If you’re planning to get married in San Diego—whether it’s a courthouse wedding, an intimate elopement, or a traditional wedding at a venue—there’s one important step every couple needs to take first: getting a San Diego marriage license.
While paperwork may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, understanding how to get a marriage license in San Diego ahead of time can save you stress and help everything else fall into place smoothly.
I’ve worked with many couples throughout San Diego County, and once you know what to expect, the process is much simpler than it sounds.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to obtaining a San Diego County marriage license, along with a few things couples often don’t realize until the last minute.
Table of Contents
Step 1: San Diego Marriage License Basics (What Couples Need to Know)
A San Diego marriage license can be used to get married anywhere in California—not just within San Diego County.
A few important things to know:
- Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued
- No extensions are granted
- Both parties must be 18 years of age or older
- You do not need to be a California resident to obtain a San Diego marriage license
Once your license is issued, you can legally marry anywhere in California as long as it happens within that 90-day window.
Step 2: Choose Between a Public or Confidential Marriage License
When applying for a San Diego County marriage license, you’ll choose between a public or confidential license. The right option depends on your preferences and ceremony plans.
Public Marriage License
- Becomes part of the public record
- Requires at least one witness at the ceremony
- Common for traditional weddings and larger celebrations
If you choose a public license, certain people are legally allowed to request a certified copy of your marriage certificate, including:
- Either person listed on the certificate
- A parent or legal guardian
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner
Confidential Marriage License
- Not part of the public record
- No witness required
- Often chosen for privacy or simplicity
If you’re only picking up your marriage license and not getting married the same day, a witness is not required for either option.
Step 3: How to Get a Marriage License in San Diego (Appointments Required)
Marriage licenses in San Diego County are issued by appointment only. There is no walk-in service. Both parties must be present.
Appointments are made through the County Clerk’s website and can be scheduled up to 7 weeks in advance.
Because a San Diego marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued, most couples schedule their appointment about 1 to 2 months before their wedding. This timing keeps your license well within the valid window while giving you flexibility if anything shifts.
As soon as appointments open for your preferred timeframe, it’s a good idea to book, especially during busy wedding seasons.
Licenses can be issued at multiple locations throughout San Diego County, including:
- San Diego
- Santee
- San Marcos
- Chula Vista
Step 4: Complete the San Diego Marriage License Application
Before your appointment, you’ll want to complete the San Diego marriage license application online. Doing this ahead of time helps your appointment go more smoothly and keeps things moving once you arrive.
Be sure to review all information carefully for accuracy before submitting.
Step 5: What Documents You Need for a San Diego Marriage License
When you attend your San Diego marriage license appointment, be sure to bring:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
- Your Social Security number
If you were previously married or in a domestic partnership, you’ll need to know the exact date your last marriage or partnership ended.
In most cases, you do not need to bring a divorce decree or death certificate. However, if your divorce or termination was finalized within the last 90 days (the timeframe can vary by county), you may be required to bring a copy of the final judgment or decree. Having this document available can help avoid delays.
Having everything ready ahead of time will make your appointment quick and stress-free.
Step 6: Attend Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment:
- Arrive on time
- Both parties must be present
- Marriage licenses are issued in person only
Once issued, your license can be used immediately.
Step 7: San Diego Courthouse Weddings & Civil Ceremonies
If you’re not planning a separate venue or larger celebration, the San Diego County Clerk’s office also offers civil marriage ceremonies.
Here’s what to know:
- You can get your marriage license and have your civil ceremony on the same day
- Civil ceremonies can be scheduled up to 7 weeks in advance
- Dates tend to fill quickly
Current fees include:
| Service | Fee |
| Civil ceremony | $129 |
| Civil ceremony with a confidential marriage license | $144 |
If you choose a public marriage license, at least one witness is required. If you don’t bring a witness, the office can provide one for an additional fee of $58.
If you’re planning a courthouse ceremony, timing and logistics really matter—from appointment flow to ceremony timing. I cover this in much more detail in my Ultimate San Diego Courthouse Wedding Guide, which walks couples through the entire experience from start to finish.
Step 8: After the Wedding: Marriage Certificates
After your ceremony:
- Your officiant must submit the signed marriage license within 10 days
- About 10 days after the license is registered, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate
A few important notes:
- The County does not automatically mail your certificate
- Certified copies cost $19 each
- Requests can be made in person or by mail
- Mail requests can take up to 6 weeks
If you know you’ll need copies for name changes or records, ordering more than one can be helpful.
A Simple Timing Reminder
If your wedding date is already set, aim to schedule your San Diego marriage license appointment about 1 to 2 months beforehand. This keeps your license safely within the 90-day validity window and helps you avoid any last-minute stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Marriage License in San Diego
How long does it take to get a marriage license in San Diego?
Marriage licenses are issued the same day as your appointment. Once issued, the license can be used immediately.
How far in advance should we apply for a San Diego marriage license?
Because a San Diego marriage license is valid for 90 days, most couples apply 1 to 2 months before their wedding date to avoid expiration while still allowing flexibility.
Do both people need to be present to apply for a marriage license in San Diego?
Yes. Both parties must be present in person to receive a San Diego County marriage license.
Can we get married the same day we get our marriage license in San Diego?
Yes. Couples can obtain their marriage license and have a civil ceremony at the San Diego County Clerk’s Office on the same day, as long as an appointment is scheduled.
Do we need a witness for a San Diego courthouse wedding?
A witness is required for public marriage licenses. Confidential marriage licenses do not require a witness. If needed, the County Clerk’s Office can provide a witness for a fee.
Can we use a San Diego marriage license outside of San Diego County?
Yes. A San Diego marriage license can be used anywhere in California, as long as the ceremony takes place within 90 days of issuance.
Final Thoughts
Getting a San Diego marriage license is one of the most important steps before you say “I do.” Once it’s taken care of, you can focus on what really matters—celebrating your relationship and enjoying the day you’ve been planning.
If you’re planning a courthouse ceremony, I’ve put together an in-depth resource that walks through what to expect, the best locations, and how to make the experience feel meaningful and stress-free. You can explore my Ultimate San Diego Courthouse Wedding Guide.
And no matter how you’re getting married—whether it’s a courthouse wedding, an intimate elopement, or a traditional celebration at a venue you love—having your day documented in a thoughtful, authentic way allows you to relive it long after the paperwork is complete.
If you’re looking for a San Diego wedding photographer for your courthouse wedding, elopement, or traditional wedding, I’d love to hear more about your plans.
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