We want to get married in Berkeley, California. What must we do to obtain a marriage license?
In order to obtain a marriage license in Berkeley, California, you will need to go together in person to the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s office. The County Clerk-Recorder’s office is located at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on holidays. Marriage license requests are only accepted before 4 p.m.
If you have further questions about marriage licenses in Alameda County, you can call the County Clerk-Recorder’s office at 1-510-272-6362 or visit the official website at Alameda County Marriage License. The site also includes e-mail addresses for those who wish in to e-mail further questions.
What requirements must we meet to obtain a marriage license in Berkeley?
You should both be at least 18 years of age. When you appear at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office, you should bring with you a government-issued photo identification document.
Are there any other requirements, such as residency or blood testing in Berkeley?
Blood testing is not a mandatory requirement for marriage licenses in the state of California, and you do not need to be a resident of Berkeley in order to apply for a marriage license and be married there. In fact, with an Alameda County marriage license, you can be legally married anywhere within the state of California.
When does our Alameda County marriage license expire?
Your Alameda County marriage license expires after 90 days.
How much will we be required to pay for a marriage license in Berkeley, California?
You will be required to pay a $96 fee. The fee includes your Alameda County marriage license, as well as one certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Who can we ask to perform our marriage ceremony in Berkeley, California?
You can ask any authorized person to perform your marriage ceremony. Persons authorized to perform marriages in California include clergy members authorized by their respective denominations to perform marriages, judges, retired judges, and designated court officials.
If the person you would like to ask is not currently authorized, that person can become authorized to perform marriages by being deputized as a “One-Time Deputy Marriage Commissioner, Without Compensation.” The person that you choose should write a letter that includes the following information: name, address, and phone number of the persons to be married; date and place of the wedding; county where the marriage license was issued; and his or her own name, address, and phone number. He or she should then send the letter to:
Patrick O'Connell
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder
1106 Madison Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Be aware that there is a $75 fee for this service. If you would like to request a civil ceremony, you can request one at the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s office any business day before 3:45 p.m. You must provide witnesses. You may invite up to 29 guests.
After the marriage ceremony, what do we need to do to get our marriage certificate?
After your marriage ceremony, you must take the signed marriage license back to the County Clerk-Recorder’s office to be recorded. In about two weeks, your marriage certificate will be ready for pick-up.
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