How to Obtain a Marriage License in Los Angeles

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 your private information from public view. The following information is required on a marriage license. Ask yourself and your parents if you want the information available for the world to know.

For both spouses, or party A and party B, the information needed for marriage license requirements is below.

Address(es)
Full Name (including birth name if different)
Date of Birth
State and/or Country of Birth
Parent's Full names at Birth only (not necessarily their current.
Parent's State and/or Country of Birth
Number of previous marriages and how and when the most recent was terminated
Place and date of your wedding ceremony
If applicable, documentation (see below)*

*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).