Berkeley Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses for Berkeley are issued by Alameda County. This city of nearly 122,000 people sits on the east shore of San Francisco Bay. All marriage licenses come from the county clerk office, which has two locations in Alameda County. You can apply at the main office in Oakland or the branch office in Dublin. Both parties must appear together to get a marriage license in Berkeley, and the county handles both new applications and requests for certified copies of existing marriage records.
Berkeley Quick Facts
Where to Apply for Marriage License
Berkeley residents apply for marriage licenses at the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office. The main office is in Oakland at 1106 Madison Street. There is also a branch office in Dublin for residents on the east side of the county. Oakland is closer to Berkeley, so most Berkeley couples use the Oakland office.
| Oakland Office | 1106 Madison Street Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 272-6362 |
|---|---|
| Dublin Office | Dublin branch location (510) 272-6362 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | auditor.alamedacountyca.gov |
Both parties must appear together in person to sign the application and receive the license. You cannot send someone else to apply on your behalf. Bring valid photo ID for each person. A driver license, passport, or state ID card works. If you changed your name before, bring proof like a prior marriage certificate or court order. The clerk will review your documents, complete the application, and issue your license the same day.
Alameda County accepts walk-ins for marriage license applications. You do not need an appointment. Wait times can vary, so calling ahead at (510) 272-6362 can help you plan your visit. The Oakland office is near downtown and accessible by BART public transit, which is convenient for Berkeley residents.
Marriage License Costs
A public marriage license in Berkeley costs $81. A confidential marriage license costs $90. These fees are set by Alameda County and apply to all cities in the county. You pay when you apply in person. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards.
If you want a civil ceremony at the county office, the fee is $75. Ceremonies take place at scheduled times during the week. The county has a ceremony room and allows a small number of guests. This is a simple and affordable option for Berkeley couples who want a legal ceremony without hiring a private officiant.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate are available after the license is recorded. The first copy costs $19 under California Health and Safety Code Section 103625. Each extra copy costs $19. You can order copies in person, by mail, or online.
Public and Confidential Licenses
California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public license becomes part of the public record and anyone can request a copy from Alameda County. It requires one witness at the ceremony who is 18 or older. Most Berkeley couples choose a public license.
A confidential license stays private under California Family Code Sections 500-511. Only the two people on the license can get copies. You must be living together to qualify. No witness is required at the ceremony. Confidential licenses cost more but provide complete privacy for your marriage record.
Both types of licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issue under California Family Code Sections 350-360. You must marry within that time or the license expires. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to Alameda County within 10 days. This creates the official marriage record for Berkeley couples.
Note: Alameda County offers virtual ceremony services via Microsoft Teams for couples who cannot attend in person.
Virtual Marriage Services
Alameda County offers virtual services for couples who cannot visit the office in person. This includes virtual ceremonies conducted via Microsoft Teams. This option became popular during the pandemic and continues to be available for Berkeley residents who prefer remote services.
If you want an in-person ceremony, you need an authorized officiant. California law allows judges, clergy, and other authorized people to perform marriages. Your officiant must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the county within 10 days. Make sure your officiant is registered and knows the filing rules.
Many Berkeley couples marry at local venues, parks, or religious centers. The city has many beautiful locations for outdoor weddings. Others choose a simple civil ceremony at the county office. Both options create the same legal marriage. The county does not care where you marry as long as the signed license is returned on time.
Get Certified Marriage Certificates
After your marriage license is recorded, you can order certified copies from Alameda County. A certified copy has the county seal and is accepted for legal purposes like name changes, benefits, or passport applications. You can request copies in person, by mail, or online.
To request a copy by mail, send a written request with the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for $19 per copy. Mail your request to the Oakland office. Most mail requests are completed within two weeks.
The California Department of Public Health also has marriage records for Berkeley couples. They hold records from 1905 to 1999 and from 2008 forward. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact Alameda County directly. Visit cdph.ca.gov to order state copies. The state charges $19 per copy and uses VitalChek as the online vendor.
If you need copies for multiple purposes, order them all at once. Most people need at least three certified copies for Social Security, DMV, and banks. Alameda County can print as many as you need while you wait if you visit in person.
Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without a court order. California no longer issues marriage licenses to minors in most cases. If you are under 18, you need approval from a superior court judge. Alameda County will ask for the court order before issuing a license to anyone under 18.
You cannot be married to someone else when you apply for a new license. If you had a prior marriage, it must be ended by divorce, death, or annulment. The clerk will ask when your last marriage ended and how. Bring proof if you have it, but it is not required.
No residency requirement exists for Berkeley or Alameda County. You can live anywhere and still get a marriage license here. No blood test or waiting period is required in California. You can marry the same day you get your license if you want. This makes Berkeley a fast option for couples who are ready to marry right away.
Name Change After Marriage
Your marriage certificate allows you to change your name without extra paperwork. Many Berkeley residents take their spouse's last name. Others keep their birth name or combine names. All choices are valid under California law.
Start with Social Security. Visit a local office or mail form SS-5 with your marriage certificate. This step is free. Next, go to the DMV to update your driver license. Bring your new Social Security card and marriage certificate. The DMV charges a fee for a replacement license with your new name.
After you update Social Security and DMV, contact banks, employers, and insurance companies. Use your certified marriage certificate as proof. Most Berkeley residents finish the name change process within a few weeks of the wedding.
Other Cities in Alameda County
Oakland, Fremont, and Hayward are other large cities in Alameda County. All four cities use the same county clerk office for marriage licenses and records.