what do you need to get married in california

Getting married in California is a wonderful and exciting endeavor. There are a few key things you'll need to have in order to make your marriage official in the Golden State. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you'll need:

1. Marriage License

The first thing you'll need is a marriage license. This can be obtained from the County Clerk's office in any county in California. Both you and your partner will need to appear in person to fill out the application and pay the required fee. The license is typically valid for 90 days, so be sure to plan your wedding within that timeframe.

2. Identification

When applying for your marriage license, you'll need to present valid identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Make sure to bring original copies, as photocopies may not be accepted.

3. Age Requirement

In California, both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either party is 17 years old, they will need written permission from at least one parent or legal guardian.

4. Marriage Officiant

Once you have your marriage license, you'll need a legally authorized officiant to perform the wedding ceremony. This can be a priest, minister, rabbi, judge, magistrate, or any other authorized person. After the ceremony, the officiant will sign and submit the marriage license to the County Clerk's office for registration.

5. Name Change (Optional)

If you plan to change your name after getting married, you can use your marriage certificate as proof of your new name. This can be done by presenting the certificate to the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, and other relevant agencies.

With these key elements in place, you'll be well on your way to getting married in California. Remember to follow the specific guidelines and requirements of the county where you plan to marry, and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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