What are the requirements for a valid marriage in California?

State of California Marriage Requirements

  • Only two unmarried persons who are at least 18 years of age with valid legal identification may apply for a marriage license in California.
  • California residency and US citizenship are not requirements for marriage in California.

How long does it take to get marriage certificate in California?

Please allow 3 weeks from the time the marriage license was returned to our office for recording to request a copy of the vital certificate. If no vital record is found based on the information provided on the application, a “Letter of No Record” will be issued.

Where do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate in California?

You will need to contact the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the marriage license was issued. CDPH Vital Records is continually indexing marriage records and will post updates on the website as more years become available for request.

Can I get a marriage license online in California?

However, Californians now have another option. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that allows couples to get marriage licenses and even carry out wedding ceremonies online.

How can we say that the marriage is valid?

In general, the elements of a valid marriage are consent, license, solemnization, and authentication.

What happens when you get married in California?

The clerk will give you your license immediately. If you have been married before, you must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. The cost for applying varies by county, and some counties will only accept cash payments. After your ceremony, your officiant is legally required to file your license within 10 days.

What happens if you don’t turn in your marriage license within 10 days California?

The 10-day period is to ensure it is placed in our system to send to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics as well as to return it to the couple to make the necessary name and marital status changes. If received after that time period it does not make it invalid.

How can I get married fast in California?

California marriage licenses are only valid for 90 days, so you must obtain your marriage license within the 90 days immediately prior to your wedding date. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. The clerk will give you your license immediately.

Can you get married without a ceremony in California?

No. If you purchased a marriage license, California law requires you to have a marriage ceremony performed anywhere in the State of California. The ceremony must be performed by a person who is authorized by law to solemnize marriages in California within 90 days from the date the license is issued.

What are the three requirements of a valid marriage?

The basic elements of a marriage are: (1) the parties’ legal ability to marry each other, (2) mutual consent of the parties, and (3) a marriage contract as required by law. See also Common-Law Marriage.

What does getting married without a license mean?

Francesco C. Britanico | Updated: Feb 2, 2022 | Family Law, Annulment & Other Separations. Getting married without a marriage license can mean that your marriage is null and void. A marriage licence is required by the State to ensure that the persons getting married can validly do so.

Is marriage a contract in California?

Marriage in California is a valid civil contract between a man and a woman who are both free and capable of marriage and consent. Marriage is considered a partnership that is permanent and dissoluble only judicially, not by the consent of the partners. In California, it must be licensed, witnessed and registered.

When should I get my marriage license in California?

How much is a marriage license in California?

Public Marriage License fee is $70.00. This is the most common type of marriage license. Must have at least one witness present at the ceremony. No more than two witnesses may sign the official marriage license after the ceremony.

Does the officiant have to turn in the marriage license in California?

After your marriage is solemnized by an authorized wedding officiant (an ordained minister, pastor, priest, reverend, judge or justice of the peace) then your officiant must sign and complete the marriage certificate at the bottom of your marriage license.

Can a marriage be valid if not registered?

Surprising as it may seem, a marriage can still be considered valid despite the absence of registration of a marriage certificate at the local civil registry or the National Statistics Office.

What are the requirements in the application of marriage license?

Marriage License Application Requirements:

  • Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate of both applicants.
  • Community Tax Certificates of both applicants.
  • 2×2 colored photos of the couple.
  • PSA CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage).
  • Accomplished Marriage Application Form.