Search Anaheim Marriage Records

Marriage records for Anaheim are kept by Orange County. The city has about 346,000 people and is the largest city in Orange County. All marriage licenses come from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. The main office is in Santa Ana at 601 North Ross Street. You can apply for a license by walk-in or appointment. Anaheim couples have the same access to marriage services as all other Orange County residents. Online applications are required before your visit, whether you walk in or book an appointment ahead of time.

Orange County Clerk Office

Orange County handles all marriage licenses for Anaheim residents. The Clerk-Recorder office is in Santa Ana. You go to this office to apply for a license, whether you live in Anaheim or any other Orange County city. Both people must appear in person. The office accepts walk-ins but appointments are recommended. You can book an appointment online through the county website.

Before you visit, complete the online marriage application at ocrecorder.com. This step is required for all couples. The application saves your basic information so the office can process your license faster when you arrive. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. There are no citizenship or residency requirements. Couples from other states or countries can get a license in Orange County.

The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. You can use it to marry anywhere in California during those 90 days. There is no waiting period in California. You can marry the same day you get the license if you have an officiant ready. No blood tests are required. After your ceremony, the person who performs the marriage must return the signed license to the county within 10 days. The county then records it and you can request certified copies.

License Types in Orange County

California offers two types of marriage licenses. The public marriage license is the standard type. After it is recorded, anyone can request a copy of the certificate. You need at least one witness at the ceremony. The witness signs the license along with the officiant and both parties. A second witness is optional. Public licenses become part of the public record once the county processes them.

Confidential marriage licenses keep your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies unless a court orders the record released. To qualify for a confidential license, both people must be at least 18 and living together as spouses when you apply. You must sign an affidavit stating this is true. No witnesses are needed for a confidential ceremony. Confidential licenses are kept separate from public records and are not available to the general public.

Both license types cost the same in Orange County. Check the county website or call the office for current fees. Fees can change, so confirm the amount before you visit. As of January 2026, certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 each due to a state fee increase under Assembly Bill 64. This fee applies to all counties in California.

Marriage Certificates for Anaheim

Marriage certificates are proof that your marriage is recorded with the county. The certificate is created after the officiant returns the signed license to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. This usually happens within 10 days of the ceremony. Once recorded, you can request certified copies. You do not get an automatic copy. You must request and pay for each copy you need.

You can get certificates in person at the Santa Ana office. Walk in during business hours with valid photo ID. Staff will look up your record and process your request while you wait if the record is available. If the record is not yet recorded, you will need to come back after it has been processed. You can also order by mail. Send a completed application with a check or money order to the Santa Ana address. Do not send cash. Include your contact information so the county can reach you if there are any issues.

Online orders are available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Select Orange County Clerk-Recorder and choose an authorized copy for a certified certificate. VitalChek adds a service fee to the county fee. Processing by VitalChek usually takes a few weeks. This option works if you do not need the certificate right away. For faster service, visit the office in person in Santa Ana.

Note: Certified copies are needed for legal purposes like name changes or applying for benefits.

Marriage Requirements in California

California law sets the rules for marriage. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Minors under 18 can marry only with a court order and written consent from a parent or guardian. The court may also require premarital counseling for minors. You cannot be married to anyone else when you apply for a new license. California does not allow proxy marriages except for military members deployed overseas in a war or conflict. This requires a power of attorney.

Under California Family Code Section 300, marriage is a personal relation arising from a civil contract between two persons. Consent alone does not make a marriage. You must get a license and have the marriage solemnized by an authorized person. The license is issued by the county clerk. After the ceremony, it becomes a certificate when the county records it.

The person who performs your marriage must be authorized under California law. Priests, ministers, rabbis, judges, and certain other officials can solemnize marriages. Out-of-state clergy can perform marriages in California if they meet the requirements in Family Code Section 400. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the county within 10 days. If the license is not returned on time, the marriage is still valid but you may face delays getting your certificate.

You can change your name through marriage under California law. Enter the new name on your license application. A certified copy of the marriage certificate with the new name is legal proof of the name change. You do not need a separate court order. This is part of the Name Equality Act provisions in Family Code Section 306.5. One or both spouses can change their middle or last name this way.

Resources for Anaheim Couples

Orange County provides information and forms on the county website. Visit ocrecorder.com to find details on licenses, fees, and office hours. The website also has links to the online application and appointment booking system. You can download forms if you prefer to complete them before your visit. County staff can answer basic procedural questions by phone at (714) 834-2500.

If you need legal advice about your marriage or questions the county staff cannot answer, talk to a lawyer. County employees cannot provide legal advice. They can help with the license application process but cannot advise you on legal matters like prenuptial agreements or name change options. The California State Bar offers a referral service at 1-800-392-5660 if you need to find an attorney in the Anaheim area.

Orange County Marriage Records

Anaheim is in Orange County, where the County Clerk-Recorder handles all marriage licenses and certificates. The county serves over 3 million residents across 34 cities. For complete information on fees, office locations, online applications, and additional resources, visit the Orange County marriage records page.

View Orange County Marriage Records