Tehama County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Tehama County are kept by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Red Bluff. This office issues all marriage licenses for Tehama County. The office is in Room 11 of the county courthouse on Washington Street. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are available here. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested by authorized individuals under California law. The office serves couples who want to marry in the county and people who need copies of their marriage certificates. Staff can answer questions about requirements, fees, and procedures. All vital records for the county pass through this office.
Tehama County Overview
County Clerk-Recorder Office
The Tehama County Clerk-Recorder office is located at 633 Washington Street, Room 11, in Red Bluff. This is where you go to get a marriage license or request a marriage certificate. The office combines clerk and recorder functions in one department. Staff handle marriage licenses, vital records, and property recordings.
Call the office at (530) 527-3350 with questions about marriage licenses or certificates. Staff can tell you what to bring, what fees to expect, and how long processing takes. Office hours are Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit. Some services may require appointments.
The office sits in the county courthouse building. Parking is available nearby. Bring valid identification and payment when you visit. The staff are experienced with marriage records and can guide you through the process step by step.
Getting a Marriage License
Both people must appear together at the clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or send someone else in your place. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and current legal name.
Tehama County issues both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses are the most common type. These become part of the public record after you marry. Anyone can request a copy later. At least one witness must sign a public marriage license at the ceremony.
Confidential licenses keep your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies. No witnesses are required for confidential marriages. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to use a confidential license. You must also be living together as spouses when you apply.
Your 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. This flexibility makes California popular for quick weddings and destination ceremonies.
If you were married before, be ready to tell the clerk 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. Call ahead to ask what Tehama County needs from you.
Marriage Ceremonies
After you get your license, you need an authorized officiant to perform your marriage ceremony. California law sets out who can solemnize marriages. This includes judges, clergy members, and certain other officials. Your officiant must be authorized under California law.
The ceremony can be simple or elaborate. The legal requirement is that the officiant performs the ceremony and signs the license. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk within 10 days. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
Some counties offer civil ceremonies at the clerk's office. Check with Tehama County to see if this service is available. Civil ceremonies are usually short and simple. They cost less than hiring a private officiant or planning a big wedding. This option works well for couples who want a quick legal marriage without extra fuss.
Requesting Marriage Certificates
You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Tehama County Clerk-Recorder office if you married in the county. 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 is required under Health and Safety Code section 103526.
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. In-person service is usually much faster than mail or online requests.
You can also request copies by mail. Write a letter 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 happened. Send a check or money order for the certificate fee. Mail your request to the clerk's office in Red Bluff. 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 access. You must prove your identity when you request a confidential marriage certificate. The clerk will not release copies to anyone else unless ordered by a court.
If you need multiple copies of your certificate, order them all at the same time. Additional copies cost less when ordered together. Many people need several copies for name changes, benefits, and other legal purposes. Ordering them together saves money and time.
Fees and Payment Methods
Tehama County charges fees for marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage certificates. The license fee varies depending 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 under Assembly Bill 64.
The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit cards may be accepted but could include a processing fee. Ask about payment options when you call. Bring enough money to cover all fees when you visit.
Call the office at (530) 527-3350 for current fee amounts. Fees can change from time to time. The clerk's office will have the most up-to-date information about what you need to pay.
California Marriage Law
Marriage law in California 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 to marry. This is rare and requires special circumstances such as pregnancy or parental consent plus judicial approval.
You do not need to be a California resident to marry here. Anyone can get married in California regardless of where they live. Your license is valid anywhere in the state. You can get your license in one county and marry in another. This makes California flexible for destination weddings and elopements.
No blood test is required in California. This requirement was eliminated years ago. You do need to know about any previous marriages. Be ready to state when and how those marriages ended. Some counties require proof such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
Your ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the county within 10 days after the ceremony. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate. Once recorded, you can request certified copies for legal purposes.
State Resources
In addition to county records, the California Department of Public Health keeps some marriage records. The state has public marriage records from 1905 to 2001 and from 2010 to the present. The state does not have confidential marriage records at all.
For records outside the state's date range, you must contact the county where the license was issued. County offices have all records for marriages performed in their county. County processing is usually faster than state processing. Most counties provide same-day or next-day service while the state can take 5 to 7 weeks.
The state fee for a certified copy is $19 as of January 2026. County fees are similar. Some counties charge slightly more. Check with both the state and the county to see which option works best for your needs.
Nearby Counties
Tehama 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 runs its own clerk-recorder office. Fees and procedures may vary from county to county. All counties follow California state law for marriage licenses and certificates. Contact each county directly for their specific requirements and fees.