Find Stanislaus County Marriage Records
Stanislaus County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Modesto. All marriage licenses for the county are issued from this office on I Street. The office keeps original certificates for every marriage performed in Stanislaus County. You can get public and confidential marriage licenses here. Certified copies are available to people who meet California's legal requirements. The office provides in-person service during business hours. You must schedule an appointment for marriage license applications. Call ahead to set up your visit. Many couples appreciate the McHenry Mansion ceremony option for special events.
Stanislaus County Quick Facts
Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder
The Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder office handles all marriage licenses and certificates for the county. The office is at 1021 I Street, Suite 101, in Modesto. This is the only place to get a marriage license in Stanislaus County. Staff can answer questions about fees, requirements, and processing times.
You must call (209) 525-5251 to schedule your appointment. The office requires appointments for marriage license applications. Walk-ins are not accepted for new licenses. This helps the office serve each couple without long wait times. When you call, ask about current fees and what documents to bring.
Office hours are typically Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm before you visit. The office is closed on county holidays. Processing times are usually fast for in-person requests. You can often get your license the same day as your appointment.
The marriage license page on the county website has details about the application process. Read through this information before your appointment. It tells you what to expect and what to bring. The page also explains the difference between public and confidential licenses.
Apply for a Marriage License
Both parties must appear together at the clerk's office to get a marriage license. You cannot apply alone or send someone else. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. Your ID must be current and show your photo, birth date, and legal name. Some people also bring their birth certificate though this is not always required in California.
You need to complete an application online before your appointment. The county website has a link to the online form. Fill out all required fields. Both parties must provide their information. Submit the form before you visit the office. This saves time during your appointment. The office will have your application ready when you arrive.
If you were married before, be ready to state when and how that marriage ended. You may need to bring a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate. Some counties require this proof while others just ask for the information. Call ahead to find out what Stanislaus County needs from you.
Stanislaus County offers civil ceremonies right after you get your license. The ceremony can happen the same day. This is convenient if you want a simple wedding without planning a big event. A county staff member performs the ceremony for a fee. Call to ask about ceremony costs and scheduling.
Public vs Confidential Marriage Licenses
Stanislaus County issues 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 certified copy from the county. At least one witness must sign a public marriage license at the ceremony.
Confidential marriage licenses are private. Only you and your spouse can get copies later. No witnesses are required for confidential marriages in California. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. You must be living together as spouses when you apply. The confidential license costs more than a public license in most counties.
Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You can marry anywhere in California during that time. There is no waiting period. You can marry right away. After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the county. The county then records your marriage and creates your certificate.
Stanislaus County offers a decorative marriage keepsake for couples who marry in the county. This is a nice memento of your special day. Ask about this option when you apply for your license. The keepsake is separate from your legal marriage certificate.
Request Marriage Certificates
You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder office if you married here. California law limits who can request public marriage records. You must be a party to the marriage, an attorney for one of the parties, or have a court order. This rule is set out in Health and Safety Code section 103526.
The marriage certificate page on the county website explains how to request a copy. You can visit the office in person for fastest service. Bring valid ID and payment for the certificate fee. Most offices can print your certificate while you wait if the record is ready.
Mail requests are also accepted. Send a written request with your name, address, and phone number. Include details about the marriage such as the names of both parties, the date of marriage, and where the ceremony took place. Add a check or money order for the certificate fee. Mail everything to the clerk's office. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks for mail requests.
Starting in January 2026, California increased fees for certified copies of vital records. The state mandated a $2 increase. Most counties now charge $19 or more per certified copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost less. Order all the copies you need at once to save money.
For confidential marriage certificates, only the married parties can get copies. The law protects these records from public access. You must prove your identity when you request a copy. The clerk will not release confidential records to anyone else without a court order.
Fees and Processing Times
Stanislaus County charges fees for marriage licenses and certified copies of certificates. The license fee is set by the county and may be higher than the certificate fee. As of 2026, the certificate fee is around $19 per copy. Call the office at (209) 525-5251 for current fees.
The office accepts several payment methods. Cash, checks, and money orders are always accepted. Credit and debit cards may be accepted but could include a processing fee. Ask about payment options when you schedule your appointment.
In-person requests are processed quickly. You can often get your certificate the same day if the record is ready. Mail requests take longer. Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for mail processing. Online orders through third-party vendors may be faster but include extra fees.
Marriage Law in California
California marriage law is found in the California Family Code. The law says both parties must be at least 18 years old. Minors under 18 need a court order to marry. This is rare and requires special circumstances.
You do not need to be a California resident to marry here. Anyone can get married in California. Your license is valid statewide. You can marry in any county even if you got your license somewhere else. This makes California a popular choice for destination weddings.
No blood test is required. California dropped this requirement years ago. You do need to know about any previous marriages. Be ready to state when and how those marriages ended. Some counties want to see your divorce decree or death certificate.
Your ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. This includes judges, clergy, and certain other officials. The officiant must sign your license and return it to the county within 10 days. The county records the marriage and creates your certificate. Once recorded, you can request certified copies.
Cities in Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County includes one qualifying city with a population over 100,000. Residents get their marriage licenses from the county clerk's office in Modesto.
Other cities and towns in the county also use the clerk-recorder office for marriage services. Cities do not issue marriage licenses. All marriage records in California are kept at the county level.
Nearby Counties
Stanislaus County borders several other counties. If you need records from a nearby county or want to compare services, check these options: