Sacramento, CA

Sacramento marriage license cost and civil wedding steps

Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗

Quick answer

Sacramento: For Sacramento, the listed marriage license fee is $95. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 Days. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.

License Fee

$95

Wait Time

no waiting period

Valid For

90 Days
Ranked #71 of 86 by lowest listed cost, above the $66 average
Same-day available — No waiting period required

Sacramento marriage license cost and wait time

Sacramento's listed marriage license fee is $95. There is no waiting period, and the license has a 90 Days validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, Sacramento is $29 above average and ranks 71 of 86 for lowest listed cost.

Courthouse or city hall wedding in Sacramento

If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in Sacramento, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.

Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.

Overview

The Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder's Office issues marriage licenses to couples who meet specific eligibility requirements. Both parties must appear in person at one of their office locations to obtain a license. Blood tests and health certificates are not required.

1

Requirements

2

Process

01

Gather Required Documents

Collect valid photo identification for both applicants (Driver’s License, Passport, Military I.D., or Resident Alien Card) and any relevant documentation regarding previous marriages or SRDPs.

02

Visit a Clerk-Recorder Office

Both applicants must appear together in-person at one of the Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder's office locations.

03

Complete Application

Complete the marriage license application at the Clerk-Recorder's office.

04

Pay the Fee

Pay the $95 fee for the marriage license.

How Sacramento compares

CityLicense FeeWait Time
Sacramento$95no waiting period
Oakland, CA$95no waiting period
Memphis, TN$97no waiting period
Mesa, AZ$98no waiting period
Tucson, AZ$98no waiting period
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in Sacramento?

The listed marriage license fee for Sacramento is $95. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Sacramento?

Sacramento: There is no waiting period. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.

Can you have a courthouse wedding in Sacramento?

Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a marriage license in Sacramento County?

No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a marriage license.

Do I need to show proof of residency?

No, you do not need to be a California resident to apply for a marriage license.

What if I was previously in a State Registered Domestic Partnership?

If either party was previously in an SRDP, you must provide the date it ended and how it ended. An SRDP need not be dissolved prior to the issuance of a marriage license if the parties to the SRDP and the parties to the marriage are the same.