Sonoma County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Sonoma County are kept by the County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor office in Santa Rosa. This office issues all marriage licenses and maintains certificates for marriages performed anywhere in the county. You can get a license at their main office on Fiscal Drive. The county handles both public and confidential marriage licenses under California law. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available to authorized requesters. The office provides same-day service for walk-in requests when documents are ready. Many couples choose Sonoma County for its wine country setting and local ceremony options.
Sonoma County Marriage Records Overview
County Clerk-Recorder Office
The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor office is your main contact for all marriage record needs. The office sits at 585 Fiscal Drive in Santa Rosa. This is where you get a marriage license. This is where you request a copy of your certificate. The office also records vital documents and real property transactions. Staff can help with questions about marriage requirements and fees.
Call the office at (707) 565-2651 to ask about hours, fees, or required documents. You can also check their website for current information. The office is part of a larger department that also handles assessor and recorder functions. All three services operate from the same location.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call ahead to confirm before you visit. Some services require appointments. Walk-ins are welcome for most transactions. Processing times vary depending on the service you need.
Getting a Marriage License
You need a valid marriage license before you can marry in California. Both people must go to the clerk's office together. You cannot apply by mail or online. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. The ID must show your current name, birth date, and a clear photo.
Sonoma County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Most couples choose public licenses. These become part of the public record after you marry. Anyone can request a copy later. Confidential licenses keep your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies. No witnesses are needed for confidential marriages in California.
The license fee changes from time to time. As of January 2026, the state mandated a $2 increase in vital records fees. Most counties now charge $19 or more for a certified copy. The license itself may cost more. Check with the clerk's office for current fees before you visit.
Your license is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. You can marry anywhere in California during that time. There is no waiting period in this state. You can marry the same day you get your license. After the ceremony, your officiant returns the signed license to the county. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
How to Get Marriage Certificates
You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder office if you married in the county. Only certain people can get copies of public marriage records under California law. You must be a party to the marriage, an attorney representing one of the parties, or someone with a court order.
Visit the office in person for same-day service when possible. Bring valid ID and be ready to pay the certificate fee. Most offices accept cash, checks, and credit cards. You may need to fill out a form with details about the marriage. Include the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, and the place where the ceremony happened.
You can also request copies by mail. Send a written request with your contact information and the marriage details. Include a check or money order for the certificate fee. Mail your request to the address on the county website. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service. Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for mail requests.
For confidential marriages, only the married parties can get copies. The law protects these records from public access. You must prove your identity when you request a confidential marriage certificate. The clerk's office will not release copies to anyone else unless ordered by a court.
California Health and Safety Code section 103526 controls who can get certified copies of vital records. This law was updated over the years to protect privacy while allowing access for legitimate needs. The statute sets the rules for all 58 counties in California.
Fees and Payment Methods
Sonoma County charges fees for marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage certificates. The fees follow state guidelines but each county sets its own amounts. As of early 2026, most counties charge around $19 for a certified copy. The marriage license fee is typically higher.
The office accepts several forms of payment. Cash is always accepted. Most county offices also take checks and money orders. Credit and debit cards are usually accepted but may include a processing fee. Ask about payment options when you call or visit.
If you need extra copies of your certificate, order them at the same time. Additional copies cost less when ordered together. You save money and time by getting all the copies you need at once. Many people order 3 to 5 copies for things like name changes, benefits, and other legal needs.
Online and Mail Services
Sonoma County may offer online ordering for marriage certificates through third-party vendors. Many California counties use VitalChek or similar services for online requests. These vendors charge an extra fee on top of the county certificate fee. The benefit is faster processing and delivery to your home.
Check the county website for links to online ordering if available. The website will direct you to the approved vendor. Follow the prompts to enter your information and pay the fees. Online orders typically arrive in 5 to 10 business days depending on the shipping method you choose.
Mail requests are always an option. Write a letter with your request. Include all required information about the marriage. Add your return address and phone number. Send a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the county clerk's office. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks for most mail requests.
California Marriage Law
California marriage law is set out in the California Family Code. The code covers who can marry, how to get a license, and what makes a marriage valid. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Minors under 18 need court approval to marry. This is rare and requires special circumstances.
You do not need to be a California resident to marry here. Couples from any state or country can get married in California. The license is valid statewide. You can marry in any county even if you got your license somewhere else. Many couples choose California for destination weddings because of this flexibility.
No blood test is required in California. This requirement was dropped years ago. You do need to know about any previous marriages. Be ready to state when and how those marriages ended. Some counties ask for a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate if you were married before.
The ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. This includes judges, clergy members, and certain other officials. California has a list of people who can solemnize marriages. Your officiant must sign the license and return it to the county within 10 days. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
Cities in Sonoma County
Sonoma County has one qualifying city with a population over 100,000. Residents of this city get their marriage licenses from the county clerk's office in Santa Rosa.
All other cities and towns in Sonoma County also use the county clerk's office for marriage services. Cities do not issue marriage licenses in California. All marriage records are maintained at the county level.
Nearby Counties
Sonoma County shares borders with several other counties. If you need records from a different county or want to compare services, check these nearby options: