Marriage License & Ceremony

The San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk’s office issues marriage licenses and performs marriage ceremonies.

How to obtain this service…

Please read all 4 steps carefully before applying for a marriage license. Both parties must physically appear at our office to purchase the license, if this can not occur contact us. Also review the “Marriage Services Menu” on this page for additional information.

Step 1: Complete Marriage License Application

All applicants will have to meet certain requirements and complete a marriage application prior to obtaining the license. Failure to do so will result in delay of service and a rescheduling of your appointment.

Complete Application Here

Step 2: Book your appointment online

Once you have completed your marriage license application (see step 1), click on the link below to book your in-person appointment.

Book Your Appointment Here

Step 3: Review Marriage Ceremony Options

In order to be officially married, a marriage ceremony will have to be performed up to 90 days of the date of issuance of the license. You have 3 options in this step:

Option 1: San Bernardino County Clerk
Your marriage ceremony can be performed at the time of the issuance of a marriage license by our County Clerk staff. Please review our ceremony services guidelines.

Option 2: Authorized Person
You can have an authorized person perform your marriage ceremony at a later date of up to 90 days of issuing the license.

Option 3: Friend or Family Member Through Commissioner for One Day
A family member or friend can apply to be a commissioner for a day and marry you up to 90 days of the issuance of the marriage license. Please review guidelines.

Step 4: Receive Marriage License and/or Ceremony

By appointment, our office will issue the license to you in-person at our Hall of Records or High Desert Government Center office locations.

Public Marriage License: $89

Marriage Ceremony: $65

Renewal of Marriage Vows: $36

Complete Fee Schedule

San Bernardino Hall of Records

Hesperia High Desert Government Center

Marriage Services Menu

Steps on How To Get Married

Marriage License Application

Ceremony Services Guidelines

Marriage License Requirements

Type of Marriage Licenses

Authorized Notaries to Issue Confidential Marriage Licenses

Authorized Persons to Perform Marriage Ceremonies

Commissioner for One Day Program

Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Services by appointment only!
In-Person Visit: (855) 732-2575

FAQ

Marriage Licenses & Ceremonies
No. A ceremony must be performed after purchasing a marriage license for you to be legally married.

If one or both parties requesting a marriage license are under the age of 18, then a court order and judge/parental consent for the minor must be obtained and filed with the county clerk before a license can be issued. This applies to emancipated minors as well. Additional information about marriage.

  1. California’s Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction
  2. A Member of Congress currently representing a district in California
  3. An elected member of the California Senate or Assembly
  4. A current California County Supervisor, city mayor, or the City Clerk of a charter city
  5. The County Clerk and appointed Deputy Commissioners
  6. Any priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination authorized to solemnize marriages by their denomination
  7. Captains and Majors of the Salvation Army
  8. Religious leaders such as a Shaman or Medicine Man
  9. Any US Supreme Court justice, US appeals court or district court judge, judge of a bankruptcy court or tax court, and US magistrates; whether serving or retired
  10. A judge, a commissioner of civil marriages, a commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record in this State whether serving or retired; also a judge or magistrate who has resigned from office

No. As long as you were legally married in the other country, the United States should recognize/accept your marriage. However, you may need to provide proof of your marriage. You should always have at least one certified copy of your marriage record.

No. California does not have any residency requirements.

No. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to marry in California.

No. Not since January 1, 1995, when the State of California stopped requiring blood tests.

No. As of January 1, 1995, the State of California has stopped requiring blood tests.

  1. Driver’s license
  2. State issued I.D. card
  3. Passport
  4. Military service or military dependent I.D. card
  5. Alien registration card (formerly known as “Green” card)
  6. I.D. card issued by the U.S. Government

If a form of identification which includes both a photograph and birth date is not available, the use of two other identification documents will be necessary to prove identity and age (one with a photograph and one with a birth date). Some examples of these types of documents are:
Photograph:

  • School identification card
  • Employee identification card

Birth Date:

  • Certified copy of a birth certificate
  • Baptismal certificate
  • Adoption records

If you do not have a government-issued, picture identification, contact the County Clerk’s Office at (909)387-8306 to discuss your options.

There are a number of differences. A regular marriage license is a public record. A license and certificate of confidential marriage is only accessible by a spouse or by decree signed by a superior court judge. At least one witness is required to observe the solemnization for a regular, public ceremony. No witnesses are required to observe a confidential marriage ceremony. The confidential license fee is $1.00 more than the regular license.