Marriage Licenses

Jim McCauley, County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters

Clerk-Recorder Division
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 886-5610
Fax: (530) 886-5687
E-mail: clerk@placer.ca.gov

On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled to allow same gender persons to marry. This decision will become final in 30 days, which is Saturday June 14, 2008, unless there is further court action. Therefore, on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, without further court action, we will be authorized to issue marriage licenses and to perform ceremonies for same gender couples. You may call our office for further information at (530) 886-5610.

The following is information regarding: public marriage licenses and confidential marriage licenses; who may solemnize a marriage; miscellaneous information; and frequently asked questions.

There are two types of marriage licenses a couple may apply for: Public and Confidential. Both types of marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date they are issued. The Public Marriage license can be used anywhere in the state of California. The Confidential Marriage license must be used in the county where it was purchased. You must present the license to the person who is to perform the marriage ceremony. After the ceremony is performed, it is their responsibility to complete the license and to return it to the County Clerk for filing within 10 days after the ceremony.

Applying for a Public or a Confidential Marriage License

Parties to be married must do the following to apply for a marriage license:

1.	Apply together and apply in person.
2.	Present a government issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, passport or military ID.
3.	Provide full names, including mother's maiden names, and state or country of birth for parents.
4.	If previously married or in a State Registered Domestic Partnership, provide the date of dissolution, death or termination.

If Purchasing a Confidential Marriage License, the three additional requirements also apply:

1.	Both applicants must be over 18 years of age.
2.	Currently living together.
3.	Being married in the county where the license was purchased.

Who May Solemnize Marriages per Family Code §401

Marriage may be solemnized by any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, a judge or retired judge, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record, a judge or magistrate who has resigned from office, or by a person authorized to do so under Family Code Section §401.

Family Code Section §401
For each county, the county clerk is designated as a commissioner of civil marriages. The commissioner of civil marriages may appoint deputy commissioners of civil marriages who may solemnize marriages under the direction of the commissioner.

Civil Marriage Ceremonies

On a limited basis, ceremonies are performed through the Clerk-Recorders Office, Monday through Friday by appointment only. Please call at least 24 hours in advance for scheduling the appointment.

Miscellaneous Information

1.	Minors, emancipated minors included, cannot be licensed to marry in California without a parent's written consent and a Superior Court Order, and cannot purchase a Confidential Marriage license. Please call for more information.
2.	There are no residency requirements for the parties to be married, or witnesses to the ceremony.
3.	The Public marriage license can be used anywhere in the state of California. The Confidential marriage license can only be used in the county it was issued in.
4.	One witness is required on the Public marriage license. Two are also acceptable. No witnesses are necessary for the Confidential marriage license.
5.	The Public license is a public record and available for anyone's inspection. It may be published in a local newspaper. The Confidential marriage license is not a public record, and a certified copy can only be purchased by the parties of the marriage without a court order.
6.	Certified copies are available at the Recorder's Office for a fee of $13.00 for a Public license and $18.00 for a Confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far ahead of time do we need to get our Marriage License?
A: The license is valid the same day it is issued and usable for up to ninety (90) days.

Q: Do we need a blood test?
A: No. As of January 1, 1995, blood tests are no longer necessary.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: $56.00 for a Public Marriage License. $60.00 for a Confidential Marriage License. Please see Fee Schedule for more information.

Q: Where do we go to get the License?
A: To the County Clerk-Recorder's Office, 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn.

Q: Do we get a copy of the license?
A: No. You may purchase a certified copy at the Recorder's office for a fee of $13.00 for a public and $18.00 for a confidential.