Search Mariposa County Marriage Records

Mariposa County marriage records are kept at the County Clerk-Recorder office on 10th Street in the town of Mariposa. This small Sierra Nevada foothill county serves both residents and visitors who wish to marry in the area near Yosemite National Park. The Clerk-Recorder issues marriage licenses and provides certified copies of marriage certificates. Both public and confidential licenses are available. No California residency is required. You can apply for a license in Mariposa County even if you live elsewhere. Historic marriage records dating back over a century are available through the same office for research and certified copy requests in this rural county.

Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder

The Clerk-Recorder office handles all marriage licenses and certificates for Mariposa County. The office is in the county seat of Mariposa on 10th Street. Staff provide in-person service during business hours. You can also submit requests by mail. Phone inquiries are answered during office hours. Visit the Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder website for forms, contact details, and office hours.

Mariposa County is a small rural county. The Clerk-Recorder office may have limited hours or close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before making a long drive. The office serves all of Mariposa County including areas near Yosemite and the western Sierra Nevada foothills.

Getting a Marriage License in Mariposa County

Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. Visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Mariposa during business hours. Bring valid photo ID. A driver license, passport, or state ID card works. The ID must show your birth date and photo. Staff will ask for basic information from both parties. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period so you can use your license the same day it is issued.

The license is valid for 90 days from issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your Mariposa County license. Many couples marry in scenic locations near Yosemite or in the historic gold rush town of Mariposa. The license works anywhere in the state. If you were married before, you need to know when and how that marriage ended. Some counties ask for divorce papers or a death certificate if the previous marriage ended recently.

Mariposa County offers public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses cost slightly more and require at least one witness at the ceremony. These become public records. Anyone can request copies. Confidential licenses are private. Only the married parties can get copies. No witnesses are needed for confidential marriages. Both types are equally valid under California law. The license fee is set by the county and may vary. Call ahead to confirm the current cost and payment methods accepted in Mariposa County.

After the Ceremony

The person who performs your ceremony must return the completed license to the Clerk-Recorder within 10 days. This is required under California Family Code section 359. The officiant fills in the ceremony date and location. For public marriages, the witness or witnesses sign the license. The officiant then mails or delivers it to Mariposa County for recording.

Once recorded, your marriage is official. You do not get a copy automatically. You must request and pay for certified copies if you need them. Most people need certified copies for name changes or to update government records. The Clerk-Recorder issues copies of both public and confidential marriage certificates. Order copies in person, by mail, or check if online ordering is available in Mariposa County.

How to Obtain Certified Copies

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 under Assembly Bill 64. The same fee applies whether you order in person or by mail. Additional copies ordered at the same time may cost less per copy. In-person requests are often processed while you wait if the record is on file. Visit the Clerk-Recorder office during business hours with valid photo ID. Staff will search the database and print your certified copy in most cases.

Mail requests take one to two weeks. Download a vital records application form from the Mariposa County website or request one by phone. Fill out the form and include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder. Mail your request to the P.O. Box address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to save on return postage costs in Mariposa County.

Under California Health and Safety Code section 103526, only authorized persons can obtain certified copies for legal use. You must be a party to the marriage, an immediate family member, or have a legal interest. Informational copies are available to anyone but cannot be used for official purposes. The fee is the same for both types in Mariposa County.

California Marriage Requirements

California marriage law is found in the California Family Code Part 1. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. No one can marry if they are already married. Proxy marriages are not allowed except for military members stationed overseas in conflict zones under special provisions. The marriage must be performed by an authorized officiant such as clergy, judges, or other officials listed in state law.

Under California Family Code section 306.5, either spouse can change their middle or last name through marriage without a separate court petition. The marriage certificate serves as legal proof of the name change. Use it to update your driver license, Social Security card, and other documents in Mariposa County.

Communities in Mariposa County

Mariposa County includes the town of Mariposa and several small communities. The county borders Yosemite National Park and includes historic gold rush era settlements. All residents and visitors use the Clerk-Recorder in Mariposa for marriage licenses and certificates. The county seat is the only location that provides these services in Mariposa County.

Nearby Counties

Mariposa County is in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It borders several other California counties. If you are not sure which county issued your marriage license, check where your ceremony took place or contact the clerk in each nearby county.