California Wedding Laws

2/23/2014
California Wedding Laws - Perform Weddings in California - Universal Life Church

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California Wedding Laws

How to Officiate a Wedding in California
Performing a wedding in the state of California is a simple and straightforward
process. Neither the state nor any county within it maintains a registry of clergy and
in many ways the government of California keeps a hands-off policy in regard to
marriage documents.
Wedding officiants are responsible for ensuring that the marriage is legal and that
all marriage license papers are properly filed. Otherwise, the format of the wedding
http://www.themonastery.org/wedding-laws/california-marriage-law
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
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is entirely at the discretion of the people getting married. This lackadaisical

approach to marriage legislation makes it simple for any minister ordained by the
Universal Life Church Monastery to officiate a wedding. That said, it is important that
anyone hoping to officiate a wedding keep track of the policies for your area so that
the legality of those weddings cannot be disputed.
Montana
How to Become an Ordained Minister in California
New Jersey
According to the California Family Code, any individual over the age of 18 who is
also an ordained member of the clergy of any recognized faith may officiate a
wedding. This includes those who are ordained ministers of the Universal Life
Church Monastery via our online ordination platform. As an ordained minister,
you are endowed with several rights and responsibilities within the state of
California not granted to the everyday layperson.
How to Perform a Wedding Ceremony in California

The two individuals getting married must, in the presence of the officiant, declare
their wish to be husband and wife. There must be at least one additional witness to
this agreement. The witness may be any age, though must also be able to
understand what he or she is witnessing. The Universal Life Church Monastery can
be a great resource for its ministers; those seeking additional guidance in how to
properly officiate a wedding ceremony might look to the three-step guide we
have made available as a tool for ministers.
Marriage Paperwork Required in California

The state of California requires a marriage license issued by the County Clerk's
office. The officiant is required to examine the license and attach a statement to it
that displays satisfaction with several facts, including:
The
The
The
The
time and location at which the wedding took place

names and places of residence of all official witnesses
religious organization in which the officiant is ordained
printed name and address of the officiant
This paperwork must be returned to the County Clerk within 10 days of the
ceremony. The couple getting married may request a copy of these documents if
they so choose.
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New York
North C arolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South C arolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
For more detailed information, review California's code for yourself.
California Marriage Laws

The following is from California's FAQ page:
Where do I register to perform marriages in California? The
laws of the State of California make it unnecessary for
persons performing marriages to file credentials with the
clerk of the court or with anyone else. The county and state
are removed from any responsibility for verification of credentials. The State does
not maintain a central registry of members of the clergy. Any such concern for
verification is totally at the discretion of the parties to the marriage. (The Universal
Life Church Monastery still recommends that you check with the county clerk where
the ceremony will be held.)
What authorization do I need to perform a marriage in California? In California, it is
the ordination or investment by the denomination that gives each clergy member
the authority to perform the marriage rite. Family Code, Sections 400-402 are the
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statutes pertaining to whom can solemnize a marriage in California.

The following is from California Family Code sections:
400. Marriage may be solemnized by any of the following who is of the age of 18
years or older:
420. A priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination. No particular form for
the ceremony of marriage is required for solemnization of the marriage, but the
parties shall declare, in the presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and
necessary witnesses, that they take each other as husband and wife.
421. Before solemnizing a marriage, the person solemnizing the marriage shall
require the presentation of the marriage license. If the person solemnizing the
marriage has reason to doubt the correctness of the statement of facts in the
marriage license, the person must be satisfied as to the correctness of the
statement of facts before solemnizing the marriage. For this purpose, the person
may administer oaths and examine the parties and witnesses in the same manner
as the county clerk does before issuing the license.
422. The person solemnizing a marriage shall make, sign, and endorse upon or
attach to the marriage license a statement, in the form prescribed by the State
Department of Health Services, showing all of the following: (a) The fact, date
(month, day, year), and place (city and county) of solemnization. (b) The names and
places of residence of one or more witnesses to the ceremony. (c) The official
position of the person solemnizing the marriage, or of the denomination of which
that person is a priest, minister, rabbi, or member of the clergy. (d) The person
solemnizing the marriage shall also type or print the person's name and address.
423. The person solemnizing the marriage shall return the marriage license,
endorsed as required in Section 422, to the county recorder of the county in which
the license was issued within 10 days after the ceremony.
424. At the request of, and for, either party to a marriage, the person solemnizing
the marriage shall issue a marriage certificate showing the facts specified in Section
422.
Please note that, when filling out a marriage license, the State requests that you
use the title "Minister" or "Reverend", and not "Officiant", in Box #29D.
The County Clerks also require that you enter your denomination, "Universal Life
Church", in box #29B. Failing to state a denomination results in a rejection, and
requires a duplicated marriage license.
Gay Marriage and Same Sex Wedding Laws:
This state currently has legal same-sex marriage by Court Decision.
To perform a marriage in California you need to be
ordained and may be required to provide proof of

