Bakersfield Marriage Licenses
Marriage license applications in Bakersfield go through the Kern County Clerk office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, which charges $101 for public licenses and $123 for confidential ones, with walk-in service only and no appointments needed. The County Clerk requires both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification, processes applications in about 20 minutes, but does not perform civil ceremonies so couples must find their own officiant. Bakersfield residents should note the office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm with no lunch closure, making it convenient to visit during the workday without appointments or advance planning.
Kern County Handles Marriage Licenses
All marriage licenses for Bakersfield come from Kern County. Bakersfield is part of Kern County. No city in California has the power to issue marriage licenses. That job falls to each county clerk under state law.
The Kern County Clerk office is at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, in downtown Bakersfield. This is the only office for marriage licenses in the county. Walk-ins only. No appointments. Just show up during office hours with both people and valid photo IDs.
Kern County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. A public license becomes part of the public record after you file it. Anyone can look it up. A confidential license stays private. Only the two people who got married can get copies. Public licenses cost $101. Confidential ones cost $123. Both types work the same way for legal purposes. The only difference is privacy.
How to Apply for a License
Visit the Kern County Clerk office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor. Both people must come together. You cannot send just one person to apply. Bring a valid photo ID for each person. Driver licenses, passports, and state IDs all work. No appointment needed. Just walk in during office hours.
The clerk will ask for basic information. Full names, birth dates, birth places, and social security numbers. If either person was married before, you must say when and how that marriage ended. The clerk enters this info into the computer. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
You pay the fee after the clerk reviews your information. The office accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. They print your license right then. It is valid for 90 days from that date. You must have your wedding ceremony within those 90 days. The ceremony can be anywhere in California.
Wait times vary. Go in the morning for the shortest wait. Lunch hours and late afternoons can be busy. Most people get through in 30 to 45 minutes including wait time. The office does not close for lunch, so you can visit any time from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Marriage License Fees in Kern County
A public license costs $101. A confidential license costs $123. These fees are higher than some other Central Valley counties but lower than coastal areas. You pay when you visit the clerk office. The office accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash.
The Kern County Clerk does not perform civil ceremonies. You must find your own officiant to conduct your wedding. Any authorized person can officiate weddings in California. That includes judges, priests, ministers, rabbis, and people with online ordination. Your officiant must file the signed license with the county within 10 days of the ceremony.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost about $15 after your wedding. Order those from the County Clerk office. Most couples do not need certified copies right away. You can wait and order them later if you need proof of marriage for legal or official reasons.
Kern County Clerk Office
The office is at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, in downtown Bakersfield. It is near many government buildings and the Kern County Courthouse. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. Most street parking is metered. Some free parking is within walking distance if you look around.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. The office is closed on weekends and county holidays. The office does not close for lunch. You can visit any time during the day. Arrive before 4:00pm to make sure you have enough time to complete your application before closing.
You can call 661-868-3743 with questions about marriage licenses. The phone line is open during office hours. Staff can tell you what documents to bring, explain the process, and answer questions about fees. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help with the basic steps of getting a license.
Finding a Wedding Officiant
Since the Kern County Clerk does not perform ceremonies, you need to find your own officiant. Many judges in Bakersfield perform weddings for fees ranging from $100 to $300. Retired judges often offer this service. Check online or ask at the courthouse for referrals.
Religious officiants include priests, ministers, rabbis, and other clergy. If you belong to a church or temple, ask your religious leader. Most are happy to perform weddings for members. Fees vary. Some charge nothing. Others have set fees or suggest donations.
Online ordination is legal in California. Websites like the Universal Life Church ordain people quickly and easily. A friend or family member can get ordained online and perform your wedding. This is a popular option for couples who want a personal ceremony. Make sure your officiant files the signed license with the county within 10 days of the ceremony.
Getting Copies of Marriage Records
After your wedding, the officiant files your license with the Kern County Clerk. The marriage becomes an official record once filed. You can order certified copies from the same office at 1115 Truxtun Avenue. Visit kerncountyclerk.com for information on ordering copies.
Public marriage records are open to anyone. You do not need to prove who you are to get a copy of a public record. Confidential records are different. Only the two people who got married can get copies of a confidential record. You must show ID and prove you are one of the spouses.
The county has records going back many decades. Older records may take longer to find. Some very old records are only on paper and require staff to search archived files. Allow extra time if you need a record from 20 or 30 years ago.
California Marriage License Requirements
Both people must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, you need a court order. No one under 18 can marry without a judge approving it. California law changed in recent years to eliminate marriage for anyone under 18 without court approval.
You do not need to be a California resident. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Anyone can get married in California as long as they meet the basic rules. The license is good for 90 days. Have your ceremony within that time. If the 90 days pass, your license expires. You have to apply again and pay the fee again.
No blood test is required. California stopped that in 1995. You do not need witnesses for a confidential marriage. Public marriages need at least one witness age 18 or older. Most people bring family or friends to serve as witnesses. The witness signs the license after the ceremony.
California marriage law is in the Family Code Sections 350-360. Confidential marriage rules are in Family Code Sections 500-511. These laws explain who can marry, how licenses work, and what happens after the ceremony.
Legal Help in Bakersfield
If you need legal advice about marriage, name changes, or family law, several groups in Bakersfield offer free or low-cost help. Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance provides services to low-income residents. Visit gbla.org for information about services.
The Kern County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with a family law attorney. Visit kerncountybar.org for more details. The first consultation is usually affordable.
For general questions about the marriage license process, call the Kern County Clerk at 661-868-3743. Staff can explain fees, what documents to bring, and how the process works. They cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you how to get a license and what to expect.
California State Marriage Records
The California Department of Public Health maintains statewide marriage records. Visit cdph.ca.gov or call 916-445-2684. They can provide certified copies for marriages from certain years. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, you must contact the county, not the state.
The state charges $19 per certified copy. That is less than what Kern County charges, but not all records are available from the state. Check with both to see which one has what you need. The state office processes mail orders in about two weeks. They do not have a walk-in counter.
Other Cities in Kern County
Bakersfield is the largest city in Kern County and the ninth largest in California. Other cities in Kern County are smaller and do not have populations over 100,000. Nearby cities in other counties include Fresno in Fresno County and Visalia in Tulare County. Each county has its own clerk office with different fees and procedures.