Online Ordination in California

No Registration Required

California recognizes online ordinations and does not require ministers to register with the government before performing marriages. Ordained ministers simply present their credentials to the County Clerk's office.

California Family Code § 400–402

Registration

No Registration Required

Marriage License

Marriage licenses are issued by any County Clerk's office. Both parties must appear in person. There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 90 days.

Key Requirements

  • Proof of ordination
  • Complete the marriage license and return it to the County Clerk within 10 days
  • +1 more

Who Can Officiate

  • Ordained ministers of any denomination
  • Priests, rabbis, or other clergy
  • +2 more

Get Ordained — $20

Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in California.

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California Counties(58)

Select a county below to see local officiant requirements, marriage license info, and clerk contact details.

Alameda CountyAlpine CountyAmador CountyButte CountyCalaveras CountyColusa CountyContra Costa CountyDel Norte CountyEl Dorado CountyFresno CountyGlenn CountyHumboldt CountyImperial CountyInyo CountyKern CountyKings CountyLake CountyLassen CountyLos Angeles CountyMadera CountyMarin CountyMariposa CountyMendocino CountyMerced CountyModoc CountyMono CountyMonterey CountyNapa CountyNevada CountyOrange CountyPlacer CountyPlumas CountyRiverside CountySacramento CountySan Benito CountySan Bernardino CountySan Diego CountySan Francisco CountySan Joaquin CountySan Luis Obispo CountySan Mateo CountySanta Barbara CountySanta Clara CountySanta Cruz CountyShasta CountySierra CountySiskiyou CountySolano CountySonoma CountyStanislaus CountySutter CountyTehama CountyTrinity CountyTulare CountyTuolumne CountyVentura CountyYolo CountyYuba County

Disclaimer: Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office where the wedding will take place before officiating any ceremony.

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