Ventura County Marriage Records
Marriage records for Ventura County are issued and maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder office. The main office is in Ventura on South Victoria Avenue. A second location operates in Thousand Oaks. Both offices handle marriage licenses and certificates. You can get public and confidential marriage licenses at either location. The county offers online applications for public marriage licenses. After you complete the online form, both parties visit an office with your reference number. There is no waiting period in California so you can marry right away. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available to authorized requesters. Ventura County serves three qualifying cities and many smaller communities along the California coast and inland valleys.
Ventura County Marriage Facts
Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Office
The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder operates two locations for marriage services. The main office is at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura. The second office is at 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite A, in Thousand Oaks. You can apply for a marriage license at either location. Both offices provide the same services.
Call the main office at (805) 654-2263 for questions about marriage licenses or certificates. Staff can tell you what documents to bring, what fees to pay, and how long processing takes. Office hours are Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm hours at the location you plan to visit. Both offices keep the same hours.
Ventura County has an online application for public marriage licenses. Visit the county website and complete the form. After you submit it, you get a reference number. Both parties must then go to an office within 40 business days with the reference number and valid ID. The online application saves time at the office. Staff will have your information ready when you arrive.
Marriage License Types and Fees
Ventura County offers several types of marriage licenses. A Public Marriage License (VS117) costs $108.00. This is the standard license used by most couples. It becomes 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.
A Confidential Marriage License (VS123) costs $122.00. This keeps 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. You must also be living together as spouses when you apply.
Ventura County also offers licenses for Denominations Not Having Clergy (VS115) at $108.00 and a Declaration of Marriage (VS116) at $108.00. These are specialized forms for certain situations. Ask the clerk's office which type you need if you are not sure.
There is no waiting period in Ventura County. The license may be used upon issuance. You can marry the same day you get your license. This is a major convenience for couples who want a quick wedding or who are visiting California for a short time.
How to Apply for a License
Both parties must appear together in person at a clerk-recorder office to complete your application. You cannot apply by mail or send someone else. If you used the online application, bring your reference number and valid photo ID. If you did not use the online application, you can fill out a paper form at the office.
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. Your ID must show your photo, birth date, and legal name. The ID must be current. Expired IDs are not accepted. Some people also bring their birth certificate though this is not always required under California law.
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 Ventura County requires.
Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. You must marry within that time or the license expires. After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the county. The county then records the marriage and creates your certificate.
Online Application Process
Ventura County offers an online public marriage license application. This service saves time at the office. Visit the county website and find the marriage license section. Complete all required fields on the online form. Both parties must provide their information. Submit the form when you are done.
You will receive a reference number after you submit the form. Write down this number or print the confirmation page. Both parties must then visit a clerk-recorder office within 40 business days. Bring your reference number and valid ID. Staff will pull up your application and complete the process.
The online application is kept on file for 40 business days. If you do not visit an office within that time, your application expires. You would need to start over with a new online application. Plan your visit soon after you submit the form to avoid any delays.
The online application is only for public marriage licenses. Confidential marriage licenses must be applied for in person at the office. You cannot use the online system for confidential licenses.
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 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.
Ventura County has many beautiful locations for weddings. You can choose coastal settings, inland valleys, or mountain areas. Popular cities include Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Oxnard. Just make sure your officiant returns the signed license on time so your marriage gets recorded properly.
Getting Marriage Certificates
You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Ventura 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 found in Health and Safety Code section 103526.
Visit either the Ventura or Thousand Oaks 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 of marriage, and where the ceremony happened. Send a check or money order for the certificate fee. Mail your request to the clerk-recorder office. 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
Ventura County marriage license fees are listed above. The certificate fee is separate from the license fee. As of January 2026, the state mandated a $2 increase in vital records certificate fees. Most counties now charge $19 or more for a certified copy of a marriage certificate. Check the county fees page for current amounts.
The office accepts several forms of payment. Cash, checks, and money orders are always accepted. 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.
Forms and Resources
Ventura County provides various forms related to marriage licenses and certificates. Visit the county forms page to download any forms you may need. Some forms can be filled out ahead of time to save time at the office.
The county website also has information about vital records, fees, and procedures. Check the website before you visit to make sure you have everything you need. This helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth process.
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 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 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.
Cities in Ventura County
Ventura County includes three qualifying cities with populations over 100,000. Residents of these cities get their marriage licenses from the county clerk-recorder offices in Ventura or Thousand Oaks.
Other cities and towns in the county also use the county clerk-recorder offices for marriage services. Cities do not issue marriage licenses in California. All marriage records are maintained at the county level.
Nearby Counties
Ventura 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.