Sonoma County Wedding License: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a wedding can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to obtaining a marriage license. If you’re planning to get married in Sonoma County, California, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and ensure everything goes smoothly for your special day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Sonoma County Wedding License

1. Determine Your Eligibility: To obtain a marriage license in Sonoma County, you must be at least 18 years of age and have not been previously married within the past 90 days.

2. Gather Required Documents: You will need to provide the following documents:

   

   • Valid Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
   • Proof of Residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)

3. Complete the Marriage License Application: You can complete the marriage license application online or in person at the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. The application requires personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth.

4. Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the application, submit it to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office along with the required documents and a $90 fee.

   

5. Wait for Approval: The Clerk-Recorder’s Office will review your application and notify you if it has been approved. This process usually takes 1-2 business days.

6. Pick Up Your License: Once your license is approved, you can pick it up in person at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. You must present your valid photo ID to claim your license.

   

Important Considerations

• License Validity Period: Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
• Officiant Requirements: You must have a licensed officiant to perform your ceremony. Sonoma County provides a list of registered officiants on their website.
• Name Change: If you wish to change your name after marriage, you can do so by filing a petition with the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get married in Sonoma County if I am not a resident? Yes, but you must provide proof of residency in another county.

2. What if I need to get a license immediately? The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder’s Office offers a “Waiver of Delay” service that allows you to obtain a license on the same day.

3. Can I renew my marriage license? No, marriage licenses are not renewable.

4. What if I lose or damage my license? You can apply for a certified copy of your marriage license at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office.

5. How much does a marriage license cost in Sonoma County? The cost of a marriage license in Sonoma County is $90.

   

6. How long does it take to get married in Sonoma County? The time it takes to get married in Sonoma County depends on the availability of an officiant and the venue you choose for your ceremony.

Tips for a Smooth Wedding License Process

• Plan ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to obtain your marriage license, especially if you are planning a large or destination wedding.
• Be prepared: Gather all the necessary documents before submitting your application.
• Be aware of the fees: The fee for a marriage license in Sonoma County is $90.
• Contact the Clerk-Recorder’s Office: The Clerk-Recorder’s Office in Sonoma County can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have regarding the marriage license process.

Additional Resources

• Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
• California Department of Public Health: Marriage License Requirements
• American Marriage Ministries

Tables

Table 1: Sonoma County Marriage License Fees

Table 2: Sonoma County Marriage License Application Requirements

Table 3: Sonoma County Marriage License Validity Period

Table 4: Sonoma County Registered Officiants