Getting married if you have a wedding means a lot of planning, coordination, and expense. But getting the actual legal license you need to get married is a piece of cake. If you want to get married in Alameda County or anywhere in California, you must have a marriage license.
As long as you are both 18 or older and neither of you has been previously married, the application is easy. The Alameda County Clerk’s Office is conveniently located in downtown Oakland, just a few blocks from the downtown BART station on 12th Street and in close proximity to Lake Merritt.
You can marry in any county in California after you are licensed and you are not required to marry in the county where you were licensed, but the marriage must be registered in the county where you were licensed. There is no waiting period; Couples may be married at the county clerk’s office by a deputy county marriage commissioner immediately after applying for the license, provided they arrive at the office before 3:45 pm and bring at least one witness.
Application for a marriage license
Both persons intending to marry must appear in person at the county clerk’s office when applying for the license. You must show up before 4 pm Monday through Friday, although the office is open until 4:30 pm; marriage licenses are not issued after 4 pm The office suggests that you avoid going between noon and 2 pm as this is when the office is busiest.
What is required
- Both of you must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. This identification must be valid; an expired piece of ID does not qualify.
- You will be charged a fee for the marriage license and a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Check the clerk’s website for the most current rate before going to the office to get the license.
- California does not require that you or your partner have a blood test before receiving a marriage license or getting married.
- California residency is not required.
Synchronization
Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the issue date. If your wedding is delayed more than this, you will need to apply for a new license, which involves paying the fee again.
Complications
If you were previously married, be prepared to provide the exact date your previous marriage ended. This applies regardless of how the previous marriage ended, such as by death, divorce, or annulment. If you were divorced in the last year, bring a copy of your divorce decree. You may not need it, but prevention is better than cure.
If either person is under 18, the process is more complicated. At least one of the minor’s parents or guardians must report to the County Recorder’s office at the time of the marriage license application. You will also need to bring certified copies of birth certificates and obtain permission to marry a California superior court judge.
