January 29, 2025

A bride and groom in wedding attire celebrate by opening a champagne bottle in a desert landscape at sunset.

California Elopement Laws: A Quick Guide to Getting Married

Getting married in California? Here’s your no-BS guide to California elopement laws—from licenses to witnesses to self-solemnization. Because eloping should be easy, not complicated.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, adventure-filled wedding day, California is an absolutely incredible place to elope. From serene beaches to epic mountain vistas and magical deserts, it’s got everything you could ask for. But before you pack your bags and head west, let’s make sure you’ve got all your legal details covered. Here’s what you need to know about eloping in California.

A bride and groom in wedding attire celebrate by opening a champagne bottle in a desert landscape at sunset.

Step 1: Getting a Marriage License in California

To get legally married in California, you’ll need a marriage license. Here’s the good news: California makes the process pretty straightforward.

  • No Waiting Period: You can get married the same day you receive your license—there’s no waiting period!
  • No Residency Requirement: You don’t have to live in California to get a marriage license here.
  • Where to Get It: Apply for your license at any California County Clerk’s office. Both you and your partner will need to appear in person with:
    • A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
    • Payment for the license fee (this varies by county but is typically $60-$100).

If either of you has been married before, you may need to bring proof of divorce or a death certificate for a previous spouse.

Tip: Check ahead of time to see what forms of payment the County Clerk’s office accepts so you come prepared with the correct forms of payment

Step 2: Choosing Your California Marriage License Type

California offers two types of marriage licenses:

  1. Public Marriage License:
    • This is the standard license.
    • Requires at least one witness.
    • Becomes part of the public record.
  2. Confidential Marriage License:
    • Available only to couples already living together.
    • No witness is required.
    • The record is kept private and accessible only by the couple.

*Important Notes About the Confidential Marriage License:

  • You must sign an affidavit stating that you live together.
  • The ceremony must take place in California, and the license must be filed in the county where it was purchased.

Step 3: Do You Need an Officiant for Your California Wedding Ceremony?

Yes, California requires an officiant to legally marry you—but you’ve got options:

  • Traditional officiants like ministers, rabbis, pastors, priests, reverends, or justices of the peace.
  • A friend or family member can get ordained online and perform your ceremony.
  • Self-Solemnization: It’s kinda rare, but California does allow self-solemnization in certain cases for members of religious societies that don’t have clergy. In this particular scenario, two witnesses are required to sign the marriage certificate.

Step 4: Do You Need a Permit for Your Ceremony Location?

Many of California’s iconic elopement spots—like national parks, state parks, and beaches—require permits for ceremonies. Some people might roll through life on an “easier to ask for forgiveness than permission” kind of philosophy, but that is not the approach to take with your wedding. Get the permit. Pay the fees. Follow the rules. Leave No Trace. Our support is needed to preserve our wonderful, wild outdoors more than ever right now. 

  • National Parks: Locations like Joshua Tree or Yosemite typically require a special use permit.
  • Beaches and Public Lands: Some locations charge fees for gatherings, even for elopements.
  • State Parks: Permits vary by park, so check with the local office.

Step 5: Witness Requirements for California Weddings

California requires at least one witness to sign your public marriage license (up to two can sign). For Self-Solemnization, two witness signatures are required. The only exception is the confidential marriage license, which doesn’t require witnesses.

A couple holds hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony in a rocky desert landscape. The bride and groom stand with an officiant, while two bridesmaids stand in the foreground holding hands.

Step 6: Timing Is Everything

Your marriage license is valid for 90 days. If you do not use and/or file your marriage certificate within that timeframe, you must reapply.

Bonus Tips for California Elopements

  • Self-Solemnization: California permits this under certain conditions for religious societies, but two witnesses are still required.
  • Elopement Planners: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a planner who specializes in California elopements to help with permits, locations, and day-of coordination.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect California Elopement

Getting married in California is simpler than it might seem, and the possibilities are endless. From golden beaches to towering redwoods, your dream elopement is waiting. I’m here to make it stress-free and capture every magical moment.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Let’s make your California elopement everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.

A bride and groom share a kiss in a desert landscape at sunset, with rock formations in the background.

More Resources:

Joshua Tree Elopement Guide

How to Plan an Elopement You’ll Love

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