Orange County Marriage license
How to obtain an Orange County marriage license
A marriage license is a legal document acquired by a couple prior to marriage. An Orange County marriage license can be obtained at the Orange County Clerks office. Once you have applied for your marriage license, you may pick it up at any of the four Orange County locations.
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.
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.
If you are also looking to have a civil marriage ceremony at the courthouse or civic center the Orange County 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
Learn about Christopher Todd Studios Los Angeles wedding and elopement photography
FAQ
Some of our most frequently asked questions from couples getting married?
Have more questions? Get in touch with us to start planning your wedding or elopement.

Orange County Marriage License Requirments
Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment
Appointments are highly recommended and can be made online.
OC Marriage License Fees
Which Orange County Courthouses are open for an in-person services?
- The historic Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana
- Laguna Hills Civic Center
These 2 options are now accepting walk-ins or appointments. However, you must fill out an online marriage license application before you head over to either location.
Learn about a civil ceremony at The Old Orange County Courthouse or Laguna Hills Civic Center wedding
Marriage license fees
Marriage License $ 61.00
Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
Marriage Ceremony $ 28.00


Appointments
Do I need an appointment to get my marriage license? Civil Ceremony?
An appointment can be made online along with a marriage license. This is highly recommended for an easier process. However, walk-in appointments are now allowed at the Old Orange County Courthouse and the Laguna Hills Civic Center for your marriage license and civil ceremony. Walk-ins are on a first come first serve basis. Keep in mind, priority is given to customers with an appointment.
Get all the details here for an Orange County civil marriage ceremony.
For those looking to have a marriage ceremony performed, you must complete your marriage license application before visiting our offices at https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/.
About Marriage License
Can an Orange County marriage license be used in 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.
Orange County marriage license requirements
- A marriage license is only valid for 90 days from the issue date
- There are no citizenship or residency requirements
- You don't need a blood test to obtain a marriage license
- Applicants must be over 18 years old
- Both parties must show a valid I.D. a driver's license, passport
- Identification issued by a government agency will also be accepted
- All documents must be in English
- Both parties must be present


Civil Marriage Ceremonies
How do I get married at the courthouse in Orange County
- Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting any of our offices.
- Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
- Ceremony rooms are open to the public. A maximum of ten guests are 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.
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 best place for civil marriage ceremony is Laguna Beach City Hall. One thing to note here you must bring an Orange County Marriage license with you. The city hall does not issue them at their 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.
The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana or at the Laguna Hills Civic Center. offer 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 ceremony rooms that can accommodate up to 10 people. Some Saturdays are available check official website for details.



HAVE QUESTIONS?
Schedule 15 Minute call
Meet Your Photographer
Call Me Chris
I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to merge my passion and career.
A couple of quick things about me personally. I was born and raised in Orange County. I currently live with my family near Huntington Beach where I love to surf or be in the ocean with my boys.
My passions include art, traveling, and of course photography.

Meet Your Photographer

Call Me Chris
I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to merge my passion and career.
A couple of quick things about me personally. I was born and raised in Orange County. I currently live with my family near Huntington Beach where I love to surf or be in the ocean with my boys.
My passions include art, traveling, and of course photography.