How to get a marriage license in California with Joint Vows

Marriage License Services · Southern California

Marriage License Help Without the Hassle

Let's make your marriage official, the easy way.

Planning a wedding is exciting. Marriage license paperwork? Not so much. Joint Vows, part of the Great Officiants family, helps eligible couples obtain a California confidential marriage license by appointment, without a separate trip to the County Clerk's office.

Choose a convenient appointment at our Long Beach office or ask about license delivery. We'll explain the process, help you complete the signing, and guide you through the next steps.

Two Convenient Options

Marriage License Services & Prices

These prices apply to our confidential marriage license issuance service for eligible couples. Appointments are required for both options.

WE COME TO YOU

License Delivery

$250

Arrange for our authorized representative to bring the confidential marriage license paperwork to an agreed location.

  • By appointment only
  • Both partners must appear together
  • Includes the $85 license fee, $45 notary service, and $120 delivery charge
  • Additional travel may apply beyond 20 miles from the notary's location
REQUEST LICENSE DELIVERY
Important: These are confidential marriage license services, subject to California eligibility requirements. If you need a public marriage license, obtain it through the appropriate County Clerk's office. Contact us before visiting; walk-ins are not available.

How It Works

Three Simple Steps to Your Marriage License

01

Contact Our Team

Tell us your preferred date, whether you want an office appointment or delivery, and where you plan to marry.

02

Meet & Sign Together

Both partners appear together at the scheduled appointment. Our team walks you through the required paperwork and signing.

03

Celebrate Your Wedding

Use your valid marriage license for your ceremony. After the ceremony, the completed license is returned for recording as required.

Before You Book

Confidential vs. Public Marriage Licenses

Confidential Marriage License

To qualify, you must be living together as spouses at the time you apply. You state that you live together; no proof of cohabitation is required. Both partners must be present to sign. A witness is not required for a confidential marriage ceremony.

Joint Vows can help eligible couples obtain this license through our authorized service by appointment.

Public Marriage License

A public marriage license is obtained from the County Clerk. A witness is required at the ceremony. If you have a public license, your Wedding Officiant can complete the ceremony and sign the required paperwork with your witness.

Check with the issuing county for its current application procedures and requirements.

Previously married? If a divorce was finalized within the past two years, you may need a certified or stamped copy of the final divorce decree. Let us know in advance so we can help you prepare. Eligibility and documentation requirements are determined by the issuing county.

A Little Extra Peace of Mind

License Help from Wedding People

We're not just helping with paperwork. Our Great Officiants family has helped couples celebrate weddings throughout Southern California for more than two decades. Whether you're planning a playful cannabis-friendly celebration, a beach elopement, or a traditional ceremony, we'll help you understand the license process.

Questions? We've Got Answers

California Marriage License FAQs

Do we need an appointment?

Yes. All Joint Vows marriage license services are by appointment only. Please contact us before visiting.

Do we both have to be there?

Yes. Both partners must appear together at the time of signing.

Do we have to prove that we live together?

For a confidential marriage license, you state that you live together as spouses. No proof of cohabitation is required, but you must meet the legal eligibility requirements.

Is a witness required?

A witness is not required for a confidential marriage ceremony. A public marriage ceremony requires at least one witness.

Is the marriage license included with a wedding ceremony package?

Marriage license issuance is a separate service unless your written booking confirmation says otherwise. See our wedding package prices.

When will we receive our marriage certificate?

The county records the completed license after the ceremony. Certified marriage certificates are issued by the county, and processing times vary. For Los Angeles County, allow approximately six to eight weeks, though timing is not guaranteed.

Can we use your service for a public marriage license?

Our $175 office and $250 delivery options are for eligible couples obtaining a confidential marriage license. Public marriage licenses are obtained through the County Clerk.

Start Your Paperwork

Complete Your Marriage License Application

Ready to get started? Fill out the application below. Our team will follow up about eligibility, scheduling, and next steps. Both partners must appear together for the license signing appointment.

Appointments are required. Submitting this application does not itself issue a marriage license or confirm an appointment.

Ready to Make It Official?

Let's Get Your Paperwork Sorted!

Tell us when and where you need your license, and we'll help you plan the next step.

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