How to Get an Orange County Marriage License (2025 Complete Guide)
Updated October 2025
How To Get An Orange County Marriage License
Planning to get married in Orange County, California? Before you say “I do,” you’ll need to secure an Orange County marriage license. This is the legal document that allows you to marry anywhere in the state.
Quick answer: To get an Orange County marriage license in 2025, both partners must appear together at a County Clerk-Recorder office with valid photo ID after completing the online application at ocweddings.ocrecorder.com.
The license costs $61 (public) or $66 (confidential) and is valid for 90 days.
There are a few simple steps you need to know before you begin the process of getting a marriage license. In this article, I will go over important details on how to get an Orange County marriage license, how long they are valid for, and where you can use them. In addition, I will answer the most frequently asked questions about getting a marriage license in Orange County, CA.
What Is an Orange County Marriage License?
An Orange County marriage license is a legal document issued by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder that permits two people to marry in California. You must obtain it before your civil or religious ceremony. Without it, the marriage cannot be legally recorded.
The license does not mean you’re married yet. You will not be legally married until a ceremony has been performed.
Note: If you are also looking to have a civil marriage ceremony at the courthouse or civic center in Orange County, these locations are currently only being performed for couples who obtained their marriage license from the Office of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department.
For the most up-to-date Information, visit Marriage Services |OC Clerk Recorder
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Orange County Marriage License
Step 1: Start Your Application Online
Begin by completing the
online marriage license application through the official Orange County Clerk-Recorder website at
ocweddings.ocrecorder.com. This is the first step and must be done before you go in person to get your license.
You’ll receive a confirmation number to bring to your appointment.
Step 2: Schedule or Walk In
Once you have applied online for your marriage license, you may pick up your marriage license at any of these Orange County locations below.
You have 90 days from the date your online application is submitted for both parties to appear together in person to complete and obtain an official marriage license. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted at the following Orange County Clerk-Recorder offices:
- North County Branch Office
– Anaheim 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 110A & 110B Anaheim, CA 92805
- The Old County Courthouse – Santa Ana 211 West Santa Ana Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Laguna Hills Civic Center
– Laguna Hills 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 150 & 160 Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Pro Tip: Schedule your civil ceremony appointment at the same time as your marriage license through the online portal used for your application. The best times are mornings. Mid-week appointments tend to have the shortest wait times. We have seen that by scheduling your appointment, couples save on average between 20 and 30 minutes versus a walk-in.
3. Bring Proper Identification
Both applicants must present a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
Photocopies are not accepted. Don't forget to bring a witness if you are getting a public marriage license. Your photographer can be your witness. They will also need to show proper ID.
4. Pay OC Marriage License Fee
You can pay by cash, credit/debit card, or check, as confirmed by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. Fees are due when you arrive for your appointment.
| Type | Fees As of 2025 |
|---|---|
| Public Marriage License (Bring Witness) | $61 |
| Confidential Marriage License (No Witness Needed) | $66 |
| Optional Civil Ceremony | $28 |
5. Receive and Use Your License
First, the OC County Clerk will verify your names and the witness's names. Next, they ask if you want to pay for a copy of the marriage certificate. This is different than a marriage license.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend purchasing the marriage certificate while you are in person and requesting 2 copies. They are 17 dollars a copy. Takes about 4 weeks to be mailed to you, or can be picked up 5-10 days later.
However, you will receive the marriage license immediately after you verify that all the info is correct and the paperwork is signed and dated. This process takes about 15 minutes.
The marriage license is valid for
90 days anywhere in California, but only
while both original applicants are present.
Orange County Marriage License Requirements
Eligibility & Requirements
- Both applicants must be 18 or older
- No residency or citizenship requirement
- No blood test needed
- Both must appear in person
- Documents must be in English
- A marriage license is only valid for 90 days from the issue date
- Both parties must show a valid I.D. a driver's license, passport
- Must bring your own witness for a public marriage license
Where to Apply
Main Office – Old Orange County Courthouse
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
(Historic location, also used for courthouse weddings.)
Other Offices:
- Laguna Hills Civic Center – 24031 El Toro Rd.
- North Branch – 201 N. Harbor Blvd.
These locations offer marriage licenses and optional civil ceremonies by appointment or walk-in. However, you must fill out an online marriage license application before you head over to either location.
Civil Marriage Ceremonies
Ceremonies are optional. They last 5–10 minutes, and you may bring up to 20 guests and a photographer.
For larger weddings up to 75 guests, the
Old Orange County
Courtroom can be reserved for an additional fee based on availability.
Pro Tip: Choose the Old Orange County Courthouse for an Art Deco, picturesque backdrop or the Laguna Hills Civic Center for a clean, elegant Spanish-influenced background.
Learn about a civil ceremony at The Old Orange County Courthouse or Laguna Hills Civic Center wedding
Civil Ceremony Options
You can have a civil wedding ceremony performed by a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages at 3 Clerk-Recorder office locations for $28.
- North County Branch Office
– Anaheim (Indoor ceremony only)
- The Old Orange County Courthouse – Santa Ana (Indoor ceremony only)
- Laguna Hills Civic Center – Laguna Hills (Indoor/outdoor ceremony options)
How do I get married at the courthouse in Orange County?
