Garden Grove Marriage License Applications

Marriage license requests for Garden Grove residents go through Orange County Clerk-Recorder offices at three locations where couples can apply with both parties present and get same-day service, with public licenses costing $61 and confidential licenses costing $66 making Orange County one of the most affordable in Southern California. Garden Grove couples can use the nearby Santa Ana main office or branch locations in Anaheim and Laguna Hills depending on where they live and work in the area, and the online appointment system at ocweddings.ocrecorder.com lets you book a time slot in advance to avoid long waits during busy periods.

Orange County Handles All Marriage Licenses

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

Orange County operates three clerk offices. The main one sits at 211 West Santa Ana Boulevard in Santa Ana, very close to Garden Grove. Two branch offices serve North County in Anaheim and South County in Laguna Hills. Garden Grove residents often use Santa Ana or Anaheim since both are nearby.

The county offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses become part of public records. Anyone can search them later. Confidential licenses stay private. Only the two people who got married can get copies. Public licenses cost $61. Confidential ones cost $66.

Getting Your Marriage License

Book an appointment at ocweddings.ocrecorder.com. This online portal shows open times at all three offices. Pick a slot that fits your schedule. Both of you must come at the same time.

The office can take walk-ins but appointments go faster. Walk-ins may wait 30 minutes or more if the office is busy. Most couples find an appointment within a week.

Bring valid photo ID for both people. Driver licenses work. So do passports and state IDs. The clerk will ask for names, birth dates, birth places, and social security numbers. If either person was married before, you need to say when and how it ended. This takes about 15 minutes.

After the clerk reviews everything, you pay the fee. They take credit cards, debit cards, and checks. The license prints right away. It is valid for 90 days. Your wedding must happen within that time anywhere in California.

Marriage License Fees

Public marriage licenses cost $61 in Orange County. Confidential licenses cost $66. These fees are much lower than many other California counties. Orange County keeps fees reasonable.

Civil ceremonies at the clerk office cost $28 extra. The ceremony takes about 10 minutes. A deputy commissioner officiates. You can bring up to 10 guests. Some offices do ceremonies right after you get your license if slots are open.

Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost $15 to $20 after your wedding. You can order them from the same office where you got your license.

Orange County Clerk Offices Near Garden Grove

The main office is at 211 West Santa Ana Boulevard in Santa Ana. That is about 3 to 5 miles from central Garden Grove. The drive takes 10 to 15 minutes. Parking is available in nearby lots and on the street.

The Anaheim branch office is at 1201 East Santa Ana Street. That is also close to Garden Grove. The drive takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Use whichever office is more convenient for you.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm at all three locations. Call 714-834-2500 with questions. Check ocrecorder.com before your visit to confirm hours.

Civil Wedding Ceremonies

Orange County performs civil ceremonies at all three office locations. The $28 fee covers the ceremony and the person who officiates. You can book a ceremony when you get your license.

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

Hire your own officiant if you want a custom ceremony. Any authorized person can officiate in California. Your officiant must file the signed license with the county within 10 days. If they forget, your marriage is not legal.

Getting Copies of Marriage Records

Your officiant files your license with Orange County after the wedding. The marriage becomes official once filed. You can order certified copies from the clerk office. Visit ocrecorder.com for ordering information.

Public marriage records are open to anyone. Confidential records are different. Only the two spouses can get copies. You must show ID and prove you are one of the people who got married.

Orange County has records going back many decades. Older records may take longer to find. For marriages before 1988, you may need to contact the California Department of Public Health at cdph.ca.gov.

California Marriage License Laws

Both people must be at least 18. Under 18 requires a court order. You do not need to be a California resident or U.S. citizen. The license is valid for 90 days. No blood test is required.

Public marriages need at least one witness age 18 or older. The witness signs the license after your ceremony. California marriage law is in the Family Code Sections 350-360.

Legal Help for Garden Grove Residents

Legal Aid Society of Orange County offers free or low-cost help to low-income residents. They assist with family law matters. Visit legal-aid.com or call their office.

For questions about the marriage license process, call Orange County Clerk-Recorder at 714-834-2500. Staff can explain fees and procedures.

California State Marriage Records

The California Department of Public Health maintains some statewide marriage records. Contact them at cdph.ca.gov or call 916-445-2684.

The state charges $19 per certified copy. They process mail orders in about two weeks.

Other Orange County Cities

Garden Grove is one of the largest cities in Orange County. Other major cities include Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Orange, and Costa Mesa. All use Orange County Clerk for marriage licenses.