Marriage License
Be sure to make an appointment with the San Diego County Recorder's Office to apply for your Marriage License. Both parties must attend and bring a driver's license, visa or passport. If you are recently divorced, be sure to take your divorce decree. No blood test is required in the State of California. In San Diego it will cost you $70.00 for a public license and $89.00 for the confidential marriage license. Your license is valid for 90 days.
A “Public” California Marriage License is a marriage license that is available to the public for viewing.
A “Confidential” marriage license allows all the personal information on a marriage license to be protected from public view. Only a court order or a notarized application by either spouses can obtain a copy of the information.
You may pick up your license in approximately two weeks or, a copy of your marriage license will be mailed to you if you pay the $15.00 fee for a certified copy.
All information on the marriage license MUST be legible, unambiguous and reproducible. DO NOT change any information on the license, cross-out information, use white out, etc., as that will require the payment for and issuance of a duplicate marriage license.
Contact the County Clerk’s Office if you have questions about completing the marriage license and/or incorrect information contained on the marriage license.
Witnesses:
The public marriage license requires the signature of one witness, and if desired, has a place for an additional witness.
- San Diego Recorder/Clerk Main Office
County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 273
San Diego, CA 92101
619.237.0502
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F
Appointments only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / M - F - San Marcos Branch Office
141 E. Carmel Street
San Marcos, CA 92078
619.237.0502
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F
Appointments only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / M - F - El Cajon Branch Office
- 200 S. Magnolia Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
619.237.0502
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F
Appointments only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / M - F
Planning Tips For The Smart Bride
Has planning the wedding left you feeling overwhelmed? Here are a few tips to get (and keep) yourself organized!
1. Get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic. Read the fine print about cancellation policies and set the date now with your vendors! 2. Avoid the major mistake that many couples make while basking in the glow of their engagement. Don't attempt to cram all vendors and plans in a short period of time. Things can go wrong. Start planning so you can enjoy the months before your wedding. 3. Determine your wedding date and set specific dates you want bookings or items accomplished. Book early as some couples start planning a year in advance. Use a calendar or online wedding planning program to keep track of the details. 4. Set a day of the week when you'll focus on your wedding details. Sit down together to discuss your desires and create a plan. When it's on paper, this will eliminate any confusion or misunderstanding. Don't assume. 5. The most efficient way to plan a wedding is together. You both should be involved in every step. Make a list of things to accomplish and split it. This will make your groom want to be involved, instead of making them feel like they have to help. Involving your husband-to-be will make him feel that it's his wedding, too. 6. We can't stress this enough, talk, talk, talk. Be sure that if you're sharing duties that you're also sharing the details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, just make sure you're telling each other about it so the caterer isn't booked twice! 7. As a couple you both need to be flexible and open-minded. Compromise is key! Typically, both of you will want things that the other doesn't care for, but flexibility is a must, so be willing to bend. If you really object to something let the other person have a chance to explain why it's important and be open-minded. 8. Stay organized and confirm your bookings! When dealing with caterers, florists, etc. be sure to clarify all the details. Your expectations during the initial discussion need to be recorded on your wedding planner. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Reading the fine print before signing is a must. What is the cancellation policy? Spell out everything and keep receipts. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods, but don't delay or sell yourself short just to get a better price. 9. Create a list with dates, times, locations, and duties for your wedding party members. This will keep everyone organized and minimize the chance of someone missing a fitting date or rehearsal. 10. Now that you have it all under control, relax and enjoy all the special moments with family and friends leading up to your special day! |
Wedding Do's and Don'tsDO make it a point to be a guest at your own wedding. Be in the moment. Even though you've been anticipating and planning, don't analyze and fixate on if it's going according to plan. Be present and enjoy the celebration as it comes. The day will go way too fast! Capture and relish the special memories, which will allow you to actually enjoy and have fun!
DON'T procrastinate. Don't get caught up being engaged for eight months and haven't done a thing! If you have an all-consuming job, it may be best to manage your own expectations of just how glamorous and finely tuned it will all be. DO think outside the box! Consider a Sweet & Simple Wedding Ceremony. Save a little money in one department, but can be the perfect way to save (a lot of money) on a honeymoon. DON'T sweat! Being comfortable is the key! DO make sure you look and feel good. Be you and the fantasy will make you happy in the years to come. DON'T put yourself into too much debt to throw a blowout wedding. Too many couples think they need to wow everyone with a fancy affair and spend money they don't have in the bank. It's one day, then you are faced with your overspending. With today's economy, your commitment to each other and declaring that promise in front of all of your loved ones is not a requirement or a rule. As long as you are happy and not stressed out your guests will be happy too. DO hire a great photographer...not good, but great. Even if you keep it simple, I can't think of anything more worth the expense than beautiful images to share and look back on for decades. DON'T go overboard. It's hard to justify spending tens of thousands of dollars. DO take a day or two to decompress after the wedding bustle before your honeymoon. Enjoy each other and get used to being husband and wife before jetting off. With family in town and all kinds of emotions running high, be informed weddings can be extremely tiring. DON'T let family overwhelm you. They are just excited for you. Remember patience and keep an even tone. Your family and friends will want to be involved with your plans. Be grateful to have them in your life. Keep it stress-free and you will be so happy you did on the day of your wedding. DO plan that your DJ plays an upbeat song when you walk back down the aisle. After your first kiss (and the applause and cheers from your loved ones) the energy is so exciting that a slow romantic song might feel out of place. Do double check that your DJ plays the right song for your walk down the aisle and your first dance. DON'T go right back to work. Be sure to take a few days to relish and enjoy each other. DO have fun and enjoy your special day! |