A couple filling out marriage license paperwork at the San Francisco County Clerk's office

What You Need Before Visiting the County Clerk

Getting a marriage license in San Francisco requires both partners to appear together at the San Francisco County Clerk’s office inside City Hall. A little preparation saves you from making two trips.

Before you head to City Hall, gather the following for each person:

  • Government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. The ID must be current and not expired.
  • Date and location of birth. You will need to provide this on the application, so have it ready even if it appears on your ID.
  • Full legal names of both parents. The application asks for parents’ names, including maiden names.
  • Information about any previous marriages. If either of you has been married before, you will need the date the previous marriage ended and how it ended (divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse). Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate to be safe.

You do not need a birth certificate to apply for a marriage license in San Francisco. Your photo ID is sufficient. If your ID does not show your date of birth, bring a birth certificate as a backup.

Public vs. Confidential Marriage Licenses in California

California offers two types of marriage licenses, and the choice matters more than most couples realize.

Public marriage licenses become part of the public record. Anyone can request a copy from the San Francisco County Clerk, and the information (names, date of marriage, witnesses) is accessible through public records searches. Public licenses require at least one witness present at the ceremony who signs the license.

Confidential marriage licenses restrict access to the married couple only. No witnesses are required at the ceremony. To qualify for a confidential license in California, both partners must be living together at the time of the application. Only the two people named on the license can request a certified copy from the County Clerk.

Most couples getting married at San Francisco City Hall choose the confidential license for privacy. The ceremony itself is the same either way. The only differences are the witness requirement and who can access the record afterward.

If you are weighing the legal aspects of marriage in California, both license types carry the same legal weight. A confidential license does not limit any of the rights or benefits you receive as a married couple.

How to Apply for Your Marriage License at San Francisco City Hall

The application process at the San Francisco County Clerk’s office takes about 30 minutes if you come prepared. Here is what to expect:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment. The County Clerk’s office at San Francisco City Hall accepts appointments for marriage license applications. Walk-ins may be available, but appointments are strongly recommended during busy seasons (spring and summer months).

Step 2: Complete the preliminary application. San Francisco allows you to fill out a preliminary application online before your visit. This speeds things up at the counter, though you will still sign the official documents in person.

Step 3: Appear together with your IDs. Both partners must be present at the County Clerk’s office. You cannot send a representative or apply on someone’s behalf.

Step 4: Pay the fee. The marriage license fee in San Francisco is $120 for a public license. Confidential licenses may carry a different fee. The County Clerk’s office accepts credit cards, debit cards, cash, and money orders.

Step 5: Receive your license. Once approved, the clerk issues your marriage license on the spot. There is no waiting period in California, so you can legally get married the same day you receive your license.

How Long Is a California Marriage License Valid?

Your San Francisco marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. During that window, you can get married anywhere in California, not just in San Francisco. The license is valid statewide.

If 90 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires. You would need to reapply at the County Clerk’s office and pay the fee again. Most couples planning a courthouse wedding schedule the ceremony well within this window.

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the San Francisco County Clerk’s office for recording. Many couples overlook this step. The license is not complete until the officiant files it, so confirm with your officiant that they will handle the return promptly.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate: Two Different Documents

These two documents serve different purposes, and mixing them up is one of the more common mistakes couples make when planning a courthouse wedding.

A marriage license gives you legal permission to get married. The San Francisco County Clerk issues it before the ceremony, and it is valid for 90 days. Think of it as a permit.

A marriage certificate is proof that you are legally married. The County Clerk issues it after the ceremony, once the signed license has been recorded. The certificate shows the date, location, and names of the people who married.

You will need your marriage certificate (not the license) for practical next steps like:

  • Changing your last name on your driver’s license, Social Security card, and passport
  • Adding your spouse to health insurance
  • Filing joint tax returns
  • Updating bank accounts, property titles, and beneficiary designations
  • Applying for certain immigration benefits

To get a certified copy of your marriage certificate after the wedding, contact the San Francisco County Clerk’s office. Processing typically takes 10 to 14 business days after the officiant returns the signed license.

Getting a Copy of a Previously Recorded Marriage Record

If you were married in San Francisco and need a copy of your marriage certificate or license for legal purposes, you have several options.

In person at San Francisco City Hall: Visit the County Clerk’s office in Room 168 at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. Bring your photo ID and be prepared to pay a fee for each certified copy.

By mail: Send a written request to the San Francisco County Clerk’s office with the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and a check or money order for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Online through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH): For marriages recorded anywhere in California, you can request a certified copy through the state vital records office. This route takes several weeks but works if you are not local to San Francisco.

If you had a confidential marriage license, only you or your spouse can request the copy. Third parties cannot access confidential marriage records in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married in San Francisco with a license from another California county?

Yes. A California marriage license is valid statewide. If you obtained your license in Los Angeles, Sacramento, or any other county, it works in San Francisco. A San Francisco license is also valid for a ceremony in any California county.

Do I need a blood test to get a marriage license in San Francisco?

No. California eliminated the blood test requirement for marriage licenses in 1995.

Can we get the marriage license and marry on the same day?

Yes. California has no waiting period between receiving your license and holding the ceremony. Many couples who choose a city hall wedding in San Francisco get their license and have the ceremony within the same visit.

What if one of us is not a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizens can get married in California. You will need a valid passport or consular ID as your photo identification. There is no residency or citizenship requirement for a California marriage license.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Contact the San Francisco County Clerk’s office to request a certified replacement copy. You will need to provide identifying information and pay a replacement fee. If you had a confidential marriage license, only you or your spouse can request the copy.

Planning Your San Francisco City Hall Ceremony

Once your marriage license is in hand, the next step is planning the ceremony itself. San Francisco City Hall is one of the most photographed wedding locations in California. The Beaux-Arts architecture, the grand staircase, and the rotunda create a stunning backdrop without requiring any additional decoration.

If you are still early in the planning process, take a look at our guide to setting a wedding budget and our tips on what to wear to a courthouse wedding. For couples weighing whether a courthouse ceremony is the right fit, our comparison of courthouse vs. traditional weddings covers the tradeoffs.

San Francisco City Hall civil ceremonies are available by appointment on weekdays. The standard civil ceremony fee is separate from the marriage license fee. Check the County Clerk’s website for current pricing and available time slots.