Marriage License Types
You may choose between two different types of Marriage Licenses, Public or Confidential. Learn more below:
PUBLIC MARRIAGE LICENSE:
A public marriage license requires the signature of at least one witness to the ceremony, and has space for two witnesses to sign. Authorized persons may obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate.
CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE LICENSE:
A confidential marriage license differs from a public marriage license in that it is not available for public inspection. Only the applicants may obtain a certified copy of their marriage license. Also, no witnesses are required for the ceremony.
BOTH TYPES OF MARRIAGE LICENSES REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING:
- Both parties must be 18 years or older, appear in-person together at our office and present authentic photo identification.
- There are no blood tests or residency requirements.
- The license is valid for 90 days, during which time the ceremony must take place. The ceremony license may be performed anywhere in the State of California.
- Minors, under the age of 18, must obtain an order from the Superior Court prior to applying for a license. For information from the court, call (530) 406-6704. After obtaining a court order the minors must appear at the county clerk's office.
- If you are recently divorced and it has been 6 months or less, you are required by our office to present a certified copy of the divorce decree for verification that the marriage has been legally dissolved. The Yolo County Clerk/Recorder's office does not handle nor hold dissolution (divorce) papers. These documents are processed and held by the Civil Division of the Superior Courts.
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Currently, our office is fully open for walk-in service. In the event that our office does need to close due to Covid-19, access your options in lieu of a public or confidential marriage license here.