California and Nevada Marriage License Information
You can obtain a California or Nevada marriage license directly from any county clerk’s office located within the state you wish to be married in. If you plan on getting married in the South Lake Tahoe area, keep in mind that it borders both California and Nevada. Therefore, dependent upon your wedding venue, the appropriate marriage license is required.
California Marriage License
For a California wedding, the bride and groom can obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office situated within California prior to the ceremony. The county clerk will have two different types of licenses available. You will have the choice of purchasing either a confidential marriage license or a public marriage license. Irrespective of the county of issuance or the type of license purchased, both documents allow for the wedding to be performed and legally consummated in any county within the State of California.
Since there are two different types of marriage licenses from which you can choose, either a public license or a confidential license, it would be prudent to learn the differences between the two before making a decision. Whichever choice you make, take note that the confidential marriage license is just as legally binding as a public one.
Marriage License Cost
The cost of the confidential or public marriage license when purchased from the county clerk could range upwards to $125 or more. This cost will vary depending on which county you purchase the license from. Both confidential marriage licenses and public marriage licenses have a 90 day expiration. Both bride and groom must be present with proper photo identification at the time of license purchase. Be sure to make an appointment in advance if the county clerk requires it.
Witnesses and Blood Tests
If you purchase a public license, you will need one witness at the time of the ceremony. The confidential license doesn’t require any. California does not require blood tests and there is no waiting period.
Additional Information Regarding a California Marriage License
When obtaining your marriage license, you will need to know specific information such as your parent’s names, places of their birth, and your mothers’ maiden name. If you’ve had a divorce within 90 days of your wedding date, you may need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree.
After your ceremony, the officiant who conducted the service is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the County Clerk Recorder’s Office from which it was issued. Once your marriage license has been recorded, you may then request a certified copy from the county of origin.
Nevada Marriage License
For a Nevada wedding, the couple must obtain the marriage license directly from the county clerk’s office within the state. The approximate cost is $95, but this will vary by county. Nevada marriage licenses have a one year expiration. Regardless of which county you obtain the license from, the ceremony can be performed anywhere in the State of Nevada. Only one witness is required.
Verify Individual County License Requirements
Be aware that marriage license requirements, in both California and Nevada, will vary from county to county and often change. The above information is for guidance only. It is important that you verify all information with the county clerk directly.
Below are the local county clerk office locations and business hours for El Dorado County and Douglas County, both of which are located near the South Lake Tahoe area.
California
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk’s Office
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 621-5490 (Placerville office)
(Days and hours of operation are limited in the South Lake Tahoe office. Call to schedule an appointment.)
Nevada
Douglas County Administration Building
175 Highway 50
Stateline, NV 89449
(775) 586-7270 (Stateline office)
(775) 782-9014 (Gardnerville office)
Monday – Friday
9am to 5pm
(Hours may vary. Call to schedule an appointment.)