Frequently
Asked Questions

A marriage license is the legal document required to be married in California. Without a valid license, a wedding ceremony alone does not create a legally recognized marriage. The license must be signed by both parties and completed by the officiant on the day of the ceremony. Once recorded with the County, it becomes the official record of your marriage.

A Confidential Marriage License becomes part of a confidential record and is not accessible to the public — only the parties named on the license may obtain copies with valid government-issued identification. A Public Marriage License becomes part of the public record and is accessible to anyone who requests it. Both are legally valid in California.

Many couples prefer to keep their personal information private, especially when so much information is readily available online. While any member of the public may obtain an informational copy of a public marriage record, a confidential marriage record is available only to the married couple or through a court order.

Confidential marriage licenses are often preferred by celebrities, entertainment professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth couples who place a premium on privacy, but they are available to any qualified couple living together. We have also assisted many couples who traveled from other states specifically to obtain a confidential marriage license in California, as California residency is not required.

To qualify for a Confidential Marriage License, both parties must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be legally eligible to marry
• Be living together at the time of application
• Present valid government-issued identification

Additional requirements may apply depending on your circumstances.

Public Marriage Licenses must be obtained directly through the County Clerk's office. Individuals authorized by the County Registrar-Recorder may only issue Confidential Marriage Licenses.

Absolutely! You do not need to reside in Los Angeles County to obtain a confidential marriage license through our service. We have personally assisted clients throughout Southern California who chose to have their marriage records filed in Los Angeles County. Additional travel fees apply outside the greater Los Angeles area.

No, California does not require either party to be a resident of the state to marry here. We have personally assisted couples who traveled from other states specifically to obtain a Confidential Marriage License and Record in California. Eligible couples visiting from other states or countries are welcome to use our service.

Possibly. In California, a marriage license is generally required before the ceremony takes place. If you have already celebrated your wedding and would like to make it legally official, please contact us directly. We can review your situation and help determine the appropriate next steps.

Because the application is completed in advance, any name change you wish to make should be decided before your appointment. After the license has been issued, it may be used to update your name with government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations. There is no deadline for completing these updates, and you can do so at your own pace.

Because the application is completed in advance, most appointments take five minutes or less. We prepare everything ahead of time so the meeting itself is quick, smooth, and stress-free — giving you more time to focus on your wedding day.