Find Alameda County Marriage Records

Alameda County marriage records are kept by the Clerk-Recorder office in Oakland. You can get a license and search for marriage certificates at their downtown office near Lake Merritt. Public marriage records are open to anyone. Confidential marriage certificates are only available to the married parties or by court order. The office issues licenses for couples getting married anywhere in California. They also provide certified copies of certificates for marriages that took place in Alameda County. You can apply online to start the process but both parties must appear in person to complete the application and pick up the license. Same-day service is available for both licenses and ceremonies if you arrive early.

Alameda County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder office is at 1106 Madison Street on the first floor in Oakland. The office is near Lake Merritt BART station. Street parking is metered and can be hard to find. Arrive early if you need parking. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Recording services end at 4:30 PM each day. The main phone number is 510-272-6362. You can also call toll-free at 888-280-7708.

A satellite office operates in Dublin at 7600 Dublin Boulevard. This location offers limited services and requires an appointment. Not all marriage services are available at the Dublin office. Call ahead to confirm what services they provide. Most people visit the Oakland location for marriage licenses and certificates.

The office accepts payment by check, money order, or traveler's check made payable to Alameda County Clerk Recorder. They take credit and debit cards but charge a 2.3% transaction fee for in-person payments. Online orders have a $2 convenience fee per order. Processing times for mail orders average 2 to 3 weeks from when they get your request. Allow up to 7 more days for delivery.

How to Get a Marriage License in Alameda County

You can start an online application for a marriage license through the Clerk-Recorder website. The online form saves time but you must still appear in person within 30 days to finish. Both parties need to visit the office together. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Your ID must show your photo, date of birth, and issue and expiration dates.

The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can use it to marry anywhere in California during that time. There is no waiting period. You can get married the same day you pick up your license. Civil ceremonies are available at the Oakland office by appointment. The office allows up to 25 guests in the building for ceremony events.

Alameda County offers an express marriage ceremony option. This speeds up the process if you are in a hurry. They also run a volunteer deputy marriage commissioner program. Community members can become authorized to perform marriages. A one-time deputy commissioner program is available too if someone special wants to officiate your wedding.

Virtual marriage services are available through video conference. Both parties must be physically present in California during the virtual ceremony. This option became popular during the pandemic and continues to be offered. Check with the Clerk-Recorder office for current virtual ceremony procedures and fees.

Note: If you were married before, be ready to provide details about how that marriage ended and the exact date it ended.

Marriage Certificate Copies

The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder can only issue copies if the marriage license was purchased and recorded in Alameda County. If you got married in another county, you must contact that county's office. Public marriage certificates are available to anyone who requests them. Confidential marriage certificates are restricted. Only the married parties can get copies unless a court orders release of the record.

Written applications for authorized or unrestricted copies must be notarized. This applies to public marriage records where you need an unrestricted copy that can be used for legal purposes. If you live outside the United States, get your application notarized at a US Embassy. International requests must follow this rule. The notary requirement helps prevent identity theft and unauthorized access to records.

The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is $19 as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 under Assembly Bill 64 which took effect January 1, 2026. The fee applies statewide. Additional copies ordered at the same time may have a lower fee. Check the Alameda County fee schedule for current pricing on duplicate copies.

Mail orders take about 2 to 3 weeks to process from the date the office receives your request. Delivery takes up to 7 additional days depending on mail service. In-person requests often get same-day service if you visit during morning hours. Avoid the noon to 2 PM window as this is the busiest time. Staff reviews show workers are generally helpful. The office gets busy so patience helps.

In-Person Services

Walk-in service is available at the Oakland office for most marriage record needs. You can apply for a marriage license, request certificate copies, and get married all in one visit. Same-day marriage license and ceremony is possible if you arrive early. The office opens at 8:30 AM. Lines form quickly on popular days like Valentine's Day and weekends.

Bring exact payment to avoid delays. The office prefers checks or money orders. Credit cards work but add fees to your total. Have your identification ready before you reach the counter. If you are requesting a certificate copy, know the names of both parties and the approximate marriage date. This speeds up the search process.

Parking near the office is limited. Street parking is metered. Nearby garages charge hourly rates. Lake Merritt BART station is a short walk from the office. Public transit is often the easier option. Plan extra time if you drive and need to find parking.

Cities in Alameda County

Alameda County includes several major California cities. Residents of these cities use the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder in Oakland for marriage licenses and certificates. The following cities are served by this office:

Oakland is the county seat and largest city. Berkeley is home to the University of California campus. Fremont lies in the southeastern part of the county. Hayward is a major city in the East Bay. San Leandro sits between Oakland and Hayward. All of these cities direct residents to the Oakland Clerk-Recorder office for marriage record services.

Nearby Counties

Alameda County shares borders with several other Bay Area counties. Contra Costa County is to the north and east. Santa Clara County is to the south. San Mateo County lies to the west across the bay. San Joaquin County borders Alameda to the east. Stanislaus County is southeast of Alameda. Each county maintains its own marriage records through its Clerk-Recorder office.