INSIGHTS : HOW TO GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DURING COVID-19
Here are some need-to-know basics to help you navigate obtaining and filing your marriage license in Southern California during COVID-19. There are a few locations that have announced they are open for couples to make appointments.
Los Angeles County
UPDATE (5/25): The County Clerks Office is currently training its staff to use the new online system, and will be doing appointments by first-come-first-serve basis. Couples in Los Angeles are encouraged to call the office to get their name on the list. All couples getting married will purchase their marriage license and have their civil ceremony on the same video conferencing call.
- All couples getting married will purchase their marriage license and have their civil ceremony on the same video conferencing call.
- The virtual appointment will take place via Microsoft Teams, a virtual communication platform. Your device requires audio and video capabilities.
- You will be emailed documents to fill out (links to a marriage license application and an affidavit) which will need to be returned at least 3 days before your marriage license and ceremony appointment. The affidavit needs to be printed out and signed by you and your spouse, then emailed back.
- A link to your virtual marriage license/ceremony meeting will be emailed to you separately
- A representative will call you after submission to confirm receiving your paperwork
- On the day of the ceremony, you and your spouse will need to have your ID cards and a credit card/payment card ready (this will be shared over the video conference)
- After going over the marriage license, the ceremony takes place. You can write your own vows or use the vows provided.
- After the ceremony, you can buy copies of your marriage license during the same appointment. You will also need to mail the original affidavit back to the LA County Clerk/Recorders Office.
You can find more information about how to apply for marriage licenses online through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website. For updates as to how they will be implementing any changes please check their website.
Orange County
The OC Clerk-Recorder is offering marriage licenses at it’s Honda Center pop-up location. More details are available on the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Website.
Ventura County
The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder website also mentions a few restrictions. These include, only one couple will be allowed inside at a time, one person must be a resident of Ventura County to apply at this time, and they will not be performing any marriage ceremonies at this time.
Although it may not be as you originally planned, I hope your eyes are opened to how you can get married during COVID-19! Because your love and relationships are absolutely important and worth celebrating!