Monterey County Marriage Certificates

Marriage records in Monterey County are maintained by the County Clerk office on West Alisal Street in Salinas. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are issued at this Central Coast location. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for marriages that took place in Monterey County. No California residency is required to obtain a license. The office serves residents of Salinas, Monterey, Carmel, and all other areas of the county. Historic marriage records dating back over a century can be accessed through the County Clerk along with certificates for recent marriages in Monterey County.

Monterey County Clerk Office

The County Clerk handles all marriage licenses and certificates for Monterey County. The office is on the first floor at West Alisal Street in Salinas. Staff provide in-person service during business hours. Mail requests are also accepted. Phone inquiries can be directed to the main number. Visit the Monterey County Clerk website for forms, fees, and contact information.

The County Clerk serves all of Monterey County including Salinas, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside, King City, and other communities. All marriage services are centralized at the Salinas office. This includes license applications, civil ceremonies, and certified copy requests in Monterey County.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

Both parties must appear in person at the County Clerk office in Salinas to apply for a marriage license. Bring valid photo identification. A California driver license, passport, or state ID card works. The ID must show your birth date and photo. Staff will verify your identity and ask for information from both parties. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period in California. You can use your license the same day it is issued in Monterey County.

The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your license. Many couples marry in scenic locations along the Monterey coast or in Carmel. The license works anywhere in the state. If you were married before, you need to know when and how that marriage ended. Bring divorce papers or a death certificate if the previous marriage ended within the past few years. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need in Monterey County.

Monterey County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses cost slightly more and require at least one witness at the ceremony. These records become public once filed. Anyone can search for them and request copies. Confidential licenses are private. Only the married parties can obtain copies unless a court orders otherwise. No witnesses are needed for confidential marriages. Both types are equally valid under California law. The license fee varies. Contact the County Clerk to confirm the current cost and payment methods in Monterey County.

After the Ceremony

The officiant must return the completed marriage license to the County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. 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 Monterey County for recording.

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

Do not make any changes to your marriage license after it is issued. Do not cross out information, use white-out, or make any marks. All information must be legible and reproducible. Any alterations void the license. You would need to pay for and obtain a new license if this happens in Monterey County.

Obtaining Certified 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 same fee applies whether you order in person or by mail. Additional copies ordered at the same time may be available at a lower per-copy rate. In-person requests are often processed while you wait if the record is on file. Visit the County Clerk office in Salinas with valid photo ID. Staff will search the database and print your certified copy in most cases in Monterey County.

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

Some California counties offer online ordering through VitalChek or their own portal. Check the Monterey County website or call the Clerk office to see if online ordering is available. Online service often includes expedited shipping options for faster delivery. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the certificate cost in Monterey 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 Monterey 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 to marry. No person can marry if they are already married to someone else. Proxy marriages are not allowed except for members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas in conflict or war zones under special provisions. The marriage must be solemnized by an authorized officiant such as clergy, judges, or other officials listed in state law in Monterey County.

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. You can use it to update your driver license, Social Security card, passport, and other documents in Monterey County.

Cities in Monterey County

Monterey County includes several incorporated cities along the Central Coast. All residents use the County Clerk in Salinas for marriage licenses and certificates. The county seat location serves the entire county from the coast to the inland valleys.

Other communities in Monterey County include Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina, King City, Gonzales, Soledad, and Greenfield. All of these cities and towns use the Monterey County Clerk for marriage services.

Nearby Counties

Monterey County is on the Central Coast of California. It borders several other counties. If you are not sure which county issued your marriage license, check the location where the ceremony took place or contact the clerk in each nearby jurisdiction.