Napa County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Napa County are kept at the Recorder-County Clerk office on Coombs Street in the city of Napa. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are issued at this North Bay location. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for marriages that took place in Napa County. California does not require residency to obtain a license so visitors can marry here. Many couples choose Napa County for its scenic vineyard settings and wine country atmosphere. Historic marriage records dating back over a century can be accessed through the Recorder-County Clerk along with certificates for recent marriages in Napa County.

Napa County Recorder-County Clerk

The Recorder-County Clerk handles all marriage licenses and certificates for Napa County. The office is in Suite 116 at Coombs Street in downtown Napa. Staff provide in-person service during business hours. Mail requests are also accepted. Phone inquiries can be directed to the main number. Visit the Napa County Recorder-County Clerk website for forms, fees, and contact information.

The Recorder-County Clerk serves all of Napa County including the city of Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, and American Canyon. All marriage services are centralized at the Napa office. This includes license applications, civil ceremonies, and certified copy requests in Napa County.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder-County Clerk office to apply for a marriage license in Napa County. 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 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 it is issued.

The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your Napa County license. Many couples marry at wineries, vineyards, or other scenic locations in Napa Valley. 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 to bring to Napa County.

Napa County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses 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 by county. Contact the Recorder-County Clerk to confirm the current cost and accepted payment methods in Napa County.

After Your Wedding

The officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Recorder-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 Napa 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 Recorder-County Clerk issues copies of both public and confidential marriage certificates in Napa County.

Do not alter your marriage license after it is issued. Do not cross out information, use white-out, or make any marks that change the printed text. All information on the license 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 Napa County.

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 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 Recorder-County Clerk office on Coombs Street with valid photo ID. Staff will search the database and print your certified copy in most cases in Napa County.

Mail requests take one to two weeks depending on processing volume. Download a vital records application form from the Napa County website or request one by phone. Fill out the form and include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to Napa County Recorder-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 Napa County.

Some California counties offer online ordering through VitalChek or their own portal. Check the Napa County website or call the Recorder-County 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 but offers convenient credit card payment and tracking in Napa 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. Immediate family includes parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Informational copies are available to anyone but cannot be used for official purposes. The fee is the same for both authorized and informational copies in Napa County.

California Marriage Requirements

California marriage law is set out 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 Napa 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, bank accounts, and other documents in Napa County.

Cities in Napa County

Napa County includes several incorporated cities and many unincorporated communities. All residents use the Recorder-County Clerk in the city of Napa for marriage licenses and certificates. The county seat location serves the entire valley.

Other communities in Napa County include St. Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, and American Canyon. All of these cities and towns use the Napa County Recorder-County Clerk for marriage services.

Nearby Counties

Napa County is in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It borders several other California 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.