Search Tuolumne County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Tuolumne County are kept by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Sonora. This office issues all marriage licenses for the county and maintains original marriage certificates. The office is on South Green Street in Sonora. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are available. Certified copies can be requested by people who meet California's legal requirements. The office provides service to couples planning to marry and to people who need copies of existing records. Staff can answer questions about fees, procedures, and requirements. Tuolumne County is in the Sierra Nevada foothills and offers scenic settings for weddings near Yosemite and historic Gold Rush towns.
Tuolumne County Quick Reference
Tuolumne County Clerk-Recorder
The Tuolumne County Clerk-Recorder office handles all marriage licenses and certificates for the county. The office is at 2 South Green Street in Sonora. This is the only place to get a marriage license in Tuolumne County. Staff manage vital records, property recordings, and other clerk-recorder functions.
Call the office at (209) 533-5551 with questions about marriage services. Staff can tell you what to bring, what fees to pay, and how long the process takes. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit. Ask if you need an appointment for marriage license applications.
Sonora is a historic Gold Rush town in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The clerk-recorder office is in the main county building. Parking is available nearby. The staff provide friendly service and can guide you through the marriage license process.
Apply for a Marriage License
Both parties must appear together 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 ID such as a driver license or passport. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and legal name. Some people also bring their birth certificate though this is not always required in California.
Tuolumne County issues both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses are the standard type. These become part of the public record after 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 later. 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. This is a legal requirement under California Family Code sections 500 through 511.
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 it easy for couples who are planning quick weddings or who are visiting the area for a short time.
Previous Marriage Information
If you were married before, be ready to tell the clerk when and how that marriage ended. You need the exact date the 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 Tuolumne County requires from you.
This information is required under California law. The clerk needs to verify that you are legally free to marry. Do not try to hide previous marriages. Providing false information on a marriage license application is illegal and can void your marriage later.
Marriage Ceremonies
After you get your license, you need an authorized officiant to perform your 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 as simple or elaborate as you choose. 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.
Tuolumne County has beautiful locations for outdoor ceremonies. Many couples choose spots near Yosemite National Park or in the historic downtown areas. Just make sure your officiant returns the signed license to the clerk's office on time so your marriage gets recorded properly.
Getting Marriage Certificates
You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Tuolumne County Clerk-Recorder 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. Most offices can print your certificate while you wait if the record is ready. In-person service is the quickest option in smaller counties like Tuolumne.
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-recorder office at 2 South Green Street, Sonora, CA 95370. 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 of your certificate, order them all at once. 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
Tuolumne 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 under Assembly Bill 64.
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. Bring enough money to cover all fees when you visit.
Call the office at (209) 533-5551 for current fee amounts. Fees can change over time. The clerk's office will have the most accurate and up-to-date information about what you need to pay.
California Marriage Law
California marriage law is found 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.
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.
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.
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 maintain 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 in their jurisdiction. 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 is $19 per certified copy as of January 2026. County fees are similar. Compare both options to see which one works best for your needs. For Tuolumne County marriages, the county clerk-recorder is usually the best choice.
Nearby Counties
Tuolumne 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 from county to county. All counties follow California state law for marriage licenses and certificates. Contact each county directly for specific requirements and current fees.