Contra Costa County requires an appointment for marriage license applications at its Martinez office.
| License fee | Public marriage license: $95. Confidential marriage license: $100. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | None — California has no statewide waiting period. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID showing full legal name and date of birth for both applicants, who must be unmarried and at least 18. |
| License validity | 90 days from the date of issuance (California statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Submit the application form and schedule an appointment at the County Clerk’s office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez. Arrive no later than 4:00 p.m. |
| Office hours | Business hours, with a 4:00 p.m. arrival cutoff for same-day service. |
Special notes
How to get a marriage license in Contra Costa County (Martinez), step by step
- Decide between a public and a confidential license ($95 or $100). A confidential license is only for couples already living together and keeps the record private.
- Complete the application form and schedule an appointment with the County Clerk. Contra Costa requires appointments.
- Arrive at the County Clerk’s office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of your appointment.
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID that shows each applicant’s full legal name and date of birth. Both applicants must be unmarried and at least 18.
- Pay by cash or card (card payments carry an extra service fee; checks are not accepted) and leave with your license — California has no waiting period.
What to bring to the Contra Costa County office
- Government-issued photo ID showing your full legal name and date of birth
- Cash, or a card and a little extra for the service fee — no checks
- $95 for a public license or $100 for a confidential one
- Your appointment confirmation
When to apply for your Contra Costa County license
California has no waiting period and the license is valid for 90 days from issue. In Contra Costa the real constraint is the appointment calendar, not the law: book as soon as you know your ceremony date, then choose an appointment within roughly three months before it. If you apply too early, the 90 days can run out; if you leave it to the last week, you have no margin if you need to reschedule.
After the ceremony: filing your Contra Costa County license and getting certified copies
The person who performs the ceremony must return the license to the county clerk-recorder within 10 days. Once it is registered you can buy a certified copy, which is the document you will need for name changes; one California county’s guidance puts availability at roughly 10 business days after the office receives the license. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Local tips for Contra Costa County
- The 4:00 p.m. arrival cutoff is strict — plan to arrive well before it rather than close to it.
- Bring exactly the ID name you want on the license; it should match your legal name, not a nickname.
- A California license can be used in any California county, so you are not locked into a Contra Costa ceremony.
More questions about getting married in Contra Costa County
Do we need an appointment for a Contra Costa marriage license?
Yes. Contra Costa requires you to submit the application and schedule an appointment at the County Clerk’s Martinez office.
What is the difference between $95 and $100?
$95 is the public marriage license and $100 is the confidential license, which is only for couples already living together and is not a public record.
Can we pay by check?
No. Contra Costa accepts cash or card only, and card payments carry a service fee.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
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