Private vs. Public Marriage License

If you're planning to get married in California, one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to obtain a confidential (private) or public marriage license.

Both licenses create a legal California marriage, but there are some important differences between the two. Understanding those differences can help you choose the option that best fits your needs.

Confidential Marriage License

A confidential marriage license allows eligible couples to legally marry while keeping their marriage record private. Unlike a public marriage license, the marriage record is not available to the general public.

To qualify for a confidential marriage license, California law requires that you and your partner are already living together as spouses. In addition, witnesses are not required for the ceremony, making it a popular choice for couples planning a private or intimate wedding.

Public Marriage License

A public marriage license is the most common type of marriage license issued in California.

Unlike a confidential marriage license, the marriage record becomes part of the public record. This means that anyone who follows the appropriate process may request certain information or obtain certified copies, as permitted by California law.

A public marriage license does not require that the couple already be living together. However, at least one witness must be present during the ceremony to sign the marriage license. If the ceremony has more than one witness, California allows up to two witnesses to sign the license.