Planning to tie the knot in Cerritos, California, and considering a confidential marriage license? Let’s explore what it entails and how you can obtain one.
What Is a Confidential Marriage License?
A confidential marriage license in California is a private record, accessible only to the married couple or by court order. Unlike public marriage licenses, confidential ones are not part of the public record, offering an extra layer of privacy. To qualify, both parties must be at least 18 years old and living together as spouses at the time of application. No witnesses are required during the ceremony, and the license must be filed in the county where it was issued. ([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 Cerritos
While Cerritos doesn’t issue marriage licenses directly, residents can obtain one through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office. Here’s how:
1. Application Process
Start by completing the application for a confidential marriage license. Both parties must appear together at the County Clerk’s office to sign the application and provide valid photo identification. ([lavote.gov](https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder/marriage-records/marriage-records-request/inperson-request?utm_source=openai))
2. Fees and Payment
The fee for a confidential marriage license is $19. Payments can be made via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Note that credit/debit transactions may include a service fee. ([lavote.gov](https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder/marriage-records/marriage-records-request/inperson-request?utm_source=openai))
3. Ceremony and Filing
Once you have your confidential marriage license, you can have your ceremony anywhere in California. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the County Clerk’s office for registration. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Benefits of a Confidential Marriage License
- Privacy: Your marriage record is not accessible to the public, ensuring your personal information remains confidential.
- No Witnesses Required: Simplifies the ceremony process, as no witnesses are needed.
- Flexibility: You can have your ceremony anywhere in California, not just in the county where you obtained the license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we obtain a confidential marriage license if we don’t live together?
No, both parties must be living together as spouses at the time of application to qualify for a confidential marriage license. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
How do we obtain a copy of our confidential marriage certificate?
Only the married couple can request copies of a confidential marriage certificate by presenting valid photo identification and paying the required fee at the County Clerk’s office. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Is a confidential marriage license valid outside of California?
Yes, a confidential marriage license issued in California is legally recognized throughout the United States.
Can minors obtain a confidential marriage license?
No, both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a confidential marriage license. Minors are not eligible. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Do we need to have our ceremony in Los Angeles County?
No, you can have your ceremony anywhere in California, regardless of where you obtained your confidential marriage license. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Types-of-Marriage-Licenses-.aspx?utm_source=openai))
For more information or assistance with obtaining a confidential marriage license in Cerritos, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make your special day as smooth and private as possible.
