Orange County Marriage License: 2026 Application Guide

The Event Suite
2 days ago
5 min read

Orange County, with its all-year-round warm temperatures, is such a dreamy place for all kinds of weddings. Courthouse, beach, garden, vintage, whatever the dream is, Orange County is built to make it come true. But before the white dresses, first dances, and memorable walks down the aisle, you must first obtain a Marriage License.

According to Business Insider, a marriage license is a "golden ticket to authorizing a marriage union".

In Orange County, you can obtain either a public or a confidential Marriage License, and both can be used anywhere in the state of California.

I'm Rafeal Henderson, a Wedding Planner and Designer in Orange County, and I've outlined below everything you need to know about getting an Orange County Marriage License, including a simple step-by-step guide.

Seven Things to Know Before Applying Orange County Marriage License

You must be over 18 years of age.
You’re not required to be a citizen or a resident.
Orange County does not require a blood test to issue a Marriage License.
Appointments for a Marriage License can be scheduled online.
You can submit your application online before your visit.
The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Orange County will not refund you for an expired license or changes in your plans.

Getting an Orange County Marriage License: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Complete Your Application

The first step to obtaining a Marriage License is completing the application online before visiting any of the Orange County offices.

There are currently three offices strategically positioned to serve residents and visitors:

A central office at 601 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, California 92701.
The North County Branch Office is located at 222 South Harbor Boulevard, Suite 110A, Anaheim, California 92805.
The South County Office at 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 150, Laguna Hills, California 92653.

The Clerk-Recorder Department gives priority to couples who have completed their information online before their appointment. For that reason, it’s best not to skip this step.

Step 2: Preparing for Your Appointment at the Clerk-Recorder Department

After scheduling your appointment online, the next step is to prepare for the visit. Be sure to bring the following:

A valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
A copy of your divorce decree if you’ve been divorced within the last 90 days.
A certified copy of a death certificate if either applicant has had a spouse who passed away within the previous 90 days.
The name each person wishes to use after marriage, as those names will appear on the Marriage License.

Step 3: Arriving at Your Appointment

Both parties must appear together in person.
Arrive early at the location you selected for your appointment.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Make payment for your Marriage License. Payment may be made by cash, credit or debit card, check, money order, or cashier’s check.
Once payment is completed and identities are verified, the license is issued the same day.
You are not required to change your name, but if you choose to do so, you may indicate it when signing the Marriage License.

Step 4: Having Your Ceremony at the Clerk-Recorder Department

If you’d like to not only obtain your Marriage License but also have your ceremony at one of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder locations, here’s what you need to know:

You must obtain a public Marriage License to have the ceremony performed at the office.
Ceremony rooms are available for walk-in couples and those with scheduled appointments.
The ceremony must be performed by a County Deputy Clerk. Outside officiants are not permitted.
You must bring at least one witness. The department provides officiants but does not provide witnesses.
The witness must be present for the entire ceremony and will sign the Marriage License.
If no witness is present, the ceremony will not be performed.
Both parties must be able to read and understand English. If not, your witness must be able to translate. Orange County does not provide translation services.
The ceremony cost an additional $28.

How Much Does an Orange County Marriage License Cost?

In Orange County, a public Marriage License costs $61, while a confidential Marriage License costs $66.

If you choose a public Marriage License, it becomes part of the public record, meaning anyone can request an informational copy. A confidential Marriage License, however, is only available to you and your spouse. To qualify for a confidential license, you must already be living together before the marriage.

Don’t forget this checklist (save this and thank yourself later)

Bring a valid photo ID.
Bring your payment method. Fees include $61 public or $66 confidential, plus $28 if you are doing a civil ceremony.
Know whether you want public or confidential.
Decide on your name plan before you show up. (California Department of Public Health)
If you are using a public license, plan your witness.
Plan your parking and arrival time, Ana.
If you need certified copies for paperwork, budget $19 each and request them after recording. (OC Recorder)

Conclusion: Orange County Marriage License

Anyone at least 18 years old can obtain a Marriage License in Orange County. The process begins by completing the online application and selecting whether you want to obtain only the license or also have a civil ceremony performed at the Clerk-Recorder’s office.

If you plan to have a civil ceremony, you must bring a witness whose signature will appear on your Marriage License. Once your application is submitted, you have 90 days from the date of issuance to appear in person and obtain the license.

Orange County offers both public and confidential Marriage Licenses, costing $61 and $66, respectively, giving couples the chance to decide which one fits their dreams better.

For questions and support with your marriage licence process, contact the Cherished Moments team.

FAQs about obtaining an Orange County Marriage License

Is an Orange County wedding license valid for 90 days?

Yes. OC states the marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. (OC Recorder)

Do we need to be US citizens or California residents?

No. OC states there are no citizenship or residency requirements. (OC Recorder)

Do we need a blood test?

No. OC confirms no blood tests are required. (OC Recorder)

Can we get married on a weekend?

Regular hours are Monday to Friday. Orange County sometimes offers special Saturday openings for high-demand dates, but they are limited and announced separately. (Orange County)

Do we need a witness?

Public license ceremonies require a witness. Confidential licenses do not, but you must be living together to qualify. (OC Recorder)

Can we just sign papers without a ceremony?

No. A ceremony by an authorized officiant is required for the marriage to be legal. The “paperwork only” myth is a common confusion point.