Sunnyvale Marriage Records
Sunnyvale marriage records are filed with Santa Clara County. Sunnyvale is part of Santa Clara County, so all marriage licenses and certificates go through the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office in San Jose. You can apply for a license, have a civil ceremony, and order certified copies of marriage certificates at the main office in San Jose. Santa Clara County maintains both public and confidential marriage records according to California state law. Public records are open to authorized people once registered. Confidential records stay private and can only be accessed by the two people who married or by court order.
Sunnyvale Quick Facts
Where Sunnyvale Residents Get Licenses
Sunnyvale residents go to the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office in San Jose to get marriage licenses. The office is at 70 West Hedding Street in San Jose. Both people must show up together with valid photo ID. No appointment is needed for a marriage license, but you should arrive during business hours.
| Office | Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, 1st Floor San Jose, CA 95110 |
| Phone | (408) 299-5688 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | clerkrecorder.santaclaracounty.gov |
The office serves all Santa Clara County residents and anyone who wants to marry in California. You do not need to live in Santa Clara County to get a license. Bring your driver license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must show your photo, date of birth, and issue and expiration dates. If you were married before, know the exact date your last marriage ended and how it ended.
Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and can be used anywhere in California. There is no waiting period. You can use the license right away. The person who marries you must return the signed license to the clerk office within 10 business days after the ceremony.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
You do not need to complete an application in advance. Show up at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office with your future spouse and valid photo ID for both of you. The clerk staff will help you fill out the application at the office. If you do not have valid photo ID, you can bring two Credible Witnesses. This option costs an extra $20 fee.
The total cost for a marriage license ranges from $80 to $100 depending on the type of license and any extra services. The county accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Once you pay and complete the application, you get your license the same day. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Blood tests are not required. There are no citizenship or residency requirements.
Public marriage licenses require at least one witness at the ceremony. You can have up to two witnesses. Confidential marriage licenses do not require witnesses. For a confidential license, both parties must be at least 18 years old and living together as spouses when they apply. You must sign an affidavit stating that you live together.
Civil Ceremonies at the County Office
Santa Clara County has a wedding chapel where you can have a civil ceremony. The chapel is available for rent and can accommodate guests. Ceremony fees range from $112 to $174 depending on the day and time you choose. You need an appointment for a ceremony.
You are not required to have your ceremony at the county office. You can take your license to any authorized officiant in California. Priests, ministers, rabbis, judges, court commissioners, and others listed in California Family Code Section 400 can perform marriages. Out-of-state clergy can perform California marriages if they meet state requirements.
After the ceremony, the officiant must fill out the license and return it to the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office within 10 business days. Most officiants mail the license back. Once the county receives and records the license, your marriage is official. You can then request certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Requesting Marriage Certificate Copies
You do not get a copy of your marriage certificate automatically. You must request and pay for certified copies. The fee is $19 per copy as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 due to Assembly Bill 64. You can usually purchase a marriage certificate about 10 business days after your license is recorded at the county office.
Visit the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office in San Jose to get copies in person. Bring valid photo ID and know the full names of both spouses and the date of marriage. You can also order copies by mail by sending a written request with payment. Some people use VitalChek to order online, but VitalChek charges extra service fees on top of the county fee.
Only authorized people can get certified copies of public marriage records. California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 lists who qualifies. This includes the married couple, their parents, children, grandparents, siblings, spouses, domestic partners, attorneys, and law enforcement. If you are not an authorized person, you can get an informational copy. An informational copy says "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY." It cannot be used for legal purposes like changing your name on a driver license or passport.
Confidential marriage certificates are only available to the two people who married. You must show valid ID proving you are one of the spouses. The clerk office will not release confidential marriage records to anyone else unless a court orders it.
State Records vs County Records
California Department of Public Health Vital Records in Sacramento maintains some marriage records, but the collection has gaps. The state office has public marriage records from 1905 to 2001 and from 2010 to present. Records from 2002 to 2009 and before 1905 are not available from the state. If your marriage date falls in those gaps, you must use the county office.
The state office does not keep confidential marriage records. All confidential marriage certificates must come from the county clerk where the license was issued. For Sunnyvale marriages, that is the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office in San Jose. Even if the state has your record, the county is usually faster. The state takes 5 to 7 weeks to process mail requests. The county can provide same-day service if you visit in person.
Changing Your Name Through Marriage
California lets you change your middle or last name when you marry. This is covered under California Family Code Section 306.5. You are not required to change your name. Both spouses do not need to have the same last name. If you want a new name, enter it on your marriage license application.
A certified copy of your marriage certificate with the new name is legal proof of the name change. You can use this certificate to update your driver license, Social Security card, passport, and other documents. You do not need to go to court or file separate paperwork to change your name through marriage.
If you want to amend your marriage record after the fact, California Department of Public Health handles amendments for public marriage records. Use form VS 24 C from the state forms page. Confidential marriage amendments go through the county clerk office where you got the license.
Forms and Online Resources
You can find forms and fee schedules on the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder website at clerkrecorder.santaclaracounty.gov/resources/forms. The fee schedule lists all costs for licenses, ceremonies, and certificates.
California Department of Public Health also has useful information. Visit www.cdph.ca.gov to learn about state requirements, processing times, and general rules for marriage in California. The state site explains the difference between public and confidential marriages.
Santa Clara County Marriage Records
Sunnyvale is part of Santa Clara County. The county clerk office in San Jose handles all marriage licenses and certificates for the entire county. For more information about Santa Clara County marriage services, office locations, fees, and additional resources, visit the Santa Clara County marriage records page.
Other Santa Clara County Cities
Other large cities in Santa Clara County also use the county clerk office in San Jose for marriage licenses and certificates. All Santa Clara County residents go through the same clerk office.
Nearby cities with marriage record information: