San Diego, CA

San Diego marriage license cost and civil wedding steps

Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗

Quick answer

San Diego: For San Diego, the listed marriage license fee is $129. 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

$129

Wait Time

no waiting period

Valid For

90 Days
Ranked #85 of 86 by lowest listed cost, above the $66 average
Same-day available — No waiting period required

San Diego marriage license cost and wait time

San Diego's listed marriage license fee is $129. There is no waiting period, and the license has a 90 Days validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, San Diego is $63 above average and ranks 85 of 86 for lowest listed cost.

Courthouse or city hall wedding in San Diego

If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in San Diego, 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

San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk issues marriage licenses. California has no waiting period, and no residency requirement. Both public and confidential licenses are available.

1

Requirements

2

Process

01

Schedule Appointment

Book an appointment online at the County Clerk's website.

02

Visit County Clerk

Both parties appear with valid photo ID at scheduled time.

03

Pay the Fee

Pay $129 for public or $144 for confidential license.

04

Get Married

No waiting period. License valid for 90 days in California.

How San Diego compares

CityLicense FeeWait Time
San Diego$129no waiting period
St. Paul, MN$125no waiting period
San Francisco, CA$124no waiting period
Minneapolis, MN$115no waiting period
Riverside, CA$111no waiting period
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in San Diego?

The listed marriage license fee for San Diego is $129. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.

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

San Diego: 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 San Diego?

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 an appointment?

Yes, appointments are required at San Diego County Clerk offices.

What's the difference in license types?

Confidential licenses are not public record and don't require witnesses.

Can I get married the same day?

Yes, California has no waiting period.