Marriage Records in Sutter County
Marriage records for Sutter County are issued and maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder office located in Yuba City on Second Street. This office handles all marriage licenses for the county. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are available here. The office keeps original certificates for every marriage performed in Sutter County. You can request certified copies if you meet California's requirements. An online pre-application saves time when you visit the office. The staff also performs civil ceremonies by appointment for a fee. A witness can be provided if you need one. The office serves all residents and visitors who want to marry in Sutter County.
Sutter County Marriage Information
Sutter County Clerk-Recorder Office
The Sutter County Clerk-Recorder office is your main contact for marriage licenses and certificates. The office is at 433 Second Street in Yuba City. This is the only place in the county where you can get a marriage license. The office handles all vital records including marriage certificates.
Call the office at (530) 822-7134 for questions about fees, hours, and requirements. Staff can tell you what documents to bring and how long the process takes. Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm before you visit. Some services may require appointments.
The office also handles recorder functions for real property documents and other official records. All these services operate from the same location. Staff are experienced with marriage records and can guide you through the process.
How to Get a Marriage License
Both people must go to the clerk's office in person to get a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or have someone else apply for you. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. Your ID must be current with a clear photo and your legal name.
Sutter County has an online pre-application to save time. Visit the county website and fill out the form before you visit the office. This lets you enter your information at home. When you get to the office, the staff will have your application ready. This speeds up the process and reduces wait time.
The license is a permit to marry. You are not legally married until the marriage is solemnized by an authorized person. This is an important point that many people miss. Getting the license is just the first step. You need an officiant to perform the ceremony and sign the license.
A regular non-confidential marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. You must marry within that time or the license expires. There is no waiting period in California. You can marry the same day you get your license. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the county. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
License Types and Requirements
Sutter County offers two types of marriage licenses. Regular licenses are also called public licenses. These become part of the public record after you marry. Anyone can request a copy later. At least one witness must sign the license at the ceremony. Most couples choose this type.
Confidential licenses keep your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies. No witnesses are needed for confidential marriages in California. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to use a confidential license. You must also be living together as spouses at the time you apply. This is a legal requirement that you must meet.
The license fee varies by type. Public licenses typically cost less than confidential licenses. Check with the clerk's office for current fees. As of January 2026, California increased fees for vital records certificates by $2 under state law. Most counties now charge $19 or more for a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
If you were married before, be ready to tell the clerk when and how that marriage ended. You may need to show 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 Sutter County needs.
Civil Ceremonies and Witnesses
Sutter County offers civil ceremonies at the Clerk-Recorder office. You can schedule a ceremony by appointment. A county staff member will perform the ceremony for a fee. This is a simple option if you want a quick wedding without a big event.
If you need a witness for your public marriage license, the county can provide one for an additional fee. This is helpful if you do not have anyone with you on the day of the ceremony. The witness just needs to be present and sign the license. No special qualifications are required.
You can also have your own officiant and witnesses. California law allows many types of officiants including judges, clergy, and certain other people. Your officiant must be authorized to solemnize marriages in California. After the ceremony, the officiant signs your license and returns it to the county within 10 days.
Getting Marriage Certificates
You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Sutter County Clerk-Recorder if you married in the county. California law controls who can get copies of 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 protects privacy while allowing access for legitimate needs.
Visit the office in person for fastest service. Bring valid ID and payment for the certificate fee. Most requests are processed while you wait if the record is ready. The office can print your certificate on the spot in many cases.
You can also request copies by mail. Write a letter with your name, address, and phone number. Include all details about the marriage such as the names of both parties, the date, and the place of the ceremony. Send a check or money order for the certificate fee. Mail your request to the clerk's office in Yuba City. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks for mail requests.
For confidential marriage certificates, only the married parties can get copies. The law protects these records from public inspection. You must prove your identity when you request a copy. The clerk will not release confidential records to anyone else unless a court orders it.
If you need multiple copies, order them all at once. Additional copies cost less when ordered together. Many people need 3 to 5 copies for name changes, benefits, and other purposes. Ordering them together saves money and time.
Fees and Payment
Sutter County charges fees for marriage licenses and certified copies of certificates. The license fee depends on whether you choose a public or confidential license. The certificate fee is around $19 per copy as of early 2026. This reflects the state-mandated increase that took effect in January 2026.
The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit cards may also be accepted but could include a processing fee. Ask about payment options when you call or visit. Bring enough money to cover the fees and any additional services you need such as extra copies or a civil ceremony.
Domestic Partnership Registry
Sutter County also helps with the Domestic Partnership Registry. This is a state program available through the California Secretary of State. Domestic partnerships provide some legal protections similar to marriage. The county clerk can give you information about how to register a domestic partnership.
The process is different from marriage. You file your registration with the state, not the county. The county office can provide forms and guidance but the actual registration goes through the state. Call the clerk's office if you have questions about domestic partnerships.
California Marriage Law
California marriage law is set out in the California Family Code. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without court approval. Minors under 18 need a court order. 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 anywhere in the state. You can marry in any county even if you got your license somewhere else. Many couples from other states choose California for destination weddings.
No blood test is required. California eliminated 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 ask for proof such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
The ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. California law sets out who can solemnize marriages. This includes judges, clergy, and certain other officials. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the county within 10 days. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
Nearby Counties
Sutter County shares borders with several other counties. If you need records from a nearby county or want to compare services, check these options:
Each county operates its own clerk-recorder office. Fees and procedures may vary slightly from county to county. All counties follow California state law for marriage licenses and certificates.