Find Simi Valley Marriage Licenses
Simi Valley marriage license records are handled by Ventura County. This city of about 126,000 people sits in the southeastern part of the county. All marriage licenses come from the county clerk office, which has two locations in Ventura County. You can apply at the main office in Ventura or at the Thousand Oaks branch. Both parties must appear together to get a marriage license in Simi Valley, and appointments are required at both locations.
Simi Valley Quick Facts
Where to Apply for Marriage License
Simi Valley residents apply for marriage licenses through Ventura County. The county has two clerk offices that serve Simi Valley. The main office is in Ventura at 800 South Victoria Avenue. The branch office is in Thousand Oaks. Both locations require appointments, and you book them online through Acuity Scheduling.
| Main Office | 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009-1260 (805) 654-2263 |
|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks Office | Thousand Oaks location (closer to Simi Valley) (805) 654-2263 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | clerkrecorder.venturacounty.gov |
Ventura County uses an online scheduling system for all marriage license appointments. Go to the county website and select a date and time that works for you. Both parties must attend the appointment together. You cannot send someone else to apply on your behalf. The county does not accept walk-ins for marriage licenses in Simi Valley or anywhere else in Ventura County.
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 at the same appointment. Most Simi Valley couples finish the process in 30 to 45 minutes.
Marriage License Fees in Simi Valley
A public marriage license in Simi Valley costs $108. A confidential marriage license costs $122. These fees are set by Ventura County and apply to all cities in the county. You pay when you apply at your appointment. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards.
If you want a civil ceremony at the county office, you can book one for $60. 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 low-cost option for Simi Valley couples who want a simple ceremony without hiring a private officiant.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate are available after the county records your license. 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 through VitalChek at vitalchek.com.
Public and Confidential Licenses
California offers two types of marriage licenses for Simi Valley couples. A public license becomes part of the public record and anyone can request a copy. It requires one witness at the ceremony who is 18 or older. Most people choose a public license because it is standard and costs less.
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 for a confidential license. No witness is required at the ceremony. If you want privacy for your marriage record, this is the right choice.
Both types of licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must marry within that time or the license expires under California Family Code Sections 350-360. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to Ventura County within 10 days. This creates the official marriage record for Simi Valley couples.
Note: Confidential marriage licenses cost more but provide complete privacy for your marriage record in Simi Valley.
Marriage Ceremony Options
Ventura County offers civil ceremonies at the clerk office for couples who want a simple and affordable ceremony. The ceremony fee is $60 and includes a licensed deputy commissioner who performs the ceremony. You can bring guests but the room is small. Ceremonies are scheduled during business hours on weekdays.
If you prefer a private ceremony in Simi Valley, 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. Make sure your officiant knows the rules and will file the paperwork on time.
Some Simi Valley couples marry at local venues, parks, or churches. Others choose a quick 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 within 10 days of the ceremony.
Request Marriage Certificates
After your marriage license is recorded, you can order certified copies from Ventura 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 at either clerk office, 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 main office in Ventura. Processing times vary but most mail requests are completed within two weeks.
The California Department of Public Health also has marriage records for Simi Valley couples. They hold records from 1905 to 1999 and from 2008 forward. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact Ventura 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 in Simi Valley, order them all at once. Most people need at least three certified copies for Social Security, DMV, and banks. Ventura 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. Ventura 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 Simi Valley or Ventura 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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley residents finish the name change process within a few weeks of the wedding.
Other Cities in Ventura County
Thousand Oaks and Oxnard are other large cities in Ventura County. All three cities use the same county clerk office for marriage licenses and records. Ventura is also nearby and uses the county clerk office.