Get Marriage Records Fresno

Fresno marriage records are maintained by Fresno County. Residents who want to obtain marriage licenses or request certified copies of marriage certificates must work with the county clerk-recorder office. Fresno County maintains the clerk-recorder office in downtown Fresno at the county administration building. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are available to couples who meet California requirements. The application process requires both parties to appear in person with valid photo ID. Certified marriage certificates cost $19 per copy as of January 2026 following the Assembly Bill 64 fee increase that added $2 to the previous cost of $17.

Fresno County Office for Fresno

Fresno County operates the clerk-recorder office that handles all marriage services for Fresno residents. This office issues new marriage licenses and provides certified copies of existing marriage certificates. The office maintains records for all marriages that took place in Fresno County. You must visit the county office in person to apply for a new license. Both parties must appear together with valid identification.

The county clerk cannot provide legal advice about your marriage application. Staff can only process the forms you submit. If you need legal guidance, consult an attorney before visiting the office. Bring all required documents with you to avoid delays. Check the county website before your visit to see what you need.

Getting a Marriage License in Fresno

Both parties must appear together in person at the Fresno County office to get a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or complete the process entirely online. Some counties offer online pre-applications that save time when you visit in person. Check the county website to see if this option is available. If so, complete the form before your visit.

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 photograph, date of birth, and issue and expiration dates. If you were married before, be ready to provide details. You need to know when your previous marriage ended and how it ended. Death, divorce, dissolution, or annulment are the possible endings. Recent divorces may require you to bring a copy of the final decree.

Choose between public and confidential marriage licenses when you apply. Public licenses become part of the public record. Anyone can request a certified copy once registered. You need at least one witness to sign the license at your ceremony. Confidential licenses stay private forever. Only you and your spouse can get copies. For confidential, both people must be 18 or older and living together as spouses when you apply.

The county issues your license the same day in most cases. California has no waiting period. You can marry right away. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can use it anywhere in California. After your ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to Fresno County within 10 days. This is required by California Family Code section 359.

Marriage Certificates for Fresno Residents

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

Request copies in person at the county office, by mail, or online if available. In-person service is fastest if your record is ready. By mail takes several weeks. Some counties offer online ordering through VitalChek. This adds service fees but may be faster than regular mail. Check what options are available for Fresno County.

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 informational copies that cannot be used for identity purposes.

Confidential marriage certificates follow stricter rules. 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 from Fresno. The privacy protection is absolute under California Family Code sections 500 through 511.

Fees for Fresno Marriage Records

Fresno County sets fees for marriage licenses and certificates. License fees vary by county across California. Check the county website or call to confirm current rates. Public and confidential licenses typically have different fees. Confidential licenses usually cost slightly more than public ones.

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

Online orders through third-party vendors like VitalChek have extra charges. Service fees, handling fees, and delivery fees add up. 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 Fresno marriage certificates.

California Marriage Laws for Fresno

California marriage laws apply statewide. Fresno residents follow the same rules as everyone else in California. You must be at least 18 years old to marry without court permission. Minors under 18 need a court order and consent from at least one parent or guardian under California Family Code sections 301 and 302. The court may require premarital counseling for minors.

Both parties must appear together in person to get the license per Family Code section 359. You cannot send someone to apply for you. Proxy marriages are not allowed in California except for military members serving overseas in war zones who can use a power of attorney under limited circumstances. No blood test is required. California stopped requiring blood tests for marriage many years ago.

You do not need to be a California resident to get married here. People from any state or country can obtain a marriage license in Fresno County. There is no residency requirement. The only requirement is that you plan to marry in California. Your license can be used anywhere in the state within 90 days of issuance.

After the ceremony, you do not automatically receive a marriage certificate. You must request it and pay the fee. This surprises many couples. The certificate is your proof that the marriage is registered with California. You need it for name changes on your driver license, Social Security card, passport, and other documents. Order at least two or three certified copies when you first request them. You will likely need multiple copies over time for different purposes.

Who Can Access Fresno Marriage Records

California law controls who can obtain certified copies of marriage records. For public marriage records, authorized persons include the two people who got married, their parents, legal guardians, children, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, spouse, or domestic partner. Attorneys representing any of these people can also request records. Law enforcement and government agencies conducting official business are authorized.

Non-authorized persons receive informational copies marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY." These copies cannot be used to establish identity or change your name. They are available to anyone for historical or genealogy research. Informational copies do not require notarized applications.

Confidential marriage records have stricter access limits. Only the two parties to the marriage can get copies. No exceptions exist unless a court orders the county to release the record. Even parents, children, and siblings cannot access confidential marriage certificates. This privacy protection lasts forever under California law.

Other Fresno County Cities

Fresno is one of several cities in Fresno County. All residents of Fresno County use the same clerk-recorder office for marriage services. The process is identical whether you live in Fresno or another city in the county. Fees are the same. Requirements are the same. The only difference is how far you must travel to reach the county office.