Sacramento Marriage License Search
Marriage license applications in Sacramento go through the Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder office, which has three convenient locations and charges $84 for regular hours or $90 for after-hours appointments. The County Clerk requires both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification, offers an online appointment system at omac.saccounty.net, and processes most applications in about 15 to 20 minutes once you meet with staff. Sacramento couples benefit from flexible scheduling with some evening and Saturday appointments available at select locations, making it easier for working couples to fit the license application into their schedules without taking time off work.
Sacramento County Handles Marriage Licenses
All marriage licenses for Sacramento come from Sacramento County. No city in California has the power to issue marriage licenses. That job falls to each county clerk under state law.
The Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder runs three office locations. The main office is at 600 8th Street in downtown Sacramento. Two other offices serve North Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. You can go to any of the three locations. Pick one close to where you live or work in Sacramento County.
Sacramento County offers public and confidential marriage licenses. A public license becomes part of the public record after filing. Anyone can look it up. A confidential license stays private. Only the two people who got married can get copies. The fees are the same for both types. During regular hours, licenses cost $84. After-hours appointments cost $90. Both types work the same way for legal purposes. The only difference is privacy.
How to Get a Marriage License
Book an appointment online at omac.saccounty.net. The online system shows open slots at all three office locations. Pick a time that works for both of you. Both people must come to the appointment together. You cannot send just one person.
Sacramento County offers some evening and Saturday appointments. This makes it easier for working couples to apply without taking time off. After-hours slots cost $6 more than regular hours. Check the online calendar to see what times are available.
Bring a valid photo ID for each person. Driver licenses, passports, and state IDs all work. The clerk will ask for 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 clerk enters this info into the computer system. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
You pay the fee after the clerk reviews your information. The office takes credit cards, debit cards, and checks. 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 anywhere in California.
Marriage License Fees
A marriage license costs $84 during regular hours. After-hours appointments cost $90. This fee applies to both public and confidential licenses. You pay when you visit the clerk office. The office accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks.
The County Clerk does not perform civil ceremonies. If you want a civil ceremony, you will need to hire a judge, commissioner, or other authorized officiant. Many judges in Sacramento County perform weddings for fees ranging from $100 to $300 depending on the location and time. Private officiants may charge more or less.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost about $15 to $20 after your wedding. Order those from the County Clerk-Recorder 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.
Sacramento County Clerk Office Locations
The main office is at 600 8th Street in downtown Sacramento. It is near the State Capitol and many government buildings. Parking is available in nearby garages and on the street. Metered parking can be hard to find during the day. Plan extra time for parking if you drive.
The North Sacramento office is at 3636 American River Drive. The Rancho Cordova office is at 9700 Goethe Road. Both locations handle marriage license applications. Office hours vary by location. Check the website at ccr.saccounty.gov before you visit to confirm hours and appointment availability.
You can call 916-874-6334 with questions about any location. The phone line is open during office hours. Staff can tell you about wait times, help with appointment booking, or explain what documents you need. Most questions get answered quickly.
Getting Copies of Marriage Records
After your wedding, the officiant files your license with the Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder. The marriage becomes an official record once filed. You can order certified copies from the same office where you got your license. Visit ccr.saccounty.gov 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 Laws
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 Sacramento
If you need legal advice about marriage, name changes, or family law, several groups in Sacramento offer free or low-cost help. Legal Services of Northern California provides assistance to low-income residents. Visit lsnc.net for information about services.
The Sacramento County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with a family law attorney. Visit sacbar.org for more details. The first consultation is usually affordable.
For general questions about the marriage license process, call the Sacramento County Clerk at 916-874-6334. 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 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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 Major Cities in Sacramento County
Sacramento is the state capital and the sixth largest city in California. Another big city in Sacramento County is Elk Grove. Both cities use the Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder for marriage licenses. You can visit any of the three office locations.
Nearby cities in other counties include Roseville in Placer County and Stockton in San Joaquin County. Each county has its own clerk office with different fees and procedures. If you live near a county border, you can apply in any county. The license is valid anywhere in California.