California Marriage License Information
Everything you need to know before your wedding ceremony in Northern California.
Marriage license requirements vary by county and state. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county clerk where you plan to obtain your license.
How to Obtain a California Marriage License
Couples must obtain their marriage license before their ceremony. A California marriage license may be obtained through a county clerk's office. Requirements may include identification, application information, payment of required fees, and both partners appearing together (requirements vary).
Are Witnesses Required?
California does not require witnesses when initially applying for, or picking up the marriage license. We strongly recommend couples confirm specific requirements with their county clerk to ensure total compliance on their wedding day. Immediately following the ceremony Emilio will fill out the officiant portion of the license as well as the witness fills out their portion. Only one witness is required.
Who Handles the Marriage License?
The couple is responsible for obtaining the marriage license before the ceremony. After the ceremony, Knots & Vows Sonoma will complete the officiant portion and depending upon the chosen package if applicable, will properly return the license to the appropriate county office for official recording.
Peace of Mind After Your Ceremony
For Sonoma County licenses, Knots & Vows Sonoma personally delivers completed marriage licenses by hand to the Sonoma County Clerk.
For licenses obtained outside Sonoma County, Knots & Vows Sonoma only uses trusted, reliable carriers that provide insurance and tracking information for delivery to the appropriate county clerk in which the license was orignally obtained.