Bakersfield Marriage Records Search
Marriage records for Bakersfield are kept by Kern County. Bakersfield is the county seat and largest city in Kern County with about 403,000 people. The Kern County Assessor-Recorder office handles all marriage licenses and certificates. The office is in downtown Bakersfield at the Hall of Records on 1655 Chester Avenue. Couples who live in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County get their marriage licenses from this location. The office also keeps records of all marriages that took place in the county going back many years.
Bakersfield Quick Facts
Hall of Records in Bakersfield
The Hall of Records in Bakersfield is where you go for marriage licenses in Kern County. The Assessor-Recorder office is on the first floor at 1655 Chester Avenue. Both people must appear in person to apply for a license. You need valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours may vary, so call ahead at (661) 868-3588 to confirm when you can visit.
Bring any documents you need if you were married before. Some couples must show proof that a previous marriage ended. This could be a divorce decree or death certificate. If your documents are not in English, bring a certified translation. The office cannot accept documents in other languages without a translation. County staff can answer questions about the application process but cannot give legal advice. They cannot tell you how to answer legal questions on the forms.
| Office | Kern County Assessor-Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 1655 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
| Phone | (661) 868-3588 |
| Website | kerncounty.com |
Your license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. You can marry anywhere in California during that time. There is no waiting period. You can marry the same day you get the license. After your ceremony, the person who performed the marriage must return the signed license to the county within 10 days. The county then records it and you can request certified copies of the marriage certificate.
Public vs Confidential Marriage
California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public marriage license is what most couples get. 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 the ceremony. The witness must sign the license along with the officiant and both spouses. You can have up to two witnesses if you want. Public marriage records are open to the public under California law.
A confidential marriage license keeps your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies unless a court orders the record released. To qualify, both people must be at least 18 and living together as spouses when you apply. You must sign a statement confirming this is true. No witnesses are needed for a confidential ceremony. The license is kept separate from public records. Confidential marriage records are not open to inspection by the general public.
Check with the Kern County office for current fees for each type of license. Fees can change from time to time. As of January 2026, certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 each. This fee increased by $2 due to Assembly Bill 64, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The same fee applies to all counties in California. You can order online through VitalChek or in person at the Hall of Records in Bakersfield.
Getting Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates prove your marriage is recorded with Kern County. You do not get a certificate automatically after the ceremony. You must request and pay for certified copies. 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 to the Hall of Records.
You can request certificates in person at the Bakersfield office. Walk in during business hours with valid photo ID. 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. If the record is not yet recorded, you will need to come back after it has been processed by the county.
Mail orders are accepted. Send a completed application with a check or money order to the Bakersfield address. Do not send cash by mail. Include a return address so the county can mail the certificate to you. Processing by mail usually takes a few weeks. Online orders go through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Select Kern County and choose an authorized copy for a certified certificate. VitalChek adds a service fee to the county fee. Processing by VitalChek usually takes three to four weeks.
Note: Certified copies are needed for changing your name on legal documents like a driver's license or Social Security card.
Marriage Requirements in California
California law sets the rules for who can marry. 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. 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 active 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. You must get a license from the county clerk and have the marriage solemnized by an authorized person. The license becomes a certificate after the county records it. Both people must appear in person before the county clerk to get the license. You cannot send someone on your behalf.
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. 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.
California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 sets rules for who can get certified copies of marriage records. For public marriage records, the spouses, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, law enforcement, government agencies, and attorneys can get authorized copies. These are certified copies that can be used to establish identity. Anyone can get an informational copy of a public marriage record, but it is marked as restricted use and cannot be used for legal identity purposes. For confidential marriage records, only the spouses or someone with a court order can get copies.
Resources for Bakersfield Couples
Kern County provides information on marriage licenses and certificates at kerncounty.com. The website has details on fees, requirements, and how to order copies. You can also call the office at (661) 868-3588 to ask questions about the process. County staff can help with procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.
If you need legal help with marriage issues or questions the county cannot answer, talk to a lawyer. The California State Bar has a referral service at 1-800-392-5660. You can also look for attorneys in the Bakersfield area who practice family law. Many lawyers offer a first meeting at a reduced cost. Some legal aid groups provide free help to people with low income. Check for local legal aid organizations in Kern County if you qualify for free services.
Kern County Marriage Records
Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County, where the Assessor-Recorder handles all marriage licenses and certificates. The county serves over 900,000 residents across multiple cities and unincorporated areas. For complete information on county fees, office hours, vital records services, and additional resources, visit the Kern County marriage records page.