How to Apply for a Marriage License in Los Angeles

Planning to get married in LA? Whether you’re eloping at the courthouse or hosting a full wedding with all the details, the first legal step is applying for a marriage license. Here’s a full guide based on our own experience — from online application to a quick, beautiful ceremony.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Start by filling out the Los Angeles County Marriage License Application online. It asks for basic information from both parties, including:

• Full legal names
• Birthplaces
• Social Security numbers (if applicable)
• Type of marriage license (more on that below)

After submitting the form, you can book your in-person appointment to complete the process and pay the necessary fees.

Step 2: Know the Requirements

Before your appointment, make sure you meet all the requirements. LA County has a full list of eligibility and documentation requirements here.
A few key points:

• Both parties must be present
• Must be 18 years or older (or meet requirements for minors)
• Valid photo ID is required for both parties

Step 3: Understand the Types of Licenses

There are two types of marriage licenses in LA:

Type	Public License	Confidential License
Witness Required?	Yes	No
Becomes Public Record	Yes	No
Residency Requirement	No	Must already live together
Cost	$91	$85

Most couples go with the Public License, especially if you’re having guests at your ceremony.

Step 4: Appointment Day

We booked our appointment for a weekday morning and made sure to arrive 15 minutes early (parking can be tough). After checking in at the front desk, we waited until our number was called.
Once called, we:

• Presented our IDs
• Confirmed our personal info
• Opted for a name change (my choice!)
• Paid the required fee

From there, we were officially licensed — with 90 days to get married.

Our Fuss-Free Courthouse Ceremony

We didn’t want a big production, so we went for the express ceremony at one of the 7 County Clerk Chapel locations. We picked the one nearest to us for convenience, but if you’re looking for a more aesthetic setup, the Beverly Hills or LAX Courthouse chapels are worth checking out.

Pro tip: Bring a photographer — even if it’s just a friend with a good eye. These moments are worth capturing!

Our Ceremony Day: Real Talk

We scheduled our ceremony 2 weeks after we got our license — just enough time to prepare without getting overwhelmed. I ordered a simple dress from Amazon, grabbed fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s, and made my own bouquet with help from my sister. Alvin wore casual dress pants and a polo.

On the day, we arrived 20 minutes early since we had guests joining us (our chapel allowed up to 8 guests max). The ceremony was quick but intimate. We chose the standard vows because honestly, if we wrote our own, we’d be giggling the whole time. Even after more than 20 years together, the moment still felt special and emotional.

Afterward, we went to a nearby brunch spot with our guests — no stress, no huge plans, just joyful and real.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to apply for a marriage license in Los Angeles, I hope this guide makes it a little easier. It’s not just paperwork — it’s the start of your next chapter. Whether you go big or keep it simple like we did, the process can be smooth, affordable, and even fun.

Ready to get started? Apply online here and make it official.