Orange County Marriage License

Not a government website. ClerkGuide is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with Orange County or any government agency. Confirm current details with the official office below before applying.

Orange County, California requires every applicant to complete an online application before visiting a Clerk-Recorder office, either as a walk-in or, more reliably, by appointment.

License fee	Public marriage license: $61. Confidential marriage license: $66.
Waiting period	None — California has no statewide waiting period.
Documents / ID required	Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants, at least 18 years old for either license type.
License validity	90 days from the date of issuance (California statewide rule).
Where & how to apply	Complete the required online marriage application first, then visit an OC Clerk-Recorder office — walk-ins are accepted but an appointment (booked online) is strongly recommended.
Office hours	Call (714) 834-2500 or check the OC Clerk-Recorder site for current office-specific hours.

Special notes

Payment accepted by cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier’s check, or money order — more flexible than some neighboring counties.

Frequently asked questions

Is Orange County's marriage license fee different from Los Angeles County's?

Yes. Fees are set by each county individually, not statewide. Orange County’s public license fee ($61) is notably lower than Los Angeles County’s ($91) as of our last check.

Certified copies in Orange County (CA)

$19 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)

Issued by	Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Fee details	$19 per certified copy when requested less than a year after the license was issued. The Clerk-Recorder also advertises a pre-paid program at $17 per copy for couples who marry at its office.
How to order	By mail with a signed and notarized form (check or money order) to P.O. Box 238, Santa Ana; online ordering must be picked up and paid for in person.
Timing	Most orders are processed within 5 to 10 business days of receipt, not counting mail time.
Who can request	Only people named on the certificate and close relatives or legal representatives; others can only get an informational copy. Only licenses issued by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
Heads up	The vital records page names "County of Orange" as the payee; the mail form names the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. Use the payee on the form you receive.

Source: Orange County Clerk-Recorder - Vital Records · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?

Official source: Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department — https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services
Last verified: August 2026

Read our general step-by-step guide →

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