Where do I obtain a Marriage License?
A marriage license may be obtained from certain Clerk/Recorder's offices within your state. That said, there are two types of marriage licenses offered in some states. There is a public (i.e., most commonly used) and a confidential license. A public license may be obtained from any issuing County Recorder's Office and is valid for 90-days thereafter at any venue. A confidential license, also valid for 90-days, must be obtained from (a) an issuing Recorder's Office in which County the marriage will be performed, or (b) from a notary public who is registered with such County for the specific purpose of issuing Confidential Marriage Licenses.
- To obtain a Public or Confidential Marriage License directly from the county, I suggest that you call a California Recorder's Office for an appointment and find out the specific items and/or information they require in order to issue a license. Also ask if there is a Branch Office nearer to you. Remember, a Confidential Marriage License must be purchased from the Recorder's Office in which County your ceremony will take place. You may find a California County Recorder's Office online.
What should I do upon my receipt of the marriage license package?
It is important that you DO NOT alter, erase, write or type anything on your marriage license. Bring the complete marriage license package to us, as received by you from the County Recorder's Office (or notary public). Failure to correctly fill-in the items requested may require that the County issues a duplicate license. Some counties charges $25 to issue a duplicate license. Other counties may impose a different fee. Please give the marriage license package to me at the rehearsal or, if no rehearsal, then prior to the wedding ceremony.
What happens with our Marriage License after the wedding?
If required by the license, I will ask the witnesses to sign. Thereafter, I will complete all information required and file the license with the appropriate County Recorder's Office. As my gift to you, I provide you with one Certified Copy of your Marriage License mailed to you directly from the Recorder's Office. If you want additional "certified" copies of your license, you may purchase them from the County Recorder. The cost is $13 per copy. Also I can order one or more copies for you at the time I file the license.
Do you require premarital counseling?
No, but I do offer it. Some couples feel that premarital or -marital counseling is important to them. I am available for everyone whose lives I am blessed to touch. There is a fee for this service.
How do you feel about rehearsals? Will you preside over the rehearsal?
I feel that a wedding rehearsal is good. It gives the wedding party a degree of comfort, and they feel more confident about their participation. The wedding rehearsal takes a lot of pressure off the bride and groom, so they can more fully enjoy their wedding day. Yes, if needed, I am happy to participate in the rehearsal. We have much experience in this area and are able to lend assistance and credibility.
May our photographer and/or videographer photo during the ceremony?
Absolutely! It is very important to capture these magical moments on video or in photos. I strongly urge all photographers and videographers to take as many pictures as they wish during the ceremony.
May I ask, how much is your fee?
My fee is determined after our free consultation. But fees do vary according to the circumstances and requirements of the individual couple. I do whatever is right for you, and I perform the ceremony at the location of your choice. If I am required to travel a distance or incur overnight lodging, of course the fee is greater. This is also true should you wish a wedding rehearsal. But, there is plenty of time to talk about that. Be sure to check availability.
I still have unanswered questions. Will you please answer them for me?
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