Pasadena Marriage License Services
Marriage license applications for Pasadena residents go through Los Angeles County Clerk offices where couples must appear in person together to complete the request process. The cost for a public marriage license is $91 and confidential licenses run $85, with both types requiring valid photo identification and full payment before the document gets issued. Pasadena couples can visit any of the seven county clerk branch locations across Los Angeles County including Norwalk, which serves as the main office and sits about 20 miles from Pasadena.
Los Angeles County Handles All Licenses
All marriage licenses for Pasadena come from Los Angeles County. Cities do not issue licenses. That power sits with the county.
Los Angeles County runs seven branch offices across the region. The main office is in Norwalk at 12400 Imperial Highway. Other locations include Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pomona, Lancaster, and two more offices. Pasadena residents often use the main Norwalk office or the Beverly Hills location since they handle high volumes and have more appointment slots. Each office can process your full request from start to finish. You leave with your license the same day in most cases.
The county offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses become part of public records that anyone can search. Confidential licenses stay private, with only the two spouses able to get copies later. Public licenses cost $91 while confidential ones are $85. Both types work the same under California law and let you marry anywhere in the state once issued.
Note: Los Angeles County processes thousands of marriage licenses each month, making it one of the busiest clerk operations in California.
Getting Your Pasadena Marriage License
Book an appointment at marriage.lavote.net. This online portal shows open slots at all seven county offices. Pick a time that works for both of you. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move much faster.
Show up with valid photo ID for each person. Driver licenses work well. So do state IDs and passports. You need to give your full legal names, birth dates, where you were born, and social security numbers. If either of you was married before, say when that marriage ended and how. The clerk needs these facts to complete your application. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.
After reviewing your information, you pay the fee. The office takes credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Your license prints right away. It is good for 90 days. Your ceremony must happen within that time anywhere in California. After 90 days, the license expires and you must apply again.
Marriage License Fees in LA County
Public marriage licenses cost $91. Confidential licenses cost $85. These fees cover the license itself and all processing. Los Angeles County updates its fee structure each year based on state law and local operating costs.
If you want a civil ceremony at a clerk office, that adds $35 to your total. The ceremony lasts about 15 minutes. A deputy commissioner officiates. You can bring guests. Most offices book ceremony slots separate from license appointments. Some same-day slots open up when people cancel.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost extra after your wedding. Order them from the same office where you got your license. Many couples wait to order copies until they need proof of marriage for name changes or other legal matters.
LA County Clerk Offices Near Pasadena
The main Norwalk office sits at 12400 Imperial Highway in Room 1002. That drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes from central Pasadena depending on traffic. The 210 freeway to the 605 south gets you there. Parking is available in county lots.
Beverly Hills offers another option at 9350 Burton Way. That is about 20 minutes west of Pasadena. Some residents find this location more convenient if they work in West LA or Beverly Hills. All county offices have the same fees and procedures. Pick the one that fits your schedule best.
Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at most locations. Call 800-201-8999 with questions. Staff can help with appointment booking, explain what documents to bring, and answer questions about wait times. Check lavote.gov before your visit to confirm current hours and procedures.
Civil Wedding Ceremonies
Los Angeles County performs civil ceremonies at several office locations. The $35 fee covers the ceremony and the officiant. You can book a ceremony when you get your license or come back later. Your license stays valid for 90 days so you have time to plan.
Ceremonies last 15 to 20 minutes. You exchange vows and rings if you want. A deputy commissioner signs your license after the ceremony ends. Bring as many guests as you want within reason. The ceremony rooms fit about 20 to 30 people depending on the office.
Hire your own officiant if you prefer a custom ceremony. Ministers, priests, rabbis, judges, and people with online ordination can all officiate in California. Your officiant must return the signed license to the county within 10 days of your wedding. If they miss this deadline, your marriage may not be legally recorded.
Getting Copies of Marriage Records
Your officiant files your signed license with Los Angeles County after the wedding. The marriage becomes official once the county receives and processes the license. This usually takes a few days to two weeks. You can then order certified copies from the clerk office. Visit lavote.gov for current copy fees and ordering information.
Public marriage records are open to anyone. You do not need to prove who you are or why you want a copy. Confidential records work differently. Only the two spouses can get copies. You must show ID proving you are one of the married people.
Los Angeles County keeps records going back many decades. Older records may take longer to locate. Some very old records are stored on microfiche or in archived paper files. Staff must search these manually. Allow extra time for marriages from 20 or 30 years ago.
For marriages before certain years, you may need to contact the California Department of Public Health at cdph.ca.gov. The state office charges $19 per certified copy. Records from 2000 to 2007 are not available from the state. You must contact the county for those years.
California Marriage License Laws
Both people must be at least 18 years old. No exceptions unless a court grants special permission. California changed this law recently. It used to allow minors 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 marry here if they meet the basic age and legal requirements. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Have your ceremony within that window. If the license expires, you must apply and pay again.
No blood test is required in California. The state eliminated that rule in 1995. Confidential marriages do not need witnesses. Public marriages need at least one witness age 18 or older. The witness signs the license right after your ceremony.
California marriage law is found in the Family Code Sections 350-360. Rules for confidential marriages are in Family Code Sections 500-511. These statutes explain all requirements and procedures.
Legal Help for Pasadena Residents
Pasadena has several organizations that offer legal help. Public Counsel provides free legal services to low-income residents. They help with family law matters including marriage, divorce, and name changes. Their Pasadena office is at 55 South Lake Avenue. Call them for information about eligibility and services.
The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They connect you with family law attorneys who practice in Pasadena and throughout the county. Visit lacba.org for details. First consultations are usually affordable and help you understand your options.
For questions about the marriage license process, call Los Angeles County Clerk at 800-201-8999. Staff can explain fees, required documents, and how the application works. They cannot give legal advice but can tell you what to bring and what to expect.
California State Marriage Records
The California Department of Public Health maintains some statewide marriage records. Their vital records office is in Sacramento. Contact them at cdph.ca.gov or call 916-445-2684. They have certified copies for marriages from certain years. Records from 2000 to 2007 are not available from the state office.
The state charges $19 per certified copy. This is less than most counties charge. But not all records are available from the state. The state office processes mail orders in about two to three weeks. They do not have a walk-in counter. You must order by mail or through their authorized vendor.
Other Los Angeles County Cities
Pasadena is one of many large cities in Los Angeles County. Other major cities include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Lancaster, and Palmdale. All use Los Angeles County Clerk offices for marriage licenses. Pick the branch location that works best for your schedule and where you live.