Beautiful Lake Tahoe Weddings in the Sierras

Lake Tahoe Marriage License Information

When obtaining a marriage license for a Lake Tahoe wedding, keep in mind that Tahoe borders two states. The south shore of Lake Tahoe includes the cities of South Lake Tahoe, which is in California, and also Stateline, which is in Nevada. The appropriate marriage license is required.

California Marriage License

For a California wedding, the couple has the option to have the minister provide a confidential marriage license for them on the day of the wedding (if he is a licensed notary public and authorized by the County Clerk), or, they may purchase either a confidential or public marriage license themselves directly from any County Clerk’s office within California prior to the ceremony. With a confidential license, the ceremony must be performed in the county of issuance. However, with a public license, the ceremony may be performed anywhere in the State of California.

Therefore, if you plan to have a wedding in South Lake Tahoe, California, and wish to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk outside of El Dorado County, you will need to purchase a public license. You can do this at any County Clerk's Office within the State of California. The cost is approximately $60 (varies by county) and has a 90 day expiration. Only one witness is required at the time of the ceremony. There are no notary fees when issued by the County Clerk. Both bride and groom must be present with proper photo identification.

Additionally, you need to know your parents names, places of their birth, and your mothers' maiden name. If you’ve had a divorce within 90 days of your wedding date, you will need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree. California does not require blood tests and there is no waiting period. After your ceremony and once your marriage license has been recorded, you may request a certified copy from the County Clerk/Recorder’s office from which it was issued.

Nevada Marriage License

For a Nevada wedding, the couple must obtain the marriage license directly from the County Clerk’s office. Ministers cannot issue a license for a Nevada wedding. The cost is approximately $55 (may vary by county). The ceremony may be performed anywhere in the State of Nevada, and only one witness is required.

Marriage license requirements vary from county to county and often change. The above information is for guidance only. It is important that you verify all information with the County Clerk. Below are the local County Clerk office locations and business hours.

California
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk’s Office
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd. / U.S. Hwy 50 Suite 108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3408

Mon-Fri 8am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4:30pm

Nevada
County Administration Building
175 Highway 50
Stateline, NV 89449
(775) 586-7226

Mon - Sat 9am to 8pm    Sun 10am to 3pm