ordination such as an ordination credential, wallet
credential, or a letter of good standing from the
church.
California Wedding Laws by County

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Alameda County Recorder
Alpine County Recorder
1106 Madison Street

Room 214
Oakland, C alifornia
94607,
99 Water Street
P.O. Box 217
Markleeville, C alifornia
96120,
Phone: (510) 272-6362

Fax: (510) 208-9957
E-mail: Vitalrec@acgov.org
Alameda C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (530) 694-2281

alternate phone: (530) 694-2286
Fmx: (530) 694-2491
Amador County Recorder
Butte County Recorder
810 C ourt Street

Jackson, C alifornia
95642,
Phone: (209) 223-6469
Fax: (209) 223-620
Amador C ounty Recorder website
25 C ounty C enter Drive

Administration Bldg.
Suite 105
Oroville, C alifornia
95965,
Calaveras County Recorder
Colusa County Clerk
891 Mountain Ranch Road

Government C enter
San Andreas, C alifornia
95249,
Phone: (209) 754-6375
Fax: (209) 754-6733
E-mail: lorr@co.calaveras.ca.us
C alaveras C ounty Recorder website
546 Jay Street

Suite 200
C olusa, C alifornia
95932,
Contra Costa Recorder
Orange County Recorder
555 Escobar Street

Martinez, C alifornia
94553,
Santa Ana, C alifornia
Phone: (530) 538-7690

Fax: (530) 538-7975
E-mail: clerk@buttecounty.net
Butte C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (530) 458-0500

Fax: (530) 458-0512
C olusa C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (714) 834-2500
Phone: (925) 646-2360

C ontra C osta Recorder website
Del Norte County Recorder
El Dorado County Recorder
981 H Street
Suite 160
C rescent C ity, C alifornia
95531,
Phone: (707) 464-7216
Fax: (707) 465-0321
360 Fair Lane

Placerville, C alifornia
95667,
Phone: (530) 621-5490
Fax: (530) 621-2147
E-mail: recorderclerk@co.el-dorado.ca.us
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E-mail: clerkrecorder@co.del-norte.ca.us
Del Norte C ounty Recorder website
El Dorado C ounty Recorder website
Fresno County Recorder
Glenn County Clerk
2281 Tulare Street

Room 303
Fresno, C alifornia
93721,
Phone: (559) 488-2609
Fax: (559) 488-6841
Fresno C ounty Recorder website
526 West Sycamore Street

Willows, C alifornia
95988,
Humboldt County Recorder
Imperial County Recorder
825 Fifth Street

Fifth Floor
Eureka, C alifornia
95501,
940 West Main Street

Room 206
El C entro, C alifornia
92243,
Phone: (760) 339-4427
Fax: (760) 482-4271
Imperial C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (707) 445-7593

Fax: (707) 445-7430
Humboldt C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (530) 934-6407

Fax: (530) 934-6305
E-mail: gcboard@glenncounty.net
Glenn C ounty C lerk website
Inyo County Recorder
Kern County Clerk
168 N. Edwards Street

Independence, C alifornia
93526,
1655 C hester Avenue

Bakersfield, C alifornia
93301,
Phone: (760) 878-0410

Inyo C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (805) 868-3588

E-mail: kcrecorder@co.kern.ca.us
Kern C ounty C lerk website
Kings County Clerk
Lake County Clerk
1400 West Lacey Boulevard

