Antioch Marriage Records
Antioch marriage records are handled by Contra Costa County. The city is in eastern Contra Costa County with over 115,000 residents. All marriage licenses for Antioch come from the County Clerk office in Martinez. The office is about 20 miles west of Antioch. Both people must appear in person at the Martinez location to get a license. Online applications are available to save time when you arrive. Antioch residents follow the same process as all other Contra Costa County residents for getting marriage licenses and certificates.
Antioch Quick Facts
Where to Apply in Contra Costa
The Contra Costa County Clerk office is in Martinez at 555 Escobar Street. This is the only location that issues marriage licenses for the entire county, including Antioch. You cannot get a license from any other office in the county. Both people must go together to apply. No one can apply on your behalf. You need valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Before you drive to Martinez, fill out the online application at contracostavote.gov. This step is not required but it saves time. The online form asks for basic information about both people. When you arrive, staff will use this information to prepare your license. You can also fill out a paper application at the office if you prefer. Bring any documents you need, such as proof that a previous marriage ended if you were married before.
| Office | Contra Costa County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 555 Escobar Street Martinez, CA 94553 |
| Phone | (925) 335-7900 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | contracostavote.gov |
The office accepts credit and debit cards for payment, but there is an additional service fee for card transactions. You can pay by cash or check to avoid the extra charge. Once you have your license, it is valid for 90 days. You can marry anywhere in California during that time. After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage must return the signed license to the county within 10 days so it can be recorded.
Public and Confidential Options
Contra Costa County offers two types of marriage licenses. A public marriage license is the standard choice for most couples. After the county records it, the marriage becomes public record. Anyone can request a copy of the certificate. You need at least one witness at your ceremony to sign the license. You can have up to two witnesses. The witness must be old enough to understand what a marriage is and able to sign their name.
A confidential marriage license keeps your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies of the certificate unless a court orders it released. To get a confidential license, both people must be at least 18 years old and living together as spouses when you apply. You must sign a statement saying this is true. No witnesses are required for a confidential ceremony. The license is kept separate from public records and is not open to inspection by the general public.
Both types of licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period in California. You can marry the same day you get the license if you are ready. No blood tests are needed. The fees for public and confidential licenses may differ. Check with the county clerk for current fees. As of January 2026, certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 due to a state fee increase from Assembly Bill 64.
Marriage Certificates for Antioch Residents
Marriage certificates prove your marriage is recorded with Contra Costa County. You do not get a certificate automatically. You must request and pay for certified copies after the county records your license. Wait at least 10 business days after your ceremony before requesting a certificate. The county needs time to process the license after the officiant returns it.
You can request certificates in person at the Martinez office. Bring valid photo ID and be ready to provide the names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage. Staff will look up the record and process your request while you wait if the record is available. You can also order by mail. Send a completed application with a check or money order to the Martinez address. Do not send cash. Include a return address so the county can mail the certificate to you.
Online orders are available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Select Contra Costa County and choose the authorized copy option for a certified certificate. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the county fee. Processing usually takes a few weeks. This is a good option if you do not need the certificate right away. For faster service, visit the office in person or call ahead to confirm the record is ready.
Note: Certified copies are needed for legal purposes like changing your name on a driver's license or passport.
California Marriage Law
California sets legal 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 legal guardian. You cannot be married to anyone else when you apply. California does not allow proxy marriages except for military members deployed overseas in active conflict. This requires a power of attorney under California Family Code Section 420.
Both people must appear together in person before the county clerk to get a license. You cannot send someone on your behalf. This requirement is in California Family Code Section 359. The license must be presented to the person who will perform your marriage. After the ceremony, 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 have delays getting your certificate.
The person who performs your marriage must be authorized under California law. Judges, priests, ministers, rabbis, 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. Some counties offer a Deputy Commissioner for a Day program where you can appoint a friend or family member to perform your ceremony. Check with the county clerk to see if this option is available in Contra Costa County.
You can change your name through marriage in California. Enter the new name on your license application. A certified copy of the marriage certificate with the new name serves as legal proof of the name change. You do not need a separate court order. This is allowed under Family Code Section 306.5. One or both spouses can change their middle or last name this way. The certificate must show the new name for it to be valid proof of the change.
Resources for Antioch Couples
Contra Costa County provides information on the county website. Visit contracostavote.gov to find details on fees, office hours, and the application process. The website has links to the online application and information on civil ceremonies. You can also call the office at (925) 335-7900 to ask questions about the license process.
If you need legal advice about marriage or questions the county cannot answer, talk to a lawyer. County staff can help with the application process but cannot provide legal advice. They cannot tell you how to answer legal questions on the forms or advise you on prenuptial agreements. The California State Bar offers a referral service at 1-800-392-5660 if you need to find an attorney in the Antioch area.
Contra Costa County Marriage Records
Antioch is in Contra Costa County, where the County Clerk handles all marriage licenses and certificates. The county serves over 1.1 million residents across 19 cities. For complete information on county fees, civil ceremonies, online applications, and additional resources, visit the Contra Costa County marriage records page.