california court marriage records: how to find and request them

Where these records live

In California, marriage licenses and certificates are usually held by the county clerk-recorder that issued them, not the Superior Court. However, courts may reference a marriage in probate, name-change, or dissolution files, so a court search can still be useful.

Access rules

Most marriage records are public, but confidential marriages are restricted to the spouses or by court order. Certified copies come in two types: authorized (for legal purposes) and informational (marked as such). Fees and ID requirements vary by county.

How to request copies

1. Identify the county where the license was issued and note approximate dates.
2. Search the clerk-recorder or court index by names; confirm book/page or instrument number.
3. Submit the application, include sworn statement if needed, and pay the fee.
4. Choose pickup, mail, or e-copy if offered; expect processing times.

Research tips

Try variant spellings, middle initials, and prior names. For records before 1905, check county archives. If you only have a court case, use the docket to trace the county of issuance and then order the certificate.