Hanford, C alifornia
93230,
255 North Forbes Street

Lakeport, C alifornia
95453,
Phone: (559) 582-3211 ext. 2470

Kings C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (707) 263-2293

Fmx: (707) 263-3703
E-mail: Recorder@co.lake.ca.us
Lake C ounty C lerk website
Lassen County Recorder
Los Angeles County Clerk
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220 S. Lassen Street
Suite 5
Susanville, C alifornia
96130,
12400 East Imperial Highway

Room 1002
Norwalk, C alifornia
90650,
Phone: (530) 251-8217

Fax: (530) 257-3480
E-mail: lcclerk@co.lassen.ca.us
Lassen C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (562) 462-2137

Los Angeles C ounty C lerk website
Madera County Clerk
Marin County Recorder
200 West 4th Street

Madera, C alifornia
93637,
Phone: (209) 675-7724
E-mail: countyclerkinfo@maderacounty.com
Madera C ounty C lerk website
3501 C ivic C enter Drive

Room 232
San Rafael, C alifornia
94903,
Phone: (415) 499-6092
Fax: (415) 499-7893
E-mail: recorder@co.marin.ca.us
Marin C ounty Recorder website
Mariposa County Recorder
Mendocino County Clerk
4982 Tenth Street

Mariposa, C alifornia
95338,
Phone: (209) 966-2007
Mariposa C ounty Recorder website
501 Low Gap Road

No.1020
Ukiah, C alifornia
95482,
Phone: (707) 463-4370
Fmx: (707) 463-4257
Mendocino C ounty C lerk website
Merced County Recorder
Modoc County Clerk
2222 M Street
Merced, C alifornia
95340,
Phone: (209) 385-7501
Fmx: (209) 385-7626
Merced C ounty Recorder website
204 South C ourt Street

Room 107
Alturas, C alifornia
96101,
Phone: (530) 233-2512
Fax: (530) 233-6666
Mono County Recorder
Monterey County Recorder
74 North School St.

P.O. Box 237
Annex 1
Bridgeport, C alifornia
93517,
168 West Alisal Street

First Floor
Salinas, C alifornia
93901,
Phone: (831) 647-7906
Fmx: (831) 755-5064
E-mail: recorderclerk@co.monterey.ca.us
Phone: (760) 932-5241

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Fmx: (760) 932-5531
Mono C ounty Recorder website
Monterey C ounty Recorder website
Napa County Clerk
Nevada County Clerk
900 C oombs Street

P.O. Box 29
Room 116
Napa, C alifornia
94559,
950 Maidu Avenue

Nevada C ity, C alifornia
95959,
Phone: (530) 265-1221
Fax: (530) 265-9842
Nevada C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (707) 253-4246

Fmx: (707) 259-8149
Napa C ounty C lerk website
Placer County Clerk
Plumas County Recorder
2954 Richardson Drive

Auburn, C alifornia
95603,
520 Main Street

Room 102
Quincy, C alifornia
95971,
Phone: (530) 889-7948

E-mail: clerk@placer.ca.gov
Placer C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (530) 283-6305

Fmx: (530) 283-6155
E-mail:
clerkrecorder@countyofplumas.com
Plumas C ounty Recorder website
Riverside County Clerk
Sacramento County Clerk
2724 Gateway Drive

Riverside, C alifornia
92507,
600 Eighth Street

Sacramento, C alifornia
95814,
Phone: (909) 486-7000

Riverside C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (916) 874-5522

E-mail: sacrec@saccounty.net/
Sacramento C ounty C lerk website
San Benito County Clerk
San Bernadino Recorder
440 Fifth Street

Room 206
Hollister, C alifornia
95023,
222 West Hospitality Lane

First Floor
San Bernadino, C alifornia
92415,
Phone: (831) 636-4029

Fax: (831) 636-2939
San Benito C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (909) 387-8314

San Bernadino Recorder website
San Diego County Clerk
San Francisco County Clerk
1600 Pacific Highway

Room 260
101 Grove Street

Room 105
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San Diego, C alifornia
92101,
Phone: (619) 237-0502
San Diego C ounty C lerk website
San Francisco, C alifornia

