Tulare County Marriage Records
Marriage records for Tulare County are issued and maintained by the County Clerk office in Visalia. This office handles all marriage licenses for the county. The office sits in Room 103 at 221 South Mooney Boulevard. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are available. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested by authorized individuals. The office serves couples planning to marry in Tulare County and people who need copies of existing marriage records. Staff provide guidance on requirements, fees, and procedures. Tulare County is in California's Central Valley and offers many ceremony locations from urban settings to agricultural landscapes.
Tulare County Marriage Overview
Tulare County Clerk Office
The Tulare County Clerk office is your main contact for marriage licenses and certificates. The office is at 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Room 103, in Visalia. This is where you apply for a marriage license and where you can request copies of your marriage certificate. The office handles vital records and other county clerk functions.
Call the office at (559) 636-5050 with questions about marriage services. Staff can tell you what documents to bring, what fees you need to pay, and how long processing takes. Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask if you need an appointment.
Visalia is the county seat and the largest city in Tulare County. The clerk's office is in the main county building. Parking is available nearby. Bring valid identification and payment when you visit.
How to Get a Marriage License
Both people must go to the clerk's office together to apply for a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or have someone else apply on your behalf. Bring valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and current legal name. Some people also bring their birth certificate though this is not always required under California law.
Tulare County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses are the most common choice. 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 for a public marriage.
Confidential licenses keep your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies of a confidential marriage certificate. No witnesses are required for confidential marriages. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. You must also be living together as spouses when you apply. This is a requirement under California law for confidential marriages.
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 makes it easy for couples who want a quick wedding or who are visiting California for a short time.
Requirements and Fees
If you were married before, be ready to tell the clerk when and how that marriage ended. You need the exact date 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 Tulare County needs from you.
The license fee varies depending on whether you choose a public or confidential license. Confidential licenses usually cost more. 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 of a marriage certificate. The license itself may have a different fee. Call the office for current amounts.
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 all fees including the license and any additional copies you may need.
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 to perform marriages in California.
The ceremony can be simple or elaborate based on your preferences. 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.
Tulare County has many venues for weddings. You can choose an indoor or outdoor location. Some couples marry in Visalia while others choose smaller towns or rural settings. Just make sure your officiant returns the signed license on time so your marriage gets recorded properly.
Requesting Marriage Certificates
You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Tulare County Clerk 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 representing one of the parties, or have a court order. This rule is found in 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 the quickest option.
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 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 Visalia at the address listed above. 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 copy. The clerk will not release confidential records to anyone else unless a court orders it.
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 eliminates the need to contact the office again later.
Online and Third-Party Services
Some California counties offer online ordering for marriage certificates through third-party vendors like VitalChek. These vendors charge an extra fee on top of the county certificate fee. The benefit is convenience and delivery to your home. Check the county website to see if online ordering is available for Tulare County.
If online ordering is available, follow the prompts on the vendor's website. Enter your information and pay the fees. Online orders typically arrive in 5 to 10 business days depending on the shipping method you choose. Expedited shipping costs more but gets your certificate to you faster.
Mail requests directly to the county are usually cheaper than using a third-party vendor. The trade-off is that mail requests take longer. Weigh the cost against the convenience to decide which option works best for you.
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 such as pregnancy or parental consent plus judicial approval.
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 makes California flexible for destination weddings and elopements.
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 proof like a divorce decree or death certificate.
The ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. The officiant must sign the 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 for legal use.
State Vital Records Office
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.
For records outside the state's date range or for confidential marriages, you must contact the county where the license was issued. Counties have complete records for all marriages performed 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 one works better for your situation.
Nearby Counties
Tulare 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 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.