Planning to tie the knot in Santa Ana, 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. Unlike public marriage licenses, which are part of the public record, confidential licenses keep your marriage details private. To qualify, both parties must be at least 18 years old and living together as spouses at the time of application. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/chsi/cdph%20document%20library/chsi-californiamarriagelicenseregistrationandceremonyinfo-2017.pdf?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 Witness Requirement: Unlike public licenses, confidential licenses do not require a witness signature during the ceremony. ([ocrecorder.com](https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services?utm_source=openai))
• Statewide Validity: You can obtain the license in any California county and have the ceremony anywhere within the state. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/chsi/cdph%20document%20library/chsi-californiamarriagelicenseregistrationandceremonyinfo-2017.pdf?utm_source=openai))

How to Obtain a Confidential Marriage License in Santa Ana

To apply for a confidential marriage license in Santa Ana, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Application: Both parties must complete the marriage license application online prior to visiting the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. ([ocrecorder.com](https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services?utm_source=openai))
2. Schedule an Appointment: Appointments are highly recommended and have priority. Walk-in service is on a first-come, first-served basis. ([ocrecorder.com](https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services?utm_source=openai))
3. Visit the Clerk-Recorder’s Office: Both parties must appear together at one of the following locations:
   • Old Orange County Courthouse: 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
   • North County Branch Office: 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 110A, Anaheim, CA 92805
   • South County Branch Office: 24031 El Toro Rd., Ste. 150, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

   ([ocrecorder.com](https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services?utm_source=openai))

4. Provide Identification: Present valid government-issued photo identification for both parties.
5. Pay the Fee: The fee for a confidential marriage license is $66. ([ocrecorder.com](https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services?utm_source=openai))

After the Ceremony: Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate

Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant will return the signed license to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office for recording. To obtain a certified copy of your confidential marriage certificate:

• In Person: Visit the Clerk-Recorder’s Office with valid identification. ([ocrecorder.com](https://ocrecorder.com/services/vital-records?utm_source=openai))
• By Mail: Complete a notarized application and mail it to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. ([ocrecorder.com](https://ocrecorder.com/services/vital-records?utm_source=openai))

Only the married couple can request copies of a confidential marriage certificate. ([ocrecorder.zendesk.com](https://ocrecorder.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/21191611883163-How-can-I-get-a-copy-of-a-confidential-marriage-record?utm_source=openai))

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we apply for a confidential marriage license if we haven’t lived together?

No, both parties must be living together as spouses at the time of application. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/chsi/cdph%20document%20library/chsi-californiamarriagelicenseregistrationandceremonyinfo-2017.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Is a blood test required to obtain a marriage license in California?

No, California does not require a blood test for marriage licenses. ([santa-ana.org](https://www.santa-ana.org/question/how-do-i-get-a-marriage-license-2/?utm_source=openai))

How long is the marriage license valid?

The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. ([santa-ana.org](https://www.santa-ana.org/question/how-do-i-get-a-marriage-license-2/?utm_source=openai))

Can we have our ceremony outside of Orange County?

Yes, you can have your ceremony anywhere in California, regardless of where you obtained your license. ([cdph.ca.gov](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/chsi/cdph%20document%20library/chsi-californiamarriagelicenseregistrationandceremonyinfo-2017.pdf?utm_source=openai))

How do we obtain a certified copy of our confidential marriage certificate?

Only the married couple can request a certified copy by visiting the Clerk-Recorder’s Office in person with valid identification or by mailing a notarized application. ([ocrecorder.com](https://ocrecorder.com/services/vital-records?utm_source=openai))

For more information or assistance with obtaining a confidential marriage license in Santa Ana, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make your special day as smooth and private as possible.