Mendocino County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Mendocino County are handled through the County Clerk-Recorder office in Ukiah. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are issued at the Low Gap Road location. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the same office for marriages that took place in Mendocino County. California residency is not required to obtain a license. The office serves residents and visitors who wish to marry in this coastal and redwood region of Northern California. Historic marriage records date back many decades and staff can assist with searches for older certificates as well as recent marriages in Mendocino County.

County Clerk-Recorder in Ukiah

The Mendocino County Clerk-Recorder handles marriage licenses and certificates for the entire county. The office is in Room 1020 at the Low Gap Road location in Ukiah. In-person service is available during business hours. Mail requests are also accepted. Call ahead with questions about fees, required documents, or office hours. Visit the Mendocino County Clerk-Recorder website for more information about services and procedures.

Mendocino County combines the Assessor, Clerk, and Recorder functions in one department. If you need property records in addition to marriage records, the same office handles both types of requests. All vital records services including birth, death, and marriage certificates are centralized at this location in Ukiah.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both parties must visit the Clerk-Recorder office in person to apply for a marriage license in Mendocino County. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. The ID must show your birth date and photo. Staff will verify your identity and collect information from both parties. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period in California. You can use your license the same day.

The license is valid for 90 days from issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your license from Mendocino County. If you were married before, be ready to state when and how that marriage ended. Some counties ask for a divorce decree or death certificate if the previous marriage ended within the past few years. Call ahead to ask what documents you need to bring.

Mendocino County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses require at least one witness at the ceremony. These records become public once filed. Confidential licenses are private. Only the married parties can obtain copies. No witnesses are needed for confidential marriages. Both types are equally valid. The license fee varies by county. Contact the Clerk-Recorder to confirm the current cost and accepted payment methods.

After Your Marriage

The officiant must return the completed marriage license to the County Clerk-Recorder within 10 days of the ceremony. This is required under California Family Code section 359. The officiant fills in ceremony details and obtains required signatures. For public marriages, at least one witness must sign. The officiant then files the license with Mendocino County.

Once the license is recorded, your marriage is official. You do not receive a copy automatically. You must request and pay for certified copies if you need them. Most people order copies for name changes, Social Security updates, or benefit applications. The Clerk-Recorder issues copies of both public and confidential marriage certificates in Mendocino County.

Do not alter your marriage license after it is issued. Do not cross out text, use correction fluid, or make any changes. All information must be clear and legible. Any alterations void the license. You would need to apply for a new license if this happens.

Obtaining Marriage Certificates

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 under Assembly Bill 64 which took effect statewide. The fee applies whether you order in person or by mail. In-person requests are often processed while you wait if the record is on file. Visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Ukiah with valid photo ID. Staff will search the database and print your certified copy in most cases.

Mail requests take longer. You can download a vital records application form from the Mendocino County website or request one by phone. Fill out the form and include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to Mendocino County Clerk-Recorder. Mail your completed request to the address on the form. Processing time is typically one to two weeks plus mailing time.

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 in Mendocino County.

California Marriage Law

California marriage requirements are set out 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 to someone else. Proxy marriages are not allowed except for military members in conflict zones under special provisions. The marriage must be performed by an authorized officiant.

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 Mendocino County.

Cities and Towns in Mendocino County

Mendocino County includes Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits, Point Arena, and other coastal and inland communities. All residents use the County Clerk-Recorder in Ukiah for marriage licenses and certificates. The county seat location serves the entire county from the coast to the inland valleys.

Nearby Counties

Mendocino County is in Northern California along the coast. It borders several other counties. If you are not sure which county issued your marriage license, check where the ceremony took place or contact the clerk in each nearby jurisdiction.