Getting married at a courthouse is a simple and affordable option for couples who want to have a low-key wedding ceremony. In San Diego, there are three courthouses where you can get married: the Central Courthouse, the North County Courthouse, and the South County Courthouse.
To get married at a courthouse in San Diego, you must first obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's Office. The fee for a marriage license is $70. You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and a $70 payment in cash, credit card, or check.
Once you have obtained a marriage license, you can schedule an appointment to be married at the courthouse. The ceremony will be performed by a deputy marriage commissioner, and it will take about 10 minutes. After the ceremony, you will be issued a marriage certificate.
Courthouse Wedding San Diego
Getting married at a courthouse in San Diego is a simple and affordable option for couples who want to have a low-key wedding ceremony.
- Obtain marriage license
- Schedule an appointment
- Ceremony by deputy marriage commissioner
- 10-minute ceremony
- Issued a marriage certificate
- $70 marriage license fee
- Three courthouses in San Diego
If you are considering a courthouse wedding in San Diