Access Berkeley Marriage Records

Berkeley marriage records are handled by Alameda County. The city is in western Alameda County with about 124,000 people. All marriage licenses come from the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office in Oakland. The main office is at 1106 Madison Street on the first floor. Berkeley residents can also use the satellite office in Dublin for limited services, but most marriage services are at the Oakland location. The office serves all of Alameda County, which includes 14 cities and over 1.6 million people. You apply for a license in Oakland even if you live in Berkeley or plan to have your ceremony in Berkeley.

Alameda County Clerk Office

The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder is in Oakland at 1106 Madison Street. This is near Lake Merritt BART station, so you can reach it by public transit from Berkeley. Both people must appear in person to get a marriage license. You cannot send someone on your behalf. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Recording services close at 4:30 PM, so plan to arrive early if you need same-day service.

Before you visit, you can fill out an online application at auditor.alamedacountyca.gov. The online form must be completed in person within 30 days of starting it. This saves time when you arrive at the office. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. If you were married before, you may need to show proof that the previous marriage ended. Check with the office if you are not sure what documents to bring.

Parking near the Oakland office can be limited. There are metered spots on the street. Arrive early to find parking. The office gets busy between noon and 2:00 PM, so avoid that time if you want faster service. You can pay by check, money order, or traveler's check. Credit and debit cards are accepted with a 2.3% transaction fee in person or a $2.00 convenience fee per order online. Same-day marriage license and ceremony is possible if you book an express ceremony appointment.

Marriage License Types

Alameda County offers public and confidential marriage licenses. A public marriage license is the standard option. After the county records it, anyone can request a copy of the certificate. You need at least one witness at your ceremony. The witness must sign the license along with the officiant and both spouses. You can have up to two witnesses. 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. No witnesses are needed 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. No blood tests are required. After your ceremony, the person who performed the marriage must return the signed license to the county within 10 days. Check with the clerk for current license fees. As of January 2026, certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 each due to a state fee increase from Assembly Bill 64.

Civil Ceremonies and Marriage Certificates

Alameda County offers civil ceremonies at the Oakland office by appointment only. You can book an express marriage ceremony at the same time you apply for your license. The ceremony fee is separate from the license fee. Check the fee schedule on the county website for current rates. The office allows up to 25 guests in the building for ceremonies. Alameda County also has a Volunteer Deputy Marriage Commissioner program if you want a friend or family member to perform your ceremony.

Marriage certificates prove your marriage is recorded with the 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. Mail orders take approximately two to three weeks from receipt, plus up to seven additional days for delivery. Written applications must be notarized for authorized copies. International requests must be notarized at a US Embassy.

You can request certificates in person at the Oakland office. Walk in during business hours with valid photo ID. Staff will look up the record and process your request while you wait if the record is available. Online orders go through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Select Alameda County and choose an authorized copy for a certified certificate. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the county fee. Processing usually takes a few weeks.

Note: Confidential marriage certificates are only available to the married parties or by court order.

California Marriage Requirements

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 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.

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. Both people must appear in person before the county clerk to get the license. You cannot send someone on your behalf. This is required by California Family Code Section 359.

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. 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.

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.

Resources for Berkeley Couples

Alameda County provides detailed information at auditor.alamedacountyca.gov. The website has details on fees, online applications, and in-person services. You can also call the office at (510) 272-6362 or toll-free at (888) 280-7708 to ask questions. Virtual marriage services are available via video conference if both parties are physically in California. 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. Many lawyers in the Berkeley area practice family law and offer a first meeting at a reduced cost. Legal aid organizations may provide free services to people with low income. Check for local legal aid groups in Alameda County if you qualify.

Alameda County Marriage Records

Berkeley is in Alameda County, where the Clerk-Recorder handles all marriage licenses and certificates. The county serves over 1.6 million residents across 14 cities. For complete information on county fees, online applications, civil ceremonies, satellite office services, and additional resources, visit the Alameda County marriage records page.

View Alameda County Marriage Records