Getting married is one of the most important and exciting milestones in anyone's life. However, before you can say "I do," you need to obtain a marriage license. In Santa Clara County, California, there are certain requirements you must meet before you can apply for a marriage license. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Santa Clara County marriage license requirements and what you need to do to get a license.
Who Can Get Married in Santa Clara County?
In Santa Clara County, two people who are at least 18 years old and not closely related by blood or marriage can get married. If one or both parties are under 18, they must obtain parental consent and a court order before they can get married. Same-sex couples can also get married in Santa Clara County, as same-sex marriage is legal in California.
What Documents Do You Need?
When applying for a marriage license in Santa Clara County, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver's license, passport, or military ID).
- Proof of age (e.g. birth certificate, driver's license, or passport).
- Divorce decree or death certificate if you were previously married.
You must also provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either of these, you will need to sign an affidavit stating that you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN.
Where Do You Apply for a Marriage License?
You can apply for a marriage license at any of the three Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder's offices. The offices are located in San Jose, Los Gatos, and Gilroy. You can apply for a license up to 90 days before your wedding date, but you must get married within 90 days of the date the license was issued.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fee for a marriage license in Santa Clara County is $100. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. If you want a certified copy of the marriage license, there is an additional fee of $15 per copy.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application and pay the fee, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the license is issued. This waiting period can be waived if you obtain a court order from a Superior Court Judge. Once the license is issued, it is valid for 90 days. You can get married anywhere in California with a Santa Clara County marriage license.
Conclusion
Getting a marriage license in Santa Clara County is a relatively straightforward process as long as you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to contact the Clerk-Recorder's office for assistance. Once you have your license, you can start planning your dream wedding and look forward to a lifetime of love and happiness.