.Home
.
·Local Vendors
·Wedding blog
·Wedding Book
·Free Planning Form
·Bridal Shows
·Wedding Timeline
·Sunrise & Sunset
·Wedding Invitations
Tips & Ideas
·Bridal Tips & Ideas
·Wedding Planning
·Fun Facts
.Wedding Verses
·Wedding Articles
Music, Movies & TV
·Wedding Music
·Father Daughter Dances
.Wedding Movies
.Wedding reality tv shows casting
.My Fair Wedding
Fun Stuff
·Greetings From The President
Local Chapters
·Kern County Bridal Association
·Ventura County Bridal Association
Our Partners
·Wedding Invitations
·Bakersfield
·Wedding Business Registry
·Good Time Entertainment
Links
·Wedding Links Page
XML Feeds
03/20/08
Kern County Marriage License Application & Information
Link: http://www.thebestweddings.com/MarriageLicense/
Kern County Marriage License Application & Information
County of Kern
Auditor-Controller-County Clerk
Ann K. Barnett
1115 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4639
Regular Office Hours 8:00am-5:00pm Mon-Fri
Open to the public 8:30am-4:00pm Mon-Fri
Applications for a Marriage License
General Instructions:
Print the form
Completely fill out the form (All data must be completed.)
Bring the form to the County Clerk's Office at the time of your appointment
Click on the link below to print out the Kern County Marriage License Application in Elglish or Spanish
Instruciones:
Imprima la solicitud
Complete y traiga la solicitud a su cita. (Toda la informacion debe estar completa.)
Public Lic
Marriage License Application (English)
Marriage License Application (Spanish)
Application for a Confidential Marriage License (English)
Solicitud para licencia de Matrimonio Confidencial (en Espanol)
How do we obtain a marriage license?
Licenses are issued Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the County Clerk's Office located in the Kern County Administrative building. To purchase a marriage license, both the bride and groom must appear together. You only need to make an appointment if you plan to have the wedding performed in our office. To make an appointment, call the County Clerk's Office at the phone number listed below.
Kern County Administrative Building
1115 Truxtun Ave, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, Ca 93301
(661) 868-3743
Is a Blood test required to obtain a Marriage License?
No. A blood test is no longer required.
What do I need to get a marriage license?
If you are 17 years of age or younger, you must call the Kern County Probation Department at (661) 868-4313 before you can purchase a marriage license.
If you are 18 years of age or older and would like to purchase a PUBLIC license, you will need a driver's license or some form of goverment issued ID. Both the bride and groom must be present when obtaining a public marriage license.
If you are 18 years of age or older and are obtaining a CONFIDENTIAL marriage license, you will need a driver's license or some form of goverment issued ID. Both the bride and groom must be present when obtaining a confidential marriage license.
For further information, please call the County Clerk's Office at (661) 868-3743.
If your divorce was finalized within the last 90 days, you must provide proof of court order when applying for a license.
- MARRIAGE LICENSE TYPES -
PUBLIC LICENSE
» Public record
» License good for 90 days
» License can be used throughout the state of California
» Current fee is $67.00
CONFIDENTIAL LICENSE
» Not available for public inspection
» License can only be used in the county where purchased
» Current fee is $80.00
» Couple must be living together as husband and wife and both must be at least 18 years of age.
When does a marriage license expire?
The marriage license is only good for 90 days from the date issued. If not used within 90 days, a new license must be obtained.
What happens to the license after the ceremony?
Public Marriage Licenses
When the ceremony is performed at our office, we will send it to the Kern County Recorder's Office. Certified copies should be available within 10-14 business days at the Kern County Recorder's Office.
When the ceremony is performed outside of the County Clerk's Office, the license should be completed by the person performing the ceremony and returned to the Kern County Recorder's Office within 10 days from the ceremony. The license is recorded and a certified copy will be made available to you within approximately 10-14 business days after it is received. The fee for a certified copy of your Public Marriage License is $13.00. If you need a certified copy of your Public Marriage License, please stop by the address below or call:
The Kern County Recorder's Office
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-6400
KERN COUNTY RECORDER ONLINE
Confidential Marriage Licenses
A certified copy of a Confidential Marriage License may be purchased 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday by the bride or groom only. Photo I.D., such as a California Driver's License, is required. The fee for a certified copy of a Confidential Marriage License is $13.00. The Kern County Clerk's Office accepts cash, money orders, bank imprinted personal checks made payable to the Kern County Clerk, or credit cards.
If the ceremony is performed at the County Clerk's Office, a certified copy of the marriage license may be obtained that day.
When the marriage is performed outside of the County Clerk's Office, the license should be completed by the person performing the ceremony and returned to the Kern County Clerk's Office within 10 days from the ceremony. Certified copies will be availiable within 5-7 business days after it is received.