94102,
San Joaquin Clerk
San Luis Obispo County Clerk
44 N. San Joaquin Street

Suite 260
Stockton, C alifornia
95202,
1055 Monterey Street

D120
San Luis Obispo, C alifornia
93408,
Phone: (209) 468-2362

Fax: (209) 468-2901
San Joaquin C lerk website
Phone: (805) 781-5088

Fmx: (805 781-1111
E-mail: dgraton@co.slo.ca.us
San Luis Obispo C ounty C lerk website
San Mateo County Clerk
Santa Barbara County Clerk
555 C ounty C enter

1st Floor
Redwood C ity, C alifornia
94063,
Phone: (650) 363-4711
Fmx: (650) 363-1903
E-mail:
countyclerk@care.co.sanmateo.ca.us
San Mateo C ounty C lerk website
1100 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, C alifornia
93101,
Santa Clara County Recorder
Santa Cruz County Recorder
70 West Hedding Street

San Jose, C alifornia
95110,
701 Ocean Street

Room 230
Santa C ruz, C alifornia
95060,
Phone: (408) 299-2481

Fmx: (408) 280-1768
Santa C lara C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (415) 554-4176

San Francisco C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (805) 568-2250

Fax: (805) 568-2266
Santa Barbara C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (831) 454-2800

Fmx: (831) 454-3169
Santa C ruz C ounty Recorder website
Shasta County Clerk
Sierra County Recorder
1450 C ourt Street

Suite 208
Redding, C alifornia
96001,
Phone: (530) 225-5378
Fmx: (530) 225-5152
Shasta C ounty C lerk website
P.O. Drawer D
Downieville, C alifornia
95936,
Phone: (530) 289-3295
Fmx: (530) 289-2830
E-mail: clerk-recorder@sierracounty.ws
Sierra C ounty Recorder website
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Siskiyou County Clerk
Solano County Recorder
311 Fourth Street

Room 108
Ureka, C alifornia
96098,
675 Texas Street

Suite 2700
Fairfield, C alifornia
94533,
Phone: (530) 842-8065

Fax: (530) 842-8077
E-mail: cbaker@co.siskiyou.ca.us
Siskiyou C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (707) 421-6319

Fax: (707) 784-9002
Solano C ounty Recorder website
Sonoma County Clerk
Stanislaus County Clerk
2300 C ounty C enter Drive

Suite B-177
Santa Rosa, C alifornia
95403,
1021 I Street
Suite 101
Modesto, C alifornia
95354,
Phone: (209) 525-5265
Fmx: (209) 525-5804
Stanislaus C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (707) 527-3800

Fmx: (707) 565-3957
Sonoma C ounty C lerk website
Sutter County Recorder
Tehama County Recorder
433 Second Street

Yuba C ity, C alifornia
95991,
Phone: (530) 822-7120
Fmx: (530) 822-7214
Sutter C ounty Recorder website
633 Washington Street

Room 11
Red Bluff, C alifornia
96080,
Trinity County Recorder
Tulare County Recorder
11 C ourt Street
Weaverville, C alifornia
96093,
221 S. Mooney Blvd.

Room 103
Visalia, C alifornia
93291,
Phone: (559) 733-6518
Fax: (559) 740-4329
Tulare C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (916) 623-1222

Fmx: (530) 623-8398
E-mail: recorder@trinitycounty.org
Trinity C ounty Recorder website
Phone: (916) 527-3350

Fmx: (530) 527-1745
Tehama C ounty Recorder website
Tuolumne County Clerk
Ventura County Recorder
2 South Green Street

Sonora, C alifornia
95370,
800 South Victoria Avenue

LN 1260
Ventura, C alifornia
93009,
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Phone: (209) 533-5570
Fax: (209) 533-6543
Tuolumne C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (805) 654-2263

Fax: (805) 654-2295
E-mail: county.recorder@ventura.org
Ventura C ounty Recorder website
Yolo County Clerk
Yuba County Clerk
625 C ourt Street

Room B01
Woodland, C alifornia
95695,
915 Eighth Street

Suite 107
Marysville, C alifornia
95901,
Phone: (530) 741-6341
Fmx: (530) 749-7854
Yuba C ounty C lerk website
Phone: (530) 666-8130

Fmx: (530) 666-8109
E-mail: cntyclrk@yolorecorder.org
Yolo C ounty C lerk website
Copyright 2014 Universal Life Church Ministry. All Rights Reserved

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