Marriage License Access in Elk Grove

Marriage license requests for Elk Grove residents go through Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder offices at three locations throughout the county, with the main office in downtown Sacramento and branch offices serving different areas where couples can apply with both parties present and valid identification. Sacramento County charges $84 for marriage licenses during regular hours and $90 for after-hours appointments, making it one of the more affordable counties in California, and the entire process takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish with the license valid for 90 days statewide.

Sacramento County Handles All Marriage Licenses

All marriage licenses for Elk Grove come from Sacramento County. Cities in California do not issue licenses. Only county clerk offices have that power.

Sacramento County operates three clerk offices. The main office is at 600 8th Street in downtown Sacramento. Two branch offices serve other parts of the county. You can go to any of the three locations. Elk Grove residents often drive to downtown Sacramento or use a branch office closer to them.

The county offers public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses become part of public records. Anyone can search them. Confidential licenses stay private. Only the two people who got married can get copies. Both types work the same way under California law. The fee is $84 during regular hours.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

You can book an appointment online at omac.saccounty.net. This portal shows available times at all three Sacramento County offices. Pick a slot that works for both of you. Both people must appear together.

Walk-ins are welcome. But appointments move faster. If you walk in during a busy time, you may wait 30 minutes or more. The online system is free and easy to use. Most couples find an appointment within a week.

Bring valid photo ID for each person. Driver licenses work best. Passports and state IDs also work. The clerk needs basic information like full names, birth dates, birth places, and social security numbers. If either person was married before, say when and how that marriage ended. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes.

You pay the fee after the clerk enters your information. The office takes credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Your license prints right away. It is valid for 90 days from that date. You must have your wedding ceremony within those 90 days anywhere in California.

Marriage License Fees

Marriage licenses cost $84 during regular office hours in Sacramento County. After-hours appointments cost $90. These are reasonable fees compared to other California counties. Sacramento County updates its fee schedule each year.

Sacramento County also offers civil ceremony services. Check with the office for ceremony fees and availability. Ceremonies are quick and simple. You can bring guests. A commissioner officiates and signs your license after the ceremony.

Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost about $15 to $20 after your wedding. You order them from the same office where you got your license. You can visit in person, mail a request, or order online. Most couples do not need certified copies right away.

Sacramento County Clerk Offices

The main office is at 600 8th Street in downtown Sacramento. This is about 15 to 20 miles north of Elk Grove. The drive takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available in nearby lots and structures. Metered street parking is also an option.

Two branch offices serve other parts of Sacramento County. Check the county website at ccr.saccounty.gov for branch office locations and hours. All three offices offer the same services at the same fees.

Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The office is closed on weekends and county holidays. Call 916-874-6334 with questions about hours, fees, or what to bring. Staff can help over the phone or direct you to online resources.

Wedding Ceremonies at the Clerk Office

Sacramento County performs civil ceremonies at clerk office locations. Ask about ceremony fees and availability when you apply for your license. Some offices have same-day ceremony slots. Others require you to book a separate appointment.

Ceremonies last about 10 minutes. You say vows. You can exchange rings. A commissioner signs your license after. Bring guests if you want. No decorations or music allowed. Just a simple legal wedding.

Hire your own officiant if you want a custom ceremony. Any authorized person can officiate in California. That includes judges, ministers, priests, rabbis, and people with online ordination. Your officiant must file the signed license with Sacramento County within 10 days. If they do not file it, your marriage is not legal.

Getting Copies of Marriage Records

After your wedding, your officiant files the license with Sacramento County. The marriage becomes official once filed. You can order certified copies from the clerk office. Visit ccr.saccounty.gov for ordering information.

Public marriage records are open to anyone. You do not need to show ID or explain why you want a copy. Confidential records are different. Only the two people who got married can get copies. You must prove you are one of the spouses.

The county has records going back many decades. Older records may take longer to locate. Some very old records are only on paper in archived files. Staff must search manually for those. Allow extra time if you need a record from 20 or 30 years ago.

For marriages before 1988, contact the California Department of Public Health at cdph.ca.gov. The state office charges $19 per copy. Not all years are available from the state. Check with both the county and state to see who has what you need.

California Marriage License Laws

Both people must be 18 or older. If you are under 18, you need a court order. No exceptions. California changed this law in recent years. It used to allow 16 and 17 year olds to marry with parent consent. Not anymore.

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 if they meet the age requirement. The license is valid for 90 days. Have your ceremony within that time. If the 90 days pass, the license expires and you must apply again.

No blood test is required. California stopped that in 1995. Confidential marriages do not need witnesses. 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 requirements and procedures for getting married in the state.

Legal Help for Elk Grove Residents

Legal Services of Northern California provides free or low-cost help to low-income residents. They assist with family law matters including marriage and name changes. Call their office or visit their website for information about services.

The Sacramento County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with family law attorneys. First consultations are usually affordable and let you ask basic questions about your situation.

For questions about the marriage license process, call Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder at 916-874-6334. Staff can explain fees, required documents, and procedures. They cannot give legal advice but can tell you what to expect when you come in to apply.

California State Marriage Records

The California Department of Public Health maintains statewide marriage records for certain years. Their office is in Sacramento. Contact them at cdph.ca.gov or call 916-445-2684. They provide certified copies for marriages from specific 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 most counties charge. But not all records are available from the state office. They process mail orders in about two weeks. They do not have a walk-in counter for the public.

Other Sacramento County Cities

Elk Grove is one of the largest cities in Sacramento County. Other major cities include Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, and Citrus Heights. All use Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder for marriage licenses. Pick the office location that works best for where you live or work.

Note: Some cities listed above may not have dedicated pages if their population falls below the threshold, but all Sacramento County residents use the same county clerk offices for marriage licenses.