Marriage License and Ceremony Information
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1.
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Ceremony must be performed within 90 calendar days of purchase of the marriage license
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2.
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Couple is to present the original marriage license to the person who will be solemnizing
the marriage (see information below on the
requirements for Authorized Persons to Perform Marriage Ceremonies).
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a.
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A public marriage requires a minimum of four people
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i.
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An unmarried male
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ii.
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An unmarried female
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iii.
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Person solemnizing the marriage
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iv.
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One witness (second witness is optional)
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b.
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A confidential marriage requires a minimum of three people
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i.
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An unmarried male
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ii.
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An unmarried female
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iii.
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Person solemnizing the marriage
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3.
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After the ceremony, the person solemnizing the marriage is to complete the officiant’s
portions of the marriage license in black ink and obtain complete address and signature(s)
of witness(es) (if applicable).
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a.
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Enter the date, city, and county of the marriage
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b.
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Printed name of officiant, signature, title, and religious denomination, if clergy
member.
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c.
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Complete address(es), printed name(s) and signature(s) of witness(es)
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4.
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Solemnizer is to return the completed original marriage license to the County Recorder/Clerk
in the county in which the license was issued within ten days of the marriage ceremony.
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Civil marriage ceremonies are performed in our office by Deputy Commissioners of
Civil Marriage. You may make an appointment at the San Bernardino Office by calling
(855) 732-2575. The fee is $65.00. Walk-ins are also welcome Tuesday - Thursday
from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Authorized Persons to Perform Marriage Ceremonies
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Family Code Section
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400.
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Marriage may be solemnized by any of the following who is of the age of 18 years
or older:
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(a)
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A priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination.
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(b)
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A judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil marriages or retired commissioner
of civil marriages, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner
of a court of record in this state.
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(c)
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A judge or magistrate who has resigned from office.
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(d)
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Any of the following judges or magistrates of the United States:
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(1) A justice or retired justice of the United States Supreme Court.
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(2) A judge or retired judge of a court of appeals, a district court, or a court
created by an act of Congress the judges of which are entitled to hold office during
good behavior.
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(3) A judge or retired judge of a bankruptcy court or a tax court.
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(4) A United States magistrate or retired magistrate.
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(e)
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A legislator or constitutional officer of this state or a Member of Congress who
represents a district within this state, while that person holds office.
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400.1
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In addition to the persons specified in Section 400, marriage may also be solemnized
by a county supervisor or a mayor of a city elected in accordance with Article 3
(commencing with Section 34900) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 4
of the Government Code, while that person holds office. The county supervisor or
mayor shall obtain and review from the county clerk all available instructions for
marriage solemnization before the county supervisor or mayor first solemnizes a
marriage.
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401.
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(a)
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For each county, the county clerk is designated as a commissioner of civil marriages.
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(b)
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The commissioner of civil marriages may appoint deputy commissioners of civil marriages
who may solemnize marriages under the direction of the commissioner of civil marriages
and shall perform other duties directed by the commissioner.
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402.
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In addition to the persons permitted to solemnize marriages under Section 400, a
county may license officials of a nonprofit religious institution, whose articles
of incorporation are registered with the Secretary of State, to solemnize the marriages
of persons who are affiliated with or are members of the religious institution.
The licensee shall possess the degree of doctor of philosophy and must perform religious
services or rites for the institution on a regular basis. The marriages shall be
performed without fee to the parties.
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Commissioner For One Day Program
This is a one time, one-event appointment. The bride, the groom or the person performing
the marriage ceremony must reside in San Bernardino County. The person wishing to
be appointed as a commissioner of civil marriages must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Appear in person at the County Clerk's Office (by appointment)
- Present current government issued identification
- Complete an application
- Pay a fee of $75.00 (non-refundable)
The process is done by appointment only. Please submit the “Deputy Commissioner
of Marriages” application at least six weeks in advance of the date of the
ceremony. After approval is given, you will be given instructions for completion
of the license, sample wedding vows and a copy of your appointment. For further
information, please call (855) 732-2575.