Kern County Clerk
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3743
Can the marriage ceremony be performed by our office?
The Kern County Clerk's office performs civil wedding ceremonies by appointment. The ceremony room is decorated and provides seating for 15 guests. Cameras are allowed. Rings may be exchanged during the ceremony and those attending may dress casually or formally. The fee to perform the ceremony is $30.00 in addition to the cost of the marriage license. Please call (661) 868-3743 to schedule a ceremony.
Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have regarding your marriage license.
Our Address is:
Kern County Clerk's Office
1115 Truxtun Ave, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Or reach us by phone at: (661) 868-3743
Fee Schedule
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Public Marriage License
$67.00
Confidential Marriage License
$80.00
Weddings performed by the County Clerk's Office
$30.00
Duplicate Marriage License (to replace lost or damaged license prior to recording)
$5.00
Certified Copy of Confidential Marriage License
*available to bride or groom only
$13.00
Amendment & Certified Copy of Confidential Marriage License after 1 year (or longer)
*available to bride or groom only
$20.00
03/19/08
Weddings on Ferries in Washington State
Weddings should be planned for non-peak times and we will need to know the exact time and route so we can alert the crew. Ceremonies are not allowed in the non-public areas of our vessels. Our captains are not legally authorized to perform weddings so plan to arrange for a justice of the peace or pastor to conduct the service.
We recommend small weddings. Larger weddings require reserved space and we cannot guarantee that other, non-invited customers will not inadvertently become part of the wedding party.
Here are some other things to be aware of;
* Outside catering services are not allowed.
* There are no private rooms for clothes changing, etc.
* We do not recommend driving onboard the ferry unless the wedding will be completed by the time the vessel reaches its destination. All vehicles that have boarded a ferry must be driven off once the vessel reaches its final destination.
* If the wedding party has special requests such as using live musicians, electrical power on the ferry, etc., those requests must be made at the time initial arrangements are made with the ferry system.
* Special wedding day photos of the bridal party may not be possible. Ferry crews cannot obstruct pathways for picture taking so bridal pictures may include a photo of a wandering ferry commuter who accidentally gets in your picture.
If you would like more information or would like to make arrangements for your "special event", please call our Aministrative Officer:
Jim Fletcher, Administrative Officer (206) 515-3400
WHY IS THE CEREMONY SEALED WITH A KISS
You may exchange souls with the bride
Yes, this is what the big wedding kiss symbolizes--the swapping of souls between the bride and groom. Even earlier than this Christian belief, the Romans used a kiss to seal a contract. The kiss was considered legally binding. I don't know about you, but I'm glad that a handshake suffices today.
What's more, a bride marrying in the Church of England had to kiss the minister before she smooched the groom. I would really love to go to a wedding where the minister said, "Now, I may kiss the bride."
Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements for California
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any CA county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license.
Cost of License
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $50.00 to $80.00 dollars. Accepted forms of payment are cash.
Residency Requirements
What are the residency requirments for California?
None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of California to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
Waiting Period
Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
No, you will receive your license immediately.
Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.
Age Requirement
What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, one parent or legal guardian must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. The couple must schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a superior court judge.
Blood Tests and Physical Exams
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
License Expires
How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 90 days from the date it is issued.
Divorced and Widowed Applicants
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 90 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online.
How Do I Legally Change My Name?
What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?
Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
We have created a legal name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding can be considerably convenient.
Miscellaneous Questions
Are proxy marriages legal?
Yes, marriage by proxy is allowed. Bill SB 7 was sponsored by Republican Sen. Jim Brulte of Rancho Cucamonga and Senate President Pro Tem John Burton, D-San Francisco and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 10, 2004.
Are cousin marriages legal?
Yes, cousin marriages are allowed.
Are common law marriages legal?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed.
Are same sex marriages legal?
No, same-sex marriages are not allowed.
