How to Get a Marriage License in Riverside County, California

Before you can get married in California, you must first obtain a marriage license. If you live in Riverside County, you can obtain a marriage license from the Riverside County Clerk. You and your fiancée must be at least 18 years old to get married without a court order. Whereas marriage licenses in most states are public record, you have the option to apply for a confidential marriage license in California.

• 1

  Download a marriage license application from the Riverside County Clerk website (see Resources).

• 2

  Complete the marriage application by providing you and your fiancée's names, address, date of birth, parents' names, and information regarding any prior marriages. If either of you are changing your last name, provide that information in the "New Name" section.

• 3

  Gather acceptable forms of identification. If you have valid government-issued identification such as a driver's license or passport, that is all you will need. If you do not, you must get a certified copy of your birth certificate and show at least two documents that have your name on them such as a utility bills or school transcripts.

• 4

  Go with your fiancée to the Riverside County Clerk's Office in the City of Riverside or Indio (see Resources) to submit the completed application and your proof of age and identity.

• 5

  Pay the license fee, which as of November 2010 is $68 for a public license and $76 for a confidential license, by cash or check. You will receive your marriage license the same day.