Search Glenn County Marriage Records
Glenn County marriage records are maintained at the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder office in Willows. This office handles both public and confidential marriage licenses for Glenn County. The county seat of Willows is home to the only office that issues marriage licenses in the county. Glenn County serves a small population in the northern Sacramento Valley. The office at 516 West Sycamore Street provides marriage services to residents and visitors alike. No residency requirement exists for couples who want to marry in California. Your license is valid for 90 days from the date Glenn County issues it. You can use the license anywhere in the state during that time. Both public and confidential marriage options are available to couples in Glenn County.
Glenn County Quick Facts
Glenn County Clerk-Recorder Office
The Assessor-Clerk-Recorder office in Glenn County handles all marriage license applications and vital records. Located in Suite B1 at 516 West Sycamore Street in Willows, the office serves walk-in customers during business hours. Both parties must appear together to apply for a marriage license. Staff can answer questions about requirements and help you complete the application in Glenn County.
Visit the Glenn County Clerk-Recorder website for current information. The site may provide details about required documents and office hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and document requirements before you visit Glenn County.
The office combines several county functions including property records and election services. For marriage records, the clerk-recorder staff can provide certified copies of certificates on file. All vital records for Glenn County are maintained at this single location in Willows.
| Address |
516 West Sycamore Street, Suite B1 Willows, CA 95988 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (530) 934-6412 |
| Website | countyofglenn.net/dept/assessor-clerk-recorder-elections |
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both parties must visit the Glenn County clerk office together in Willows. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and expiration date. If you were married before, know when and how that marriage ended. Some counties ask for proof such as a divorce decree in Glenn County.
No blood test is required in California. This rule applies in Glenn County as well. No waiting period exists after you get your license. You can marry right away. The license stays valid for 90 days from the date of issue. After that time, it expires and you must apply again in Glenn County.
You can choose a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license. Public licenses require one witness signature at the ceremony. These records become public and anyone can request copies. Confidential licenses require no witnesses. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and living together to use a confidential license. Only the married parties can get copies of confidential marriage records in Glenn County.
Marriage License and Certificate Fees
Marriage license fees in Glenn County are set by the county clerk office. Public and confidential licenses may have different costs. Call (530) 934-6412 to confirm current fees before you visit. Payment methods typically include cash, checks, and money orders at the Glenn County office in Willows.
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 under Assembly Bill 64 which took effect at the start of 2026. The new rate applies throughout California including Glenn County. Additional copies ordered at the same time may cost less per copy.
The California Department of Public Health fee schedule shows state-level charges. County fees may differ slightly. Always check with Glenn County before you visit or send payment by mail.
After Your Marriage Ceremony
Your officiant must return the completed marriage license to Glenn County within 10 days. This is required by California law. The officiant fills out ceremony details and gathers signatures. For public marriages, at least one witness must sign. No witnesses are needed for confidential marriages in Glenn County.
Do not alter your license after Glenn County issues it. Do not cross out mistakes or use white-out. Any changes void the license. You would need to pay for a new license if this happens. Write carefully when you complete the application at the clerk office in Willows.
Once Glenn County registers your marriage, you can request certified copies. You need these copies to change your name on official documents. Driver licenses, Social Security cards, passports, and bank accounts all require certified marriage certificates. Order several copies if you plan to change your name in Glenn County.
Obtaining Marriage Certificate Copies
Contact the Glenn County Clerk-Recorder office to request copies of marriage certificates. Visit in person at 516 West Sycamore Street in Willows for same-day service. Bring valid photo ID if you are a party to the marriage. For public marriage records, anyone can request copies in Glenn County. Confidential marriage certificates are only available to the married parties.
You can also request copies by mail. Write to Glenn County Clerk-Recorder, 516 West Sycamore Street, Suite B1, Willows, CA 95988. Include the names of both parties, the marriage date, and your contact information. Enclose $19 per copy. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks to process in Glenn County.
For marriages that occurred many years ago in Glenn County, the local office is your best source. The state only has certain years available. Local counties maintain complete records for their jurisdictions. Call (530) 934-6412 if you need help finding an old marriage record in Glenn County.
The CDPH processing times page shows that state requests take 5 to 7 weeks on average. County offices are much faster. In-person visits to Glenn County provide same-day service in most cases.
California Marriage Laws
California Family Code Part 1 defines marriage requirements for all counties including Glenn County. Both parties must consent to the marriage. You must obtain a valid license before your ceremony. An authorized person must perform the marriage. The license becomes a certificate when Glenn County registers it after the ceremony.
You cannot marry if you are already married to someone else. Your previous marriage must end by death, divorce, or annulment before you can remarry in California. This applies in Glenn County as in all counties. Marriage by proxy is not allowed except for military members deployed overseas under specific conditions.
Either spouse can change their middle or last name through marriage. No separate court petition is needed under California Family Code section 306.5. The marriage certificate showing your new name is proof of the change. Use certified copies to update all your legal documents in Glenn County.
Nearby California Counties
Several counties border Glenn County in northern California. Each county maintains its own marriage records. If you need records from another county, contact that county directly. Nearby counties include:
Glenn County cannot provide marriage records from other California counties. You must contact the county where the marriage license was issued to obtain copies.