1st Step: Marriage License

2nd Step: Marriage Certificate

A Marriage License MUST be applied for BEFORE you get married. The couple must apply TOGETHER. You can apply in any county in California, yet your Marriage Certificate will state the city you were married in, i.e. Santa Barbara.

Both applicants must be 18 or over (check legal requirements for being under the age of 18). Couples need not be U.S. residents. A valid government-issued picture identification is required (driver’s license, passport, etc.). Marriage licenses are good for 90 days from the time of purchase. No blood test is required. DO Not change any information on the Marriage License, cross out info, use white out, etc., as it will not be accepted, and payment for and issuance of a duplicate Marriage License will be necessary.

Regular (Public) License - $100 in Santa Barbara (different fee in other counties). The Regular Marriage License is effective the day it is issued and may be used in your ceremony anywhere in the State of California within 90 days of the issue date. The couple must apply together with valid government-issued photo id. The marriage record is made available to the public. One witness of the marriage is required.

Confidential License - $111 in Santa Barbara (different fee in other counties). To apply for a Confidential Marriage License you must swear to be currently residing together. No witnesses of the marriage are required.

PREVIOUSLY DIVORCED: If either party was married before, the couple will need to know the date the previous marriage ended. If either party was divorced within the last 90 days, a certified copy of the final dissolution judgment needs to be presented.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: Once the wedding ceremony is performed and the witness or witnesses (one is required) have signed the Marriage License, your Santa Barbara Classic Weddings Officiant will complete the form and return it to the County Clerk /Recorder's office from where it was issued. When you apply for your Marriage License, ask the clerk for information on how to apply for your legal Marriage Certificate. Each county has their own method.

After the marriage ceremony is performed by your Santa Barbara Classic Weddings wedding officiant, the Public Marriage License or the Confidential License will be returned and filed with the County Clerk/Recorder in the same county where it was issued.

To apply online for a license in SANTA BARBARA (although you both still have to go to the County Clerk/Recorders’ office to sign) https://www.countyofsb.org/596/Apply-for-a-Marriage-License