Los Angeles Marriage License Fees 2025: What You Need to Know

Update – 10/07/2025
Big news: the fee increase in Los Angeles County has been delayed. The Board of Supervisors was set to finalize the jump (from $91 → $176 for a public license, $85 → $220 for confidential, plus higher civil ceremony and witness fees), but after pushback from the wedding industry, the proposal was referred back to the County Clerk’s office for further review instead of being enacted. (Source: NBC Los Angeles)

If you’re planning a wedding in Los Angeles this year, there’s an important update you should know: marriage license fees in LA County have changed for 2025. We went through this ourselves not too long ago, and I shared the whole process in this post here.

Here’s the current breakdown:

New Fees (Effective 30 Days After Official Ordinance Adoption): 

• Marriage License: $176 
• Confidential Marriage License: $220 
• Marriage Ceremony: $44 
• Ceremony Witness Service: $26 

Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days, so be sure to schedule your ceremony within that timeframe. You can apply at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office, with locations throughout LA. Appointments are recommended to avoid long wait times.

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If you’re not sure which license to choose:

• A public license allows anyone to request a copy of your marriage record.
• A confidential license keeps your marriage record private, but you’ll need to live together at the time of application.

Tips for couples:

• Bring valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
• Both parties must appear together when applying.
• If you want to make a day of it, you can explore nearby attractions around the clerk’s office — think courthouse wedding + a city adventure.

Helpful Planning Resources:

Where to Stay Near LA County Clerk Offices (for Your Marriage License Pick-Up)

• Norwalk (Main Headquarters) — 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA
  This is the busiest office, with full services (licenses, ceremonies, records). The surrounding area is suburban with easy freeway access and chain hotels. Staying here gives you more flexibility and helps beat traffic.
• LAX / Courthouse Branch — 11701 S La Cienega Blvd, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA
  Ideal if you’re flying in or coming from outside the city. You’ll find more airport-adjacent hotels and it’s convenient for couples who want to combine their license run with other Westside or L.A. activities.
• Beverly Hills Branch — 9355 Burton Way, 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA
  Upscale and walkable — staying here feels a bit glam. You’ll have access to nicer hotels, boutique shops, cafes, and the luxury of being in a high-end LA neighborhood.
• East Los Angeles Branch — 4716 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd, Building B, Los Angeles, CA
  More residential and down-to-earth. Hotels tend to be modest and affordable. Good option if you want something close, practical, and not flashy.
• Van Nuys Branch — 14340 W. Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA
  Located in the San Fernando Valley corridor — a nice balance if you or your guests are from the Valley. Hotel options are more budget-friendly, and you avoid some of the heavier traffic closer to central LA.
• Lancaster Branch — 44509 16th St W, Suite 101, Lancaster, CA
  Far out in the Antelope Valley. Use this only if your appointment is in that region or if many of your guests are coming from the north. Fewer hotel choices, more remote atmosphere.
• Florence / Firestone (Compton Area) Branch — 7807 Compton Ave, Room 102, Los Angeles, CA
  An industrial / working-class zone. Hotels here tend to be more basic. It can make sense if your home or your guests are already in South LA and you want to reduce commute time.

Want to combine your license pickup with a romantic activity? Check out Downton LA Lights (a Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour) or hire a photographer and stylist for a Photo Walk in LA!

Whether you’re having a big celebration or keeping it simple, this updated fee info will help you plan your wedding budget with fewer surprises.