First, know that California is an easy state to get legally married in. You can use any CA license anywhere in the state.There is no residency rule. If it is easier to get a license issued in your home county in  California that is fine, just bring it to the ceremony and I will send it back to the courthouse where you got it.
Be sure to ask the clerk what the instructions are for getting the certified copies. Sometimes they allow you to pay in advance and your copies will be automatically sent to you.

Click HERE to download an application and make an appointment. The license is valid for 90 days.

Most of my couples get their license from San Diego County, so I will provide information for this county.

Public Marriage License:

$70 Fee

Effective immediately so you can use it right away and is valid for 90 days.

One Witness required – Two may be used.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available approximately 10 business days once the clerk receives it. It may be obtained for $17 by requesting it from the marriage license office.

Be sure to ask the clerk what the instructions are for getting the certified copies. Sometimes they allow you to pay in advance and your copies will be automatically sent to you.

The Marriage License is part of public record.

Confidential Marriage License:

$89.

Everything is the same as Public Marriage License with three exceptions:

NO witnesses required. (This is a plus in avoiding witness mistakes when signing the license)

Couple must be at least 18 years of age and residing together as a married couple for a confidential license.

Not a public record. The actual license is not released to anyone but the couple or court order.

How to get your Marriage License!

A marriage license may be obtained from one of the San Diego County Clerk’s five offices. The couple getting married must appear together with valid photo identification. No witnesses required to obtain the license.

An appointment is required to obtain a marriage license.

Walk-in marriage license services are not available. Couples must have an appointment.

After the ceremony, the license must be returned by the Officiant within 10 days.

Certified copies may be obtained 10 business days after filing.

They do not automatically mail you your copies, you must request it.