By Joel Reyes, California Elopement Photographer
Last updated: March 2026
If you’re eloping in California, you need a marriage license before your ceremony. The process is straightforward, but there are a few details you should know. Here’s the complete guide.
The Basics
Where to apply: Any County Clerk’s office in California. You do NOT need to apply in the county where your ceremony takes place. A California marriage license is valid statewide.
Who needs to be there: Both partners must appear in person at the County Clerk’s office. No exceptions.
Cost: Approximately $90 (varies slightly by county). Some counties accept cash only, others take credit cards. Check your specific county.
Waiting period: None. Your license is valid immediately upon issuance. You can get married the same day.
How long it’s valid: 90 days from the date of issue. Your ceremony must take place within those 90 days.
Residency requirement: None. You do not need to be a California resident to get a marriage license in California. Couples from any state or country can obtain one.
Blood test: Not required.
ID required: Valid government-issued photo ID for both partners. Passport, driver’s license, or state ID card. If either partner was previously married, you’ll need the date the prior marriage ended (exact date, not just the year).
County Clerk Offices Near Popular Elopement Destinations
Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey
Monterey County Clerk
168 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 755-5041
Note: The office is in Salinas, about 20 to 30 minutes inland from Monterey.
San Francisco
San Francisco County Clerk
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 168
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-4950
Yosemite
Mariposa County Clerk
4982 10th Street, Mariposa, CA 95338
Phone: (209) 966-2007
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County Clerk
701 Ocean Street, Room 210
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 454-2800
Confidential vs. Public Marriage License
California offers two types:
Public Marriage License
The standard option. Your marriage becomes a matter of public record. Anyone can look it up. Requires one witness to sign at the ceremony (your photographer can serve as a witness).
Confidential Marriage License
Available only to couples who are already living together. The marriage record is NOT publicly accessible. No witness is required at the ceremony. Same cost as the public license.
For elopements, the confidential license is usually the better choice. No witness requirement means your ceremony can truly be just the two of you and your photographer. And your marriage record stays private.
Can You Self-Solemnize in California?
No. Unlike Colorado, California does not allow self-solemnization. You must have an authorized officiant perform your ceremony. This includes:
Ordained ministers (including those ordained online through Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, etc.)
Judges and court commissioners
Priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders
A friend or family member who gets ordained online (this is legal in California and takes about 5 minutes)
If you don’t have an officiant, I can help connect you with one. My full-day Big Sur elopement package includes a complimentary officiant.
Can You Get Your Marriage License Online?
Some California counties now offer online or virtual appointment scheduling. A few counties experimented with video conferencing options during the pandemic, but most have returned to in-person only. Check your specific county’s website for current options.
Tip: Schedule your County Clerk appointment for 1 to 3 days before your elopement. This avoids any day-of stress. If you’re traveling from out of state, plan to arrive in California at least one day early.
What Happens After the Ceremony?
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and mails it back to the County Clerk’s office for recording. You’ll receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail, usually within 2 to 4 weeks.
Request extra certified copies. You’ll need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes. Most counties charge $15 to $20 per additional copy. Order at least 3 to 5.
Planning Tip: Marriage License + Elopement Day
Here’s how most of my Big Sur couples handle the logistics:
Day before elopement: Pick up your marriage license at the County Clerk’s office in Salinas (if eloping in Big Sur) or San Francisco (if starting with a City Hall ceremony). Drive to Big Sur. Check into your lodging.
Elopement day: All the focus is on your ceremony and adventure. No paperwork stress.
After the elopement: Your officiant handles mailing the signed license back to the county.
It’s that simple.
[Ready to plan your California elopement? Get in touch →]
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