Mono County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Mono County are maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Bridgeport. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are issued at this Eastern Sierra location. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for marriages that took place in Mono County. California does not require residency to obtain a license so visitors can marry here. The office serves all of Mono County including the Mammoth Lakes area. Historic marriage records dating back many decades are available through the Clerk-Recorder along with certificates for recent marriages in this mountain county.

County Clerk-Recorder in Bridgeport

The Mono County Clerk-Recorder handles marriage licenses and certificates. The office is on School Street in Bridgeport. Staff provide in-person service during business hours. Mail requests are accepted. Call ahead with questions about fees, required documents, or office hours. Visit the Mono County Clerk-Recorder website for more information.

Bridgeport is a small mountain town. The Clerk-Recorder office may have limited hours especially in winter. Call ahead to confirm the office is open before making a long trip. The office serves all of Mono County including Mammoth Lakes and other mountain communities.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both parties must visit the Clerk-Recorder office in person to apply for a marriage license. Bring valid photo ID. A driver license or passport works. The ID must show your birth date and photo. No blood test is required in California. There is no waiting period. You can use your license the same day it is issued in Mono County.

The license is valid for 90 days from issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your license. Many couples marry in scenic mountain locations in Mono County. If you were married before, you need to know when and how that marriage ended. Call ahead to ask what documents you need to bring.

Mono County offers public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses require at least one witness at the ceremony. These become public records. Confidential licenses are private. Only the married parties can get copies. No witnesses are needed. Both types are valid under California law. Contact the Clerk-Recorder to confirm the current license fee and payment methods in Mono County.

After Your Wedding

The officiant must return the completed license to the Clerk-Recorder within 10 days of the ceremony. This is required under California Family Code section 359. The officiant fills in ceremony details. For public marriages, the witness or witnesses sign the license. The officiant then files it with Mono County for recording.

Once recorded, your marriage is official. You do not receive a copy automatically. You must request and pay for certified copies if you need them. The Clerk-Recorder issues copies of both public and confidential marriage certificates in Mono County.

Getting Certified Copies

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 under Assembly Bill 64. In-person requests are processed while you wait if the record is on file. Visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Bridgeport with valid photo ID. Staff will search the database and print your certified copy in most cases in Mono County.

Mail requests take longer. Download a vital records application form from the Mono County website or request one by phone. Fill out the form and include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to Mono County Clerk-Recorder. Mail your request to the P.O. Box address. Processing time is typically one to two weeks plus mailing time in Mono 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 in Mono County.

California Marriage Requirements

California marriage law is 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. The marriage must be performed by an authorized officiant. Under California Family Code section 306.5, either spouse can change their name through marriage without a separate court petition in Mono County.

Communities in Mono County

Mono County includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and other mountain communities. All residents and visitors use the County Clerk-Recorder in Bridgeport for marriage licenses and certificates. This is the only location that provides these services in Mono County.

Nearby Counties

Mono County is on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. It borders Nevada to the east and several California counties. If you are not sure which county issued your marriage license, check where the ceremony took place.