Los Angeles City Hall Weddings

City Hall weddings are increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Couples who do not practice any particular religion – or those blending religious backgrounds – often find a civil wedding ceremony in Los Angeles provides neutral ground for memorable occasion that friends and family members can participate in and attend. Some couples loathe the pomp and circumstance of a formal wedding, others find that while they already enjoy a “vow that doesn’t need a ring,” a legally registered marriage provides medical and tax rights, legal protection and other financial benefits that aren’t available otherwise.

One of the Most Affordable Places to Get Married

Perhaps one of the most attractive benefits – Los Angeles City Hall Weddings are incredibly affordable – only $25 for the entire ceremony – which means you can save thousands of dollars that can be better spent elsewhere.

Los Angeles City Hall Weddings

Step 1: Choose From Multiple LA City Hall Wedding Locations

The following is a brief overview of how to get married in one Los Angeles County’s multiple branch offices, located in:

  • Beverly Hills
  • East Los Angeles
  • Florence/Firestone
  • LAX Courthouse
  • Lancaster
  • Norwalk
  • Van Nuys

Please visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website for a list of specific addresses and the days/times they are available. Each location is different so, if you have the time, you may want to visit each one to determine which one will be best for your needs.

For example, the Beverly Hills location is one of the most popular because lines tend to be shorter, there is free parking across the street and the venue is attractive. The LAX Courthouse is the most modern of the locations but parking is expensive. East Los Angeles is notorious for its long lines, but may be in a more convenient location for friends and family. The more research you do ahead of time, the better.

If you would like to have guests attend your civil wedding ceremony, know that each venue has a maximum occupancy – often around 25 people – so you will want to verify those numbers with each venue as well.

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Step 2: Obtain your marriage license

In order to be legally married in a Los Angeles City Hall or branch office location, you must have a valid marriage license issued by Los Angeles County. You cannot get married in any of the above locations with a marriage license from any other county, state or country.

You can apply for your marriage license online or pick up a physical copy from one of the branch offices listed above. Both parties must be present to pick up the official marriage license and you will need a valid form of identification (Passport, current driver’s license or alien resident card). A public marriage license is $91, confidential marriage licenses are available for $85. Your marriage license is only valid for 90 days.

Step 3: Schedule a civil ceremony

Once you have your marriage license in hand, it’s time to schedule your civil ceremony (you cannot schedule your civil marriage in Los Angles without a valid marriage license). Your civil ceremony will only cost you $25 at any of the locations!

You are also required to have a witness who is 18-years or older. If you do not have a witness available, or desire to have a completely private ceremony, the branch office is happy to provide a professional witness for an additional $18. All fees are payable via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.

Your ceremony will be conducted by a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages at one of the following locations, by appointment only:

  • Beverly Hills (Wednesday & Friday)
  • Lancaster (Friday)
  • LAX Courthouse (Friday)
  • Firestone (Friday)
  • East Los Angeles (Friday)
  • Norwalk (After Hours)
  • Van Nuys (Wednesday & Friday)

Click Here for specific location addresses and times. If you would prefer to have your marriage ceremony performed by a friend or family member, you can! Simply follow the guidelines for the Deputy Commissioner for a Day Program.

Finally: Record your marriage certificate

This is a critical step if you want your Los Angeles civil marriage to be legalized. Once the ceremony is over, and the marriage certificate has been signed by both parties (same-sex marriages are legal in the state of California), the Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages and your witness, you have to register it with Los Angeles county to make it official. Your marriage certificate must be returned to the Norwalk office to be legally recorded. Only after it has been legally recorded will you receive your legal copy of the marriage certificate.

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