Planning to tie the knot in Pasadena, California, and considering a confidential marriage license? You’re in the right place! Let’s explore what a confidential marriage license is, its benefits, and how you can obtain one in Pasadena.
What Is a Confidential Marriage License?
A confidential marriage license is a unique option available in California that keeps your marriage record private. Unlike a public marriage license, which becomes part of the public record, a confidential license is accessible only to the married couple or by court order. This means your marriage details remain discreet and are not open for public inspection. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Benefits of Choosing a Confidential Marriage License
- Privacy: Your marriage record is not accessible to the public, ensuring your personal information remains confidential.
- No Witnesses Required: Unlike public licenses that require at least one witness during the ceremony, confidential licenses do not require any witnesses. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- Flexibility: You can obtain the license in any California county and get married anywhere within the state. However, the license must be filed in the county where it was purchased. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a confidential marriage license in California, you must meet the following criteria:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Minors are not eligible for a confidential marriage license. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- The couple must be living together as spouses at the time of applying for the license and must sign an affidavit attesting to this fact. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Obtaining a Confidential Marriage License in Pasadena
While the City of Pasadena does not issue marriage licenses directly, you can obtain a confidential marriage license through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office. Here’s how:
- Complete the Application: Fill out the confidential marriage license application online or in person. ([rrcc.lacounty.gov](https://rrcc.lacounty.gov/RECORDER/PDFS/confMarriageApp.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Visit a County Clerk Office: Both parties must appear together at one of the Los Angeles County Clerk’s offices with valid photo identification. ([rrcc.lacounty.gov](https://rrcc.lacounty.gov/RECORDER/PDFS/confMarriageApp.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Pay the Fee: As of the latest information, the fee for a confidential marriage license is $85. ([rrcc.lacounty.gov](https://rrcc.lacounty.gov/RECORDER/PDFS/confMarriageApp.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Receive Your License: Once issued, the confidential marriage license is valid for 90 days. ([rrcc.lacounty.gov](https://rrcc.lacounty.gov/RECORDER/PDFS/confMarriageApp.pdf?utm_source=openai))
After the Ceremony: Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, the officiant will return the completed license to the County Clerk’s office for registration. To obtain a certified copy of your confidential marriage certificate:
- Only the married couple can request copies. You’ll need to present valid photo identification and pay the required fee. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s website. ([lavote.gov](https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder/marriage-records/marriage-records-request/online-request?utm_source=openai))
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we get married in Pasadena if we obtain our confidential marriage license from Los Angeles County?
A: Yes, you can get married anywhere in California with a confidential marriage license obtained from any California county. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Q: Do we need to bring a witness to our ceremony?
A: No, confidential marriage licenses do not require witnesses during the ceremony. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Q: How long is the confidential marriage license valid?
A: The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. ([rrcc.lacounty.gov](https://rrcc.lacounty.gov/RECORDER/PDFS/confMarriageApp.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Q: Can anyone else access our confidential marriage record?
A: No, only the married couple can access the confidential marriage record unless a court order is provided. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Q: What if we need a copy of our marriage certificate later?
A: You can request a certified copy from the Los Angeles County Clerk’s office by providing valid identification and paying the applicable fee. ([lavote.gov](https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder/marriage-records/marriage-records-request/online-request?utm_source=openai))
For more detailed information or assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make your marriage process in Pasadena as smooth and private as possible.
