California Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In California, the cost of a marriage license varies by county, typically ranging from approximately $35 to $105 depending on the county clerk's office and the type of license selected. The fee structure is set at the county level, so the exact amount should be confirmed directly with the issuing county clerk's office. Two types of licenses are available: a public license, which requires one witness to the ceremony, and a confidential license, which requires no witness but mandates that the parties already be cohabiting.

California imposes no waiting period before a marriage license can be used; couples may marry immediately upon receiving the license. Once issued, a marriage license remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. After 90 days, the license expires and is no longer usable, requiring couples to apply for a new license if they have not yet married.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full California license guide → · Compare fee models by state →