuals are required. Additionally, the payment of a marriage license fee, which varies across California counties, is mandatory.

Note that the marriage license is issued immediately upon application submission. However, a six-day waiting period after license issuance is enforced before the marriage ceremony can take place, albeit subject to certain exceptions.

Also, the marriage license is valid 90 days from its issue date. The wedding event must occur during this timeframe, as failure to do so will prompt the need for a new license application.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

In California, correcting errors on a marriage certificate involves following an amendment process. Common errors that can be rectified include:

• Misspelled names
• Inaccuracies in date of birth
• Errors in the date or location of the marriage
• Missing essential information

To correct these mistakes, individuals can follow one of the procedures below:

In Person

To correct a mistake on a marriage certificate in California in person, individuals should personally visit either the CDPH-VR office or the county clerk's office where the certificate was issued. At the office, they must complete an Application to Amend a Marriage Record (Form VS 24C) for CDPH-VR or a similar form provided by the county clerk's office.

In addition, individuals need to present proof of the error, such as the original or certified marriage certificate, along with any other supporting documentation.

To conclude the process, the necessary amendment fee must be paid. The CDPH-VR charges $17 for requests made within one year of marriage and $26 for requests made one year after marriage. On the other hand, county clerk offices may have varying fee structures, so it is advisable to contact them directly for the most up-to-date fee information.

By Mail

To correct errors on a marriage certificate through the mail, individuals should first download and fill out the CDPH-VR Form VS 24C or a similar form provided by the county clerk's office. This completed form should be accompanied by other required documents and evidence demonstrating the inaccuracies and the correct information.

After assembling all necessary materials, be sure to include payment in the form of a check or money order. The complete package must then be mailed to the designated office to formally apply for amendment.

By Phone

The CDPH-VR does not process amendments directly by phone. However, individuals can dial the division at (916) 445-2684 or the county clerk's office where the marriage certificate was issued for guidance regarding the correction process.

Are Marriage Records Under the California Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The California Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), also known as the Safe at Home program, safeguards individuals' addresses who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other abuses. Under this program, participants are given a substitute address to protect their location from potential harm.

While the ACP protects certain government records, it does not apply to marriage records. As a result, marriage records of individuals enrolled in the ACP remain accessible to the public.

California Marriage Statistics and Trends

The latest marriage data in the U.S. indicate that 53% of adults are married, a 5% decline from the 58% reported in 1995. Meanwhile, cohabitation rates have increased to 7% from the 3% documented in 1995.

Furthermore, the statistics demonstrate that marriage trends are influenced by factors such as race and educational achievement. Specifically, it is revealed that marriage rates are higher among white and Asian adults, as well as individuals with advanced education.

As for California marriage statistics, the trends deviate from the national averages. Below are the key marriage statistics in the state:

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