Sunnyvale Marriage License Search

Marriage licenses in Sunnyvale come from the Santa Clara County Clerk Recorder. Sunnyvale is located in Santa Clara County with more than 156,000 people. All Sunnyvale residents use Santa Clara County for marriage licenses. The county office is in San Jose at 110 West Tasman Drive. You can apply for a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license under California law. Sunnyvale does not have its own city office for marriage licenses, so everyone uses the Santa Clara County system for getting a license or searching for marriage records.

Where Sunnyvale Residents Get Marriage Licenses

Sunnyvale residents get marriage licenses from Santa Clara County. Santa Clara County operates the Clerk Recorder office that issues all marriage licenses. The office is at 110 West Tasman Drive in San Jose. Sunnyvale does not have its own city office for marriage licenses. All cities in Santa Clara County use the county system.

Both people must appear in person together with valid photo ID. You do not need an appointment but you can check hours online. The county office in San Jose is close to Sunnyvale and easy to reach. Bring a driver license or passport when you apply.

The image shows the California Department of Public Health page at cdph.ca.gov where Sunnyvale residents can learn about getting certified copies of older marriage records from the state archive.

Public and Confidential Marriage Licenses

Sunnyvale residents choose between a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license. Each type has different rules. A public license costs $80 and becomes a public record. A confidential license costs $83 and stays private.

Under California Family Code Sections 350-360, a public license requires at least one witness at the ceremony. The witness must be 18 or older. Once filed, anyone can request a copy. Most Sunnyvale weddings use this type.

A confidential license follows California Family Code Sections 500-511. You must live together as a couple to get this type in Sunnyvale. No witness is needed. The record stays sealed and only the two people on the license can get copies. Sunnyvale couples who want privacy use this option.

Both types expire 90 days after issue. You must have your ceremony within that time. The officiant must return the signed license to Santa Clara County within 10 days after the wedding. That is when your Sunnyvale marriage becomes official on file.

The image displays the California CDPH vital records page at cdph.ca.gov with details on how Sunnyvale residents access certified marriage certificates from the state system.

How to Find Sunnyvale Marriage Records

You can search for Sunnyvale marriage records through Santa Clara County or the California Department of Public Health. Recent records are at the county level. Older records may be with the state.

For public marriage records in Sunnyvale, contact Santa Clara County Clerk Recorder at (408) 299-5688. The county can search by name and date. You can request certified copies by mail, online, or in person. Fees apply. Visit the county website for current fees and forms for Sunnyvale marriage records.

Confidential marriage records in Sunnyvale are not open to the public. Under California Family Code Section 511, only the two people on the license can get copies. You must show valid photo ID. If you need your confidential marriage record from Sunnyvale, contact Santa Clara County with proof of identity.

The California Department of Public Health keeps older Sunnyvale marriage records. The state has records for years before 2000 and after 2007. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact Santa Clara County Recorder. The state charges $19 per certified copy. You can mail form VS 113A or order through VitalChek.

Note: Confidential marriage records in Sunnyvale remain sealed and are not part of public databases.

Sunnyvale Marriage License Requirements

California law sets the rules for marriage licenses. Sunnyvale residents follow the same requirements as anyone else in the state. Both people must appear together when picking up the license. You cannot get a marriage license by mail or with only one person present in Sunnyvale.

You must provide valid photo ID when you apply. A driver license, passport, or state ID works. Birth certificates help if you need to show your age. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Minors under 18 need a court order to marry in Sunnyvale.

No blood test is required in California. The state ended that rule in 1995. You do not need to be a California resident to get a marriage license in Sunnyvale. People from other states or countries can marry here. There is no waiting period. You get the license the same day when you apply in person at Santa Clara County.

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 102100, the license expires 90 days after issue. You must have your ceremony within those 90 days or the license is no longer valid. Any person authorized to perform marriages in California can officiate. The officiant must return the completed license to Santa Clara County within 10 days after the ceremony.

Marriage License Fees in Sunnyvale

Santa Clara County sets the fees for marriage licenses in Sunnyvale. The cost depends on the type of license. Additional services cost extra. All fees are due when you apply or schedule the service.

• Public marriage license: $80
• Confidential marriage license: $83
• Civil ceremony: $80 to $120 depending on service
• Certified copy: Varies by request type

You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at Santa Clara County offices. The fee is non-refundable once you get the license. If your license expires, you must pay the full fee again for a new license in Sunnyvale.

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 103625, counties can charge for vital records services. Santa Clara County posts its fee schedule online. Check for the most recent rates before you apply in Sunnyvale.

The image shows the California CDPH online ordering page at cdph.ca.gov where Sunnyvale residents can order certified copies of marriage records through authorized vendors.

Resources for Sunnyvale Residents

Sunnyvale residents can use several resources when planning a marriage or searching for marriage records. Local and state agencies provide information and services.

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley serves low-income residents with free legal help. They can answer questions about marriage, name changes, and family law. Visit lawfoundation.org or call (408) 280-2424 to see if you qualify. The organization serves Sunnyvale and can help with marriage-related legal issues.

The California Courts self-help center has forms and guides for marriage and family law topics. Go to courts.ca.gov/selfhelp to find information about changing your name after marriage, updating records, and other common questions. Sunnyvale residents can download forms or order printed copies.

The image shows the California CDPH forms page at cdph.ca.gov where Sunnyvale residents can find applications for certified copies and amendment forms for marriage records.

Nearby California Cities

Several large California cities are near Sunnyvale. Each has a population over 100,000 and uses its county system for marriage licenses.

• San Jose (Santa Clara County)
• Santa Clara (Santa Clara County)
• Fremont (Alameda County)
• Hayward (Alameda County)