Burbank Marriage Records
Burbank marriage records are handled by Los Angeles County. The city has about 107,000 residents and is in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County. All marriage licenses come from the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Los Angeles County has seven branch offices where you can apply. The closest branch to Burbank is in Van Nuys at a location serving the San Fernando Valley. You can also go to any other county branch that fits your schedule. Marriage records are kept by the county, not by the city of Burbank. You apply for a license at a county office even if you plan to have your ceremony in Burbank.
Burbank Quick Facts
Los Angeles County Branch Offices
Los Angeles County has seven locations where you can get a marriage license. Burbank residents often use the Van Nuys branch since it serves the San Fernando Valley. All branches offer the same service. You can go to any location. Before you visit, fill out an online application at lavote.gov. This is required for all couples. The online form stays on file for 90 days.
Both people must appear in person at the office together. You cannot get a license if only one person shows up. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. No appointment is needed for a license, but appointments are required if you want an express ceremony at the office on the same day. The Van Nuys office is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Processing your license takes about one hour at the window.
| Office | Los Angeles County RR/CC - Van Nuys Branch |
|---|---|
| Phone | (800) 201-8999 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | lavote.gov |
If you arrive after 3:30 PM, you will need to pick up your license the next business day. Plan to arrive early for same-day service. Express marriage ceremonies are available by appointment at all seven branches. The appointment is set for 45 minutes for license processing and the ceremony. The ceremony fee is $25. You need one witness for a public license. The office can provide a witness for $20 if you do not bring your own.
Public and Confidential Licenses
California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public marriage license costs $91 in Los Angeles County. Once recorded, it becomes a public record. Anyone can request a copy. You need at least one witness at your ceremony. The witness must be old enough to understand they are watching a marriage and able to sign their name. Up to two witnesses can sign a public license.
A confidential marriage license costs $85 in Los Angeles County. This type keeps your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies unless a court orders the record released. No witnesses are required. To qualify, both people must be at least 18 and living together as spouses when you apply. You must sign a statement saying you meet this requirement. Both license types are valid for 90 days from the date they are issued.
After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage must return the license to the county within 10 days. The county then records it and the license becomes a certificate. You do not automatically get a copy. You must request and pay for certified copies if you need them. Copies cost $19 each as of January 2026 due to a fee increase from Assembly Bill 64.
Getting Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates are proof that your marriage is recorded. You get them from Los Angeles County after the officiant returns your signed license. Wait at least 10 business days after your ceremony before requesting a certificate. The county needs time to process and record the license. In-person requests are processed at the Norwalk office only. The Norwalk location is at 12400 Imperial Highway. This is the main office where marriage records are kept.
You can walk in during business hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Bring valid photo ID. Staff will process your request while you wait if the record is available. Online orders go through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Select Los Angeles County and choose an authorized copy for a certified certificate. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the county fee. Processing takes about three to four weeks.
Mail requests require a completed application with your signature notarized if you want a certified copy. Send your request to the Norwalk address with a check or money order for $19. Do not send cash by mail. Processing by mail usually takes a few weeks. Branch offices like Van Nuys handle licenses, but only Norwalk has certificate records available for viewing and in-person requests.
Note: Fire victims in Los Angeles County can get free copies of marriage records to support recovery efforts.
Marriage Requirements in California
California law sets 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. California does not allow marriage by proxy except for military members stationed overseas in active conflict. This exception requires a power of attorney. No blood tests are needed.
You do not have to be a California resident to marry here. Couples from other states or countries can get a license and marry in Burbank or anywhere in the state. Under California Family Code Section 359, both people must appear together in person before the county clerk. You cannot send someone on your behalf. After the ceremony, your officiant must be authorized under Family Code Section 400.
Judges, priests, ministers, rabbis, and other clergy can solemnize marriages. Some counties have Deputy Commissioner programs where you can appoint a friend or family member to perform your ceremony for one day. Your marriage license becomes a certificate after the county records it. You can use it to change your name on other documents. Under Family Code Section 306.5, you can change your middle or last name by entering the new name on the license application.
County Resources for Burbank
Los Angeles County provides online tools at lavote.gov. The website has a FAQ page that answers common questions about licenses, ceremonies, and certificates. You can also find fee schedules and office locations. The phone line at (800) 201-8999 connects you with staff who can answer questions. If you need your documents translated, bring certified translations. All documents must be in English or come with a certified English translation.
Los Angeles County Marriage Records
Burbank is in Los Angeles County, where all marriage licenses and certificates are handled by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. The county serves over 88 cities with seven branch locations. For complete details on county fees, all office locations, online applications, and additional resources, visit the Los Angeles County marriage records page.