Santa Cruz County Clerk

Marriage Licenses & Ceremonies

 

Marriage Licenses if the Bride or Groom is Under 18 Years of Age

California State Law requires that any couple wishing to marry, when either or both are under 18 years of age, must obtain written consent of one parent who has legal custody and a court order filed in Superior Court approving the issuance of a marriage license. The minor must apply for a marriage license in their county of residence. The residence of a minor is by law that of the parent or guardian.

Premarital Counseling

It is the policy of the Superior Court Judges of Santa Cruz County that premarital counseling shall be required before the Judge's consent will be given. Both parties, regardless of the age of non-minor party, must participate in at least four hours of pre-marital counseling.

Summary of Procedures

All minors who wish to marry should contact Victoria Nahsen, Court Services Manager at 831-420-2403. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The parents of the minor must prove that they are residents of Santa Cruz County. To prove residency, at least three pieces of evidence must be provided and all evidence must be for the current calendar month. Acceptable items are:

The parents of the minor must prove that they are residents of Santa Cruz County. To prove residency, at least three pieces of evidence must be provided and all evidence must be for the current calendar month. Acceptable items are:

  • Rent Receipt
  • Loan Payment Receipt
  • PG&E bill
  • Telephone bill
  • Cable Television bill
  • Water bill

Proof of identity must be provided:

  • Minor: certified copy of minor's birth certificate and if possible a picture ID.
  • Other Applicant: Current valid picture identification
  • Minor's Parents: Current valid picture identification

Minor's parents must sign a Consent for Minor to Marry Form.

Once the couple has a filed court order approving the issuance of a marriage license, they should come to the County Clerk’s office for issuance of the marriage license. At that time they should bring the certified copy of the court order, current valid picture identification, as well as the payment for the license.

The County Clerk’s Office is located at 701 Ocean St. Rm. 210, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 831/454-2060.

Allow Time for Processing. It should be kept in mind that sufficient time be allowed for this process to be completed. If you have a wedding in mind, allow enough time for all of these necessary steps to be completed.

 

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