This web page explains some of the requirements for getting married
in Marin County. The page is maintained by the office of the Marin County
Clerk. Questions, comments and suggestions should be directed to
countyclerk@co.marin.ca.us
Legislation effective January 1, 1995 eliminated the need for pre-marital
health certificates and blood tests.
To obtain a regular public marriage license, the couple must appear
together at the County Clerk's office with picture identification such
as a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If either partner
does not speak English, someone who can translate must accompany the couple.
It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to issue a marriage license, but you
may have to wait longer if there are other couples ahead of you. We ask
that you arrive at the office in plenty of time to complete the paperwork
prior to the office closing at 4:00 p.m. You can print
the application now, and bring it in with you.
If either party was married before, the couple will need to know the
date the previous marriage ended. If either party was divorced within the
last six months, we ask that a copy of the final judgment be brought.
The public (regular) marriage license is effective the day it is issued
and may be used anywhere in the State of California within 90 days of the
issue date.
After the public license is issued you may be married by a priest, rabbi,
minister or other authorized person of your choice. If you prefer, you
may be married at the County Clerk's Office. You must be married within
90 days of the issue date, and may be married anywhere in California. The
person who performs the ceremony will return the certificate to the Marin
County Recorder's Office, Room 232. You may obtain a certified copy from
that office: (415) 499-6094.
Couples who are living together may obtain a confidential marriage license.
If a confidential license is purchased in Marin County, the marriage ceremony
must be performed in Marin County. Confidential marriage licenses are available
in all counties statewide and must be used in the county in which they
are issued.
Confidential marriage licenses cannot be issued to minors.
In order to obtain a confidential license, the couple must appear together
with picture identification at the County Clerk's Office. The couple will
be required to swear or affirm that they are living together as husband
and wife. You can print the application now, and bring it in with you.
The confidential marriage license is effective the day it is issued
and must be used within Marin County within 90 days of the date issued.
You may be married by a priest, rabbi, minister or other authorized person
of your choice.
After the confidential marriage ceremony is performed, the license will
be returned and filed with the County Clerk in the same county where it
was issued. The license cannot be viewed by anyone except the couple without
a court order. Certified copies may be purchased after filing and the couple
may show them to anyone requiring proof of the marriage.
Civil wedding ceremonies are performed in the Marriage License Division
of the County Clerk's office by a deputy commissioner of civil marriages.
Ceremonies cost $35.00 and are performed by appointment only on weekday
afternoons. If you are using your public (regular) marriage license, you
must bring one witness with you to the ceremony. No witnesses are required
if you have a confidential marriage. For safety's sake, nothing is to be
thrown in or around the Civic Center. To make an appointment for a ceremony
at the Civic Center, please call (415) 499-6152 during business hours.
Marriage Commissioner for a Day
You may have anyone you know who is 18 years old or older sworn in as
a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for a day for a $25.00 fee. The marriage license
must have already been purchased in Marin County. They should appear in person
any weekday prior to the ceremony. They will provide their full name, the date of the ceremony,
and the city and county in California where the ceremony will take place. They will be
sworn in by an oath of office for this specific event. We will provide a sample ceremony that
they may use or rewrite and instructions on how to complete and return the marriage license.
Under 18 Years Old
If either party is under 18, one or both of the minors' parents must appear
with the couple. You will have to make an appointment with a counselor
and appear before a Superior Court judge before obtaining your license.
Please ask the clerk for more information or call (415) 499-6152 during
business hours.
Additional Questions?
If you have additional questions, please call (415) 499-6152 between 9:00-4:00,
Monday through Friday.
