How to Obtain a Marriage License Los Angeles

There are two different types of marriage licenses in Los Angeles, and they can be obtained in two different ways.

Click here to find out the difference between a Confidential Marriage License and a Regular Public Marriage License.


Many people ask for a California Marriage License, but each wedding license is issued at the county level, so essentially it is a Los Angeles marriage license. California is a confidential marriage license state which means that you can opt for a marriage license that will be a uniquely private wedding license.


For a confidential wedding license only those people present at your ceremony need to know and the marriage certificate will be sealed from public access or review. Consequently, only the bride and groom and the minister need to be present; witnesses are not necessary.


How does a confidential marriage license vs. a regular marriage license benefit you? One great benefit of a confidential marriage license is that you will not be inundated with telemarketers and spammers who can get your personal information from public records. Also, if you are a celebrity, the media will not be able to research the public record to find out when, who or where you did get married.  If you are someone who may someday be in the public eye, this type of marriage license is highly recommended.


In the age of identity theft and stalkers, a confidential marriage license seals up your private information from public view. The following information is required on a marriage license. Ask yourself if you want the information available for the world to know. For both bride and groom, or party A and party B, the information needed for marriage license requirements is below.

• Information Needed
• Each of the full Couple's Full Name (including birth name)
• Date of Birth
• State and Country of Birth
• Your Parent's Full names
• Your Parent's State and Country of Birth
• Number of previous marriages and how and when they were terminated
• Place and date of your wedding ceremony

If you have ended a previous marriage less than 2 years before the date of your new marriage then you must also supply a copy of the documentation to that affect (divorce, annulment or death certificate).

Getting Married in Los Angeles, California