Wedding Planning Articles
Marriage License
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Types of
Marriage Licenses
You will need to obtain a Marriage License in order to marry in California. There are two types of Marriage Licenses available in SLO and Santa Barbara Counties: a Standard or a Confidential Marriage License.
The main difference between these is that the Standard Marriage License is a matter of public record. This means that anyone may approach the county for information regarding your marriage license. The Confidential Marriage License remains confidential. The county will not give any information out about your license.
Requirements For All Licenses
- Obtain at any County Clerk office
- Both Bride and Groom must be present - ID required, but no blood test required
- Provide divorce documents if
divorced within the last 90 days
- Valid for 90 days from issue date
- Must know parent’s place of birth
- Under 18 needs court approval
- Officiant must file license within 30 days
Standard Marriage License Details
- Can marry in any county
- License becomes public record
- Provides a ceremonial paper
license that you may keep
- Requires witnesses signatures
- Additional certified copies are
easily obtained
Confidential Marriage Certificate
- Must marry in county where issued
- Must be living together
- License is kept confidential (i.e., not
public record)
- No ceremonial license furnished
- No witnesses required to sign
- Additional certified copies are difficult
to obtain (in person only)
Getting Your
Marriage License
A marriage license is generally obtained at the County Clerk office. However, some wedding Officiants have been vested with authority to issue a marriage license to you directly.
San Luis Obispo County
The 2 County Clerk Offices in San Luis Obispo County are in Atascadero and San Luis Obispo. They are open Monday thru Friday.Cost is $80.00 for a Standard or a Confidential License. Additional information and an application form are online at this URL: www.sloCounty.ca.gov/clerk.
Atascadero
7:30 to 4:00
5955 Capistrano Ave Suite B
461-6041
San Luis Obispo
8:00 to 5:00
1055 Monterey Suite D-120
781-5080
Santa Barbara County
The 3 County Clerk Offices in Santa Barbara County are open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 to 4:30. The cost is $77.00 for a Standard License or $79.00 for a Confidential License. Additional information and an application form are online at this URL: www.CountyofSB.org.
Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa St.
568-2250
Santa Maria
(by appointment only)
511 E. Lakeside Pkwy
346-8370
Lompoc
(by appointment only)
401 E. Cypress St. Rm. 102
737-7705