County Clerk Address and Phone Number List in California
Alameda County Recorder
1106 Madison St
Oakland, CA 94607
510-444-1396
Alpine County Recorder
P.O. Box 266
Markleeville, CA 96120
530-694-2281
Amador County Recorder
108 Court St
Jackson, Ca, CA 95642
209-223-6469
Butte County Recorder
25 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
530-538-7691
Calaveras County Recorder
Government Center
San Andreas, CA 95249
209-754-6375
Colusa County Recorder
546 Jay St
Colusa, CA 95932
530-458-0500
Contra Costa
County Recorder
P.O. Box 350
Martinez, CA 94553
925-646-2360
Del Norte County Recorder
457 F St
Crescent City, CA 95531
707-464-7216
El Dorado County Recorder
360 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
530-621-5490
Fresno County Clerk
2221 Kern St
Fresno, CA 93721
559-488-3003
Glenn County Clerk
P.O. Box 391
Willows, CA 95988
530-934-6407
Humboldt County Recorder
825 5th St
Eureka, CA 95501
707-445-7593
Imperial County Recorder
P.O. Box 1560
El Centro, CA 92243
760-339-4427
Inyo County Records
P.O. Box F
Independence, CA 93526
760-878-0410
Kern County Clerk
1655 Chester Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
805-868-3588
Kings County Clerk
1400 West Lacey Blvd.
Hanford, CA 93230
559-582-3211
Lake County Clerk
255 North Forbes St
Lakeport, CA 95453
707-263-2293
Lassen County Recorder
220 South Lassen St
Susanville, CA 96130
530-251-8217
Los Angeles County Registrar
Records/County Clerk
12400 East Imperial Hwy
2nd Floor, Room 2207
Norwalk, CA 90650
562-462-2137
Madera County Clerk
209 West Yosemite Ave
Madera, CA 93637
209-675-7724
Marin County Recorder
Civic Center, Room 290
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-499-6092
Mariposa County Recorder
P.O. Box 35
Mariposa, CA 95338
209-966-2007
Mendocino County Clerk
P.O. Box 148
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-463-4370
Merced County Recorder
Administration Building
2222 "M" St
Merced, CA 95340
209-385-7501
Modoc County Clerk
204 Court St, Suite 107
Alturas, CA 96101
530-233-2512
Mono County Recorder
P.O. Box 537
Bridgeport, CA 93517
760-932-5241
Monterey County
240 Church St,Rm 305
Salinas, CA 93901
831-647-7906
Napa County Clerk
P.O. Box 298
Napa, CA 94559
707-253-4246
Nevada County Clerk
950 Maidu Ave
Nevada City, CA 95959
530-265-1221
Orange County Recorder
County Recorder
P.O. Box 238
Santa Ana, CA 92702
714-834-2500
Placer County Clerk
11960 Heritage Oaks Place, #15
Auborn, CA 95604
530-889-7948
Plumas County Recorder
P.O. Box 10706
Quincy, CA 95971
530-283-6305
Riverside County Clerk
2724 Gateway Drive
Riverside, CA 92502
909-486-7000
Sacramento County Clerk
P.O. Box 839
Sacramento, CA 95812
916-874-5522
San Benito County Clerk
440 5th St, Room 206
Hollister, CA 95023
831-636-4029
San Bernardino County Recorder
Hall Of Records
222 West Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415
909-387-8314
San Diego County
Marriage Licenses
P.O. Box 121750
San Diego, CA 92112
619-237-0502
San Francisco County Recorders
City Hall, #167
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-554-4176
San Joaquin
County Clerk
P.O. Box 1968
Stockton, CA 95201
209-468-2362
San Luis Obispo County
Recording Dept
City Government Center
Room 102
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
805-781-5088
San Mateo County Clerk
401 Marshall St, 6th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-363-4711
Santa Barbara County Clerk
P.O. Box 159
Santa Barbara, CA 93102
805-568-2250
Santa Clara County Recorder
70 West Hedding
San Jose, CA 95110
408-299-2481
Santa Cruz County Recorder
701 Ocean St, Rm 230
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-454-2800
Shasta County
Marriage License
Courthouse, Suite 102
Redding, CA 96001
530-225-5378
Sierra County Recorder
Courthouse Square
P.O. Box D
Downieville, CA 95936
530-289-3295
Siskiyou County Clerk
P.O. Box 8
Ureka, CA 96097
916-842-8084
Solano County Recorder
580 Texas St
Fairfield, CA 94533
707-421-6319
Sonoma County Clerk
P.O. Box 6124
Santa Rosa, CA 95406
707-527-3800
Stanislaus County
Clerk-Recorder
912 11th St
Modesto, CA 95354
209- 525-5265
Sutter County Recorder
Hall Of Records
466 2nd St
Yuba City, CA 95991
530-822-7120
Tehama County Recorder
633 Washington
Red Bluff, CA 96080
916-527-3350
Trinity County Recorder
101 Court St
Weaverville, CA 96093
916-623-1222
Tulare County
Marriage License
County Civic Center, Room 203
Visalia, CA 93291
559-733-6518
Tuolumne County Clerk
2 South Green St
Sonora, CA 95370
209-533-5570
Ventura County Recorder Office
Lower Plaza, Admin Bldg L#1210
800 South Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93009
805-654-2263
Yolo County Clerk
P.O. Box 1820
Woodland, CA 95695
530-666-8130
Yuba County
Marriage License
215 5th 4
Marysville, CA 95901
530-741-6341