Marriage Ceremonies

 The staff of the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office are forbidden by California legal codes to practice law or provide legal advice; this prohibition includes giving advice about what forms you might need or how you should fill them out.

In California, persons authorized to perform marriages include:

• Priest
• Minister
• Rabbi
• Commissioners of Civil Marriages
• Judges or retired judges (see CA Family Code 400 for specifics)
• A person that holds or formerly held an elected office of a city or county
• A member of the Legislature or constitutional officer of this state or a Member of Congress of the United States who represents a district within this state, or a former Member of the Legislature or constitutional officer of this state or a former Member of Congress of the United States who represented a district within this state
• Out-of-state or out-of-country priests, ministers, or clergy persons may perform marriages in California.
• Ships' captains do not have authority to solemnize California marriages unless they fall into one of the categories above. 

For more information please see California Government Code 400-402

• English and Spanish civil ceremonies are offered
• Ceremonies are performed by Deputy Marriage Commissioners who are also employees of the County Clerk-Recorder Office
• Ceremonies are by appointment only
• Fee is $60.00
• Witnesses
  • Couples getting married with a regular/public marriage license must bring at least one witness
  • Couples with a confidential license do not need to bring a witness
• Outside decorations or items to throw are not allowed (ex: rice, flower petals, confetti, etc.)

• Wedding Garden / Outside
  • Area is small - limit to couple + 17 wedding guests
  • Weather permitting
  • Variety of shrubs and plants
  • Pets are allowed
  • It is a public area, so members of the public may be present
• Wedding Room / Inside
  • Limit of 17 wedding guests (couple + up to 17 guests)
  • Benches and standing areas
  • No pets allowed