Couples must complete their marriage application online before visiting any of the locations. offices.
- Couples must present valid government-issued photo identification at their appointment.
- Ceremony rooms are open to the public. A maximum of 20 guests is allowed to attend a wedding ceremony.
- Online appointments can be made for a civil ceremony.
- Must bring at least one witness.
- Both couples must be able to read and speak English.
- The department does not provide translation services or witnesses.
- At this time, you must have an Orange County marriage license to get married at the courthouse.
- Payments can be made by credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order.
- For those looking to have a marriage ceremony performed, you must complete your marriage license application before visiting an office at https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/.
Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
- Book weekday mornings to avoid long waits
- Bring exact payment and original IDs
- Allow time for parking
- Hire a professional photographer familiar with the location
After the Ceremony: Getting Your Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Clerk-Recorder.
You can order certified copies in person at the time of getting your marriage license. The fee is 17 dollars per copy (usually available within 2–3 weeks).
Bottom Line
Getting an
Orange County marriage license is simple when you know the steps.
Start the application process online, bring proper ID, and book an appointment at your nearest OC Clerk-Recorder office.
Once issued, you’re just one ceremony away from making it official anywhere in California.
Get all the details here for an Orange County civil marriage ceremony.
Top 3 Orange County courthouses for a civil ceremony
Discover the best courthouses for an Orange County civil ceremony.
OC Clerk-Recorder Department Information Line (714) 834-2500
Where can I have a courthouse wedding or city hall wedding in Orange County?
The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, or at the Laguna Hills Civic Center, offers in-person marriage services, including civil marriage ceremonies. Laguna Hills Civic Center, sometimes referred to as the Laguna Hills Courthouse, has a brand new room for indoor ceremonies. There is an outdoor location for ceremonies that is offered, dependent on the weather and time of day. The old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana has 2 ceremony rooms that can accommodate up to 20 people. Some Saturdays are available. Check the official website for details.
The third location that is not well known is having your civil marriage ceremony is the Laguna Beach City Hall. One thing to note here you must bring an Orange County Marriage license with you, as this is not the OC Clerk-Recorder's office. The city hall does not issue California marriage licenses at its location. Ceremonies take place outside City Hall or next door in the garden. Get all the details about a Laguna Beach City Hall marriage ceremony here.
Old Orange County Courthouse
Laguna Beach City Hall
Laguna Hills Civic Center
Have A Specific Orange County Marriage License Question?
Just click below to schedule a quick chat
FAQs About Orange County Marriage License
Some of our most frequently asked questions from couples getting married?
Where can I get an Orange County marriage license?
There are 3 locations in Orange County to get a marriage license. Anaheim City Centre, the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, or Laguna Hills Civic Center.
Can we apply online only?
You must first start your application online using the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s marriage license portal.
However, you still need to appear in person together at a Clerk-Recorder office to sign and receive your marriage license.
How much does an Orange County marriage license cost?
An Orange County Marriage License fee is $ 61.00
Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
Payments can be made by:
cash
credit/debit card
check
cashier's check
money order
Make checks and money orders payable to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
How long is a marriage license valid for?
A marriage license in California is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. There are absolutely no refunds for expired licenses. So if you plans change you will not get your money back.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license in Orange County?
No you do not need an appointment. Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment. It is highly recommended to make an appointment online. Appointments will be given priority over walk-in services.
Do couples need to change their name (s)?
No, couples are not required to change their name (s) to get a marriage license. However, couples must select the name each wishes to use after marriage, to be listed on the marriage license.
If couples decide to change their name (s) they must do this at the at the time of signing the marriage license. Once the license is signed only a court order can change the name(s).
Is there an age requirment to getting a marriage license in California?
Yes! Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply.
What is the difference between a public marriage license and a confidential one?
Public Marriage License
A public marriage license becomes a public record, and anyone can request an informational copy. This license can be used anywhere in the State of California. The cost for a public marriage license is $61. Must bring your own witness.
Confidential Marriage License
A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record, and the only people able to obtain information about it are the couple, except by special court order. The requirements to obtain this type of license are:
Couple must be living together prior to the marriage.
This license can be used anywhere in the State of California.
The cost for a confidential marriage license is $66. You do not need a witness for a confidential marriage license.
Can an Orange County marriage license be used in other counties in California?
Yes. County clerks issue these licenses, which can be used anywhere in the state. Additionally, this license requires at least one witness at the ceremony, and you must file the license in the county in which you first obtained it to be registered at the County Recorder's Office.
Do we need witnesses?
At least one witness is required for a public license.
No witness required for a confidential marriage license.
Can non-residents apply?
Yes—no residency requirement.
What is the difference between a marriage certificate and a marriage license in California?
A marriage license:
is a legal document obtained by a couple prior to marriage. Once the license is signed (during or after your ceremony)
A marriage certificate:
is a legal document that is issued after the marriage licenses is signed. This takes place during or after your ceremony and returned by an officiant to the county.
How do we book a civil ceremony?
Schedule online through the Clerk-Recorder portal when you apply for your marriage license application.
Should I get an extra copy of my marriage certificate?
Yes. It is recommended you pay for a couple extra copies of a certified marriage certificate. It is most convenient to pay for a certified copy at the time of your marriage license. The cost for a copy of your marriage certificate is $17.
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