El Monte Marriage Records

El Monte marriage records are processed through Los Angeles County. The registrar-recorder and county clerk office in Norwalk handles all marriage licenses and certificates for El Monte residents and everyone else in LA County. This is the largest county clerk operation in the United States. You can apply for a new marriage license at any LA County office location. The Norwalk office at 12400 Imperial Highway is about 10 miles south of El Monte. Both public and confidential licenses are available. Certified marriage certificates cost $19 per copy as of January 2026 following the Assembly Bill 64 fee increase.

How to Get a Marriage License in El Monte

Los Angeles County requires both parties to appear in person to get a marriage license. Start by filling out the online pre-application at lavote.gov. This form saves time when you visit the county office. Complete it shortly before your visit because it stays in the system for a limited time only.

Visit any Los Angeles County office with your partner. The main office is in Norwalk. Bring valid photo ID for both people. A California driver license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and issue date. Documents in other languages need certified English translations. County staff cannot provide legal advice about filling out forms. They can only process what you submit.

If either person was married before, bring details about how and when that marriage ended. If it ended within the past two years, you may need a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. The county clerk will tell you if additional documents are required. Most couples get their license the same day they apply. There is no waiting period in California so you can marry right away.

Public or Confidential Marriage in El Monte

Choose between public and confidential marriage licenses when you apply. Public licenses cost $85 in Los Angeles County. These become part of the public record once registered. Anyone can request a copy of a public marriage certificate. You need at least one witness to sign the license at your ceremony. A second witness is optional but allowed.

Confidential licenses cost $90 in LA County. Both people must be 18 or older. You cannot get a confidential license if either person is under 18. You must also be living together as spouses when you apply. Sign an affidavit stating this fact. No witnesses are required for confidential ceremonies. The record stays private forever. Only you and your spouse can get copies unless a court orders the county to release the record.

California Family Code sections 500 through 511 govern confidential marriages. These laws protect your privacy. County clerks maintain confidential certificates as permanent records not open to public inspection. The decision between public and confidential is yours. Pick the option that fits your situation. You cannot change it later so choose carefully.

Your license is valid for 90 days from the date the county issues it. There is no waiting period. You can use it the same day or any time within 90 days. The ceremony can happen anywhere in California. Your officiant must return the signed license to Los Angeles County within 10 days of the wedding date.

Marriage Certificates for El Monte Residents

After your wedding, the officiant sends the signed marriage license back to Los Angeles County. The county records it and creates your marriage certificate. This process takes about 10 business days. Once recorded, you can order certified copies. Each copy costs $19. The fee went up by $2 in January 2026 under Assembly Bill 64.

Order copies in person at the Norwalk office, by mail, or online through VitalChek. In-person service is fastest if your record is ready. By mail takes several weeks. Online orders through VitalChek cost more due to service fees but may arrive faster than regular mail. Check which method works best for your timeline and budget.

Only authorized persons can get certified copies of public marriage records. California Health and Safety Code section 103526 lists who qualifies. The married couple, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, spouse, domestic partner, and legal representatives are authorized. Government agencies on official business can also request records. Everyone else gets an informational copy that cannot be used to establish identity.

Confidential marriage certificates are different. Only the two people who got married can order copies. No one else has access. This rule has no exceptions unless a court issues an order. Even parents and children cannot get confidential marriage records. The privacy protection is absolute under California law.

Costs for El Monte Marriage Records

Los Angeles County sets fees for marriage licenses and certificates. A public license costs $85. A confidential license costs $90. These fees apply to all cities in LA County including El Monte. The county may offer civil ceremony services for an additional fee. Express ceremonies are available if you want to marry the same day you get your license.

Certified marriage certificates cost $19 per copy as of January 2026. This is the state-mandated fee. Before January 2026, the fee was $17. Assembly Bill 64 increased it by $2. You can order multiple copies at once. Each copy is a full certified document with the county seal.

Online orders through VitalChek have extra charges. Service fees, handling fees, and delivery fees add up quickly. Expect to pay $10 or more beyond the $19 certificate fee when using VitalChek. In-person and mail orders avoid these extra costs. Budget accordingly based on how you plan to order your El Monte marriage certificates.

Los Angeles County fire victims can get free replacement vital records. If you lost your marriage certificate in a wildfire or other disaster declared a state emergency by the Governor, contact the county to request a free replacement. This special provision helps people rebuild their lives after disasters.

California Marriage Laws for El Monte

California marriage laws apply statewide. El Monte residents follow the same rules as everyone else. You must be at least 18 years old to marry without court approval. Minors under 18 need a court order and consent from at least one parent or guardian. The court may require premarital counseling for minors under California Family Code section 304.

Both parties must appear together in person to get the license. This is required by Family Code section 359. You cannot send someone to apply for you. Proxy marriages are not allowed except for military members serving overseas in active war or conflict zones. They can use a power of attorney under Family Code section 420.

No blood test is required in California. This requirement was dropped years ago. You do not need to be a California resident to marry here. People from any state or country can get a marriage license in Los Angeles County. The only residency requirement is that you plan to marry in California.

After the ceremony, you do not automatically receive a marriage certificate. You must request it and pay the fee. Many couples are surprised by this. The certificate is your proof that the marriage is registered with the state. You need it for name changes, benefits, and other legal purposes. Order at least two or three copies when you first request them. You will likely need multiple copies over time.

Other Cities in Los Angeles County

El Monte is in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. Nearby cities include Pasadena to the north and Downey to the south. Glendale is northwest of El Monte. Long Beach is on the coast south of the metropolitan area.

All LA County cities use the same registrar-recorder office for marriage services. The Norwalk location handles most in-person services. Some satellite offices exist but they have limited capabilities. Only Norwalk has marriage records available for viewing in person. Other locations can issue new licenses and take certificate orders but cannot show you old records on site.