Find Marriage Records for Trinity County
Trinity County marriage records are handled by the County Clerk office in Weaverville. This small county office issues all marriage licenses and maintains original certificates for marriages performed in Trinity County. The office is on Court Street in the historic town of Weaverville. You can get public and confidential marriage licenses here. Certified copies are available to people who meet California's legal requirements. The office provides personal service to couples and requesters. Staff can answer questions and guide you through the marriage license process. Trinity County offers a quiet mountain setting for couples who want a rural California wedding.
Trinity County Quick Facts
Trinity County Clerk Office
The Trinity County Clerk office is at 11 Court Street in Weaverville. A post office box is also available at P.O. Box 1215, Weaverville, CA 96093. This office handles all marriage licenses and certificates for the county. Staff also manage other vital records and county clerk duties.
Call the office at (530) 623-1222 with questions about marriage licenses or certificates. The 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 make the trip. Weaverville is a small mountain town so plan your visit accordingly.
Trinity County is one of California's smallest counties by population. The clerk's office provides personal attention to each couple. Service is usually quick because there are fewer requests than in larger counties. This can be an advantage if you want a simple process without long wait times.
Marriage License Application
Both parties must appear in person at the clerk's office to get a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or have someone else apply for you. Bring valid photo identification like a driver license or passport. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and legal name.
Trinity County issues public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses are the standard type used by most couples. These become part of the public record once you marry. Anyone can request a certified 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 in California. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. You must also be living together as spouses when you apply. This is a legal requirement under California law.
The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. You must marry within that time frame or the license expires. There is no waiting period in California. You can marry the same day you get your license. Many couples take advantage of this to have quick ceremonies.
Previous Marriages
If you were married before, be ready to tell the clerk when and how that marriage ended. You need to know the exact date the previous marriage ended and whether it ended by death, divorce, dissolution, or annulment. Some counties ask for a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate. Call ahead to ask what Trinity County requires.
This information is required under California law. The clerk needs to verify that you are legally free to marry. Do not skip this step or try to hide previous marriages. Lying on a marriage license application is illegal and can void your marriage later.
Ceremony Requirements
After you get your license, you need an authorized officiant to perform your ceremony. California law says who can solemnize marriages. This includes judges, clergy, and certain other officials. Your officiant must be authorized under California law or the marriage may not be valid.
The ceremony can be as simple or elaborate as you want. The legal requirement is that the officiant performs the ceremony and signs the license. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the county clerk within 10 days. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
Trinity County has beautiful outdoor locations for ceremonies. Many couples choose to marry near Trinity Lake or in the surrounding mountains. Just make sure your officiant returns the signed license to the clerk's office on time. Late returns can delay the recording of your marriage.
Getting Marriage Certificates
You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Trinity County Clerk office if you married in the county. California law limits 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 is set out in Health and Safety Code section 103526.
Visit the office in person for fastest service. Bring valid ID and payment for the certificate fee. The office can usually print your certificate while you wait if the record is ready. In-person service is the quickest option in small counties like Trinity.
You can also request copies by mail. 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 your request to the clerk's office. Use the mailing address at P.O. Box 1215, Weaverville, CA 96093. 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.
Fees and Payment
Trinity County charges fees for marriage licenses and certified copies of certificates. The license fee depends on the type you choose. Public licenses typically cost less than confidential licenses. The certificate fee is around $19 per copy as of early 2026. This amount reflects the state-mandated increase that took effect in January 2026.
The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit and debit card acceptance when you call. Some small county offices may not have card processing equipment. Bring enough cash or a check to cover all fees when you visit.
Call the office at (530) 623-1222 for current fee amounts. Fees can change over time. The clerk's office will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you need multiple copies of your certificate, order them all at once. Additional copies cost less when ordered together. This saves you money and avoids the need to contact the office again later.
California Marriage Law
California marriage law is found in the California Family Code. The law requires both parties to 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 in the state. Anyone can get married in California. Your license is valid anywhere in the state. You can get your license in one county and marry in another county. This flexibility makes California popular for destination weddings.
No blood test is required in California. This requirement was eliminated many 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. Check with Trinity County to see what they need.
The ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. The officiant signs the license and returns it to the county within 10 days. The county records the marriage and creates your certificate. Once recorded, you can request certified copies for legal purposes.
State Vital Records Office
The California Department of Public Health also 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.
For records outside the state's date range or for confidential marriages, you must contact the county where the license was issued. Counties have all records for marriages in their jurisdiction. County processing is usually faster than state processing. Most counties provide same-day or next-day service. The state can take 5 to 7 weeks.
The state fee is $19 per certified copy as of January 2026. County fees are similar. Compare both options to see which works best for your situation. For Trinity County marriages, the county clerk is usually the best choice.
Nearby Counties
Trinity County borders 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 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 specific requirements.