How do you get a marriage license in San Diego, California?
If you want to get a married license in San Diego, California you will need to apply in person at the County Clerk’s office. Both the bridge and groom will need to be present. There are three locations in San Diego County: San Diego, San Marcos and El Cajon.
San Diego San Marcos El Cajon
1600 Pacific Hwy, #273
San Diego, CA 92101
141 E. Carmel Street.
San Marcos, CA 92078
200 Magnolia Ave
El Cajon, CA 92020
To call and make an appointment or for more information at any of these locations, call (619) 237-0502. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., but phone hours are only 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must make an appointment to obtain the marriage license; walk-ins are not accepted.
What are the requirements to get a marriage license in San Diego?
In San Diego, California you must bring a valid form of identification to show your age. The Clerk’s office also recommends bringing a copy of your birth certificate. Also, you must not currently be married to another person.
How old do you need to be to get a marriage license in San Diego?
To obtain a marriage license by the standard procedures through the San Diego County Clerk, you must be 18 years old. However, if you are under 18 years old there is a court procedure that must be followed at the Juvenile Court. The address and phone number are:
Juvenile Court
, 2851 Meadowlark Drive,
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 634-1600
Once the court process is complete, the couple can then go to the County Clerk’s office to obtain the marriage license, with the following required documents:
For more information, visit the San Diego County Clerk website: San Diego Marriage License
Do you need to take a blood test to get a marriage license in San Diego?
No blood tests are required in California.
Do you need to be a resident of California or live in San Diego to get married there?
No, you can live out of state or in another city and still be married in San Diego.
When does a San Diego marriage license expire?
Your marriage license will be valid for 90 days.
Does San Diego offer confidential marriage licenses?
Yes, if you have a reason to keep the marriage confidential and do not want it to be part of the public record, you can obtain a confidential marriage license. To obtain the confidential marriage license, the couple must go together to the County Clerk’s office and:
1. Make a written oath that they have been living together.
2. The marriage ceremony must be performed in San Diego County.
3. Each person must be at least 18 years old.
What are the costs to get a San Diego marriage license?
The costs are $50 for a regular marriage license, and $55 for a confidential marriage license. If you wish to have a civil marriage performed at the Clerk’s office, it will cost an additional $50. Credit cards are not accepted. You must pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card (with an additional fee).
Where can the marriage ceremony be held?
A San Diego marriage license is valid anywhere in California. Once you have the marriage license you can be married in a church, wedding chapel or a civil ceremony can be performed at the County Clerk’s office.
How do you get a marriage certificate once you are married?
Once your marriage ceremony is over, you must then return the signed license to the San Diego County Clerk for recording. You will be able to purchase a certificate for $14.00 two weeks later.
Who can perform the wedding ceremony in San Diego?
An ordained minister, or other person authorized by law can perform the ceremony, including a marriage commissioner. You may also have a friend or relative perform the ceremony by that person becoming a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a day. To do so, the person must fill out the application and pay a $50 fee. The application and instructions can be obtained from the San Diego County Clerk website here: San Diego Marriage License
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