California Marriage License

For weddings occurring in California, the couple can purchase the marriage license directly from the county clerk’s office within the state up to 90 days before the scheduled ceremony, as licenses are only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If the license expires, you’ll have to purchase another one.

License Types

There are two types of licenses available, and you’ll have the option to select either the public or confidential marriage license. You may want to learn the differences between the public and confidential marriage licenses prior to making the selection.

Licensing Cost

Cost of the public or confidential marriage license will vary with county and could exceed $125. At the time of purchase, the bride and groom must both appear concurrently and present necessary photo identification. Be sure to make an appointment beforehand if required by the county clerk.

Witnesses and Blood Tests

One witness to the union is necessary for the public license, but no witness is compulsory for the confidential license. There is no blood test or waiting period requirement in California.

Additional California Marriage License Information

Specific detailed information is needed when obtaining a license, such as your parent’s names, places of their birth, and your mothers’ maiden name. If a divorce has taken place within 90 days of the date you are to remarry, a copy of your final divorce decree may need to be presented to the clerk.

After the ceremony takes place, the minister who conducted the formality signs the license and is the responsible party for submitting it back to the issuing County Clerk Recorder’s Office. After the document has been recorded, the couple may request a certified copy from the recorder-clerk.

Nevada Marriage License

For weddings occurring in Nevada, marriage participants can obtain the marriage license from any county clerk’s office located within the state. Cost will vary by county and could exceed $125. Marriage licenses issued in Nevada have a one year expiration date. The ceremony can be performed anywhere in the state, regardless of which county the license was purchased from.

Witnesses and Document Submission

At conclusion of the ceremony, one witness is required by law to sign the document. The minister who conducted the service will also sign and submit the original back to the issuing County Clerk Recorder’s Office.

Verify Individual County Requirements

Marriage license requirements frequently change and may vary from county to county in both California and Nevada. The information given here is for guidance only, so it’s imperative to verify all information directly with the county clerk.

Local El Dorado and Douglas County Clerk Offices

California

El Dorado County Recorder Clerk’s Office
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

(530) 621-5490 (Placerville office)

(Days and hours of operation are limited and vary in the South Lake Tahoe office. Call in advance to schedule an appointment.)

Nevada

Douglas County Administration Building
175 Highway 50
Stateline, NV 89449

(775) 586-7270 (Stateline office)
(775) 782-9014 (Gardnerville office)

Monday – Friday
9am to 5pm

(Hours may vary. Call to schedule an appointment.)