Marriage Services

NOTICE: CLERK SERVICES AT 1450 COURT ST, SUITE 108 ARE UNAVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 9AM TO 11AM FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. 

 

Getting Married in California

  • To get legally married in the state of California, you must purchase a Marriage License from the County Clerk’s office prior to your ceremony.
  • You must have your wedding ceremony within 90 days of purchasing your marriage license.
  • You must have your wedding ceremony in the same state where you purchase your license.
  • No matter where in California you have your ceremony, your completed marriage license will be recorded in the same county where it is purchased.

To apply for a marriage license both parties must apply together at the County Clerk’s office and:

  • be at least 18 years old.
    • If either party is under 18 years of age contact Court Services at (530) 225-5707. A court order must be obtained prior to issuance of the license.
  • provide valid photo ID.

 

Marriage License Application Process

  1. Complete and submit the Marriage License Application electronically.
    • You do not need to print a paper copy. The application is entirely electronic. 
    • If either party had been previously married, the date that marriage ended is required.
    • If either party intends on changing their name, the new name is printed on the license.
  2.  Visit our office to complete the process.
    • Both parties must appear in person and present a valid ID containing their picture, birth date, and signature.
    • Allow 20 to 30 minutes for processing time.
    • We will review the previously submitted electronic application, collect your payment, and print your marriage license.
      • We accept payment in cash, preprinted checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. There is an additional convenience fee for paying with credit or debit cards. We do not accept American Express.

 

Civil Wedding Ceremony

  • Wedding ceremonies are offered at the Clerk's Office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
    • Please call (530) 225-5730 to schedule, or email countyclerk@shastacounty.gov
  • Ceremony space inside the office is limited to 12 guests.
    • Wedding's with larger parties will be accommodated by performing the ceremony right outside our office.
    • Wedding activities must be confined to the wedding room space (or outdoors). 
    • Processions, loud music, flower petals, glitter, confetti, etc. are not allowed in the lobby or hallways.
  • You may purchase your marriage license and have your ceremony on the same day.
    • The couple must appear, together, in person.

After the Ceremony

  • It is the Officiant’s responsibility to submit the completed Marriage License for recording.
  • The Officiant is responsible for fixing any  errors or damage to the license that prevents it from being recorded. The officiant must complete additional paperwork and pay associated fees. 

 

Deputy for a Day

Did you know you can have a friend or family member perform your wedding ceremony? The Deputy Commissioner for a Day program allows someone to take an oath and register to officiate your wedding ceremony.

1. To become deputized, the deputy must visit our office and:

  • Submit an electronic Deputy for a Day Application. 
    • Include the names of the couple to be married, the ceremony date and location, the type of license purchased and from which county it was purchased.
  • Present photo ID.
  • Pay the current fee.

 

Marriage License Alternative

Our office does not register Domestic Partnerships. For information about this process please contact the California Secretary of State. 

Congratulations & Best Wishes

Family Code 350.

Print