There are two types of marriage licenses you can apply for: public and confidential

Public License:

The public marriage license remains valid for 90 days and you may be married anywhere in the State of California. A witness is required and the marriage becomes public record.

Confidential License:

The confidential license also remains valid for 90 days, but, if the license is issued in San Diego, the ceremony must take place in San Diego County. No witness.

The parties must be at least 18 years of age and living together as husband and wife. Only the bride or groom may obtain a certified copy of the marriage license.

For either type of license, both of you need to go to the marriage license office with $50 (cash or check) and a valid photo identification including full legal name and birth date. If a divorce has occurred within the last 90 days, the final divorce decree is required.

Confidential license may also be obtained at many wedding chapels or with many officiant.

What to do with the License?

1)After a San Diego ceremony, the person performing the ceremony needs to return the license to the county of San Diego, Commissioner of Civil Marriages within 30 days for recording. You may obtain a certified copy for a fee of $13.00. In other counties, check with the County Clerk, Whose number should be in your phone book.

2) In San Diego, licenses are issued at these locations:

County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 273
San Diego, CA 92101-2480

Chula Vista Branch Office
590 3rd Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910-5617

El Cajon Branch Office
200 S. Magnolia Ave.
El Cajon, CA 92020-3316

Kearny Mesa Branch Office (Open Saturday's 9am-3pm - except for holiday weekends)
9225 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123-1160

San Marcos Branch Office
141 East Carmel St.
San Marcos, CA 92078

Persons under 18 must contact the marriage license clerk’s office at 2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, Ca. 92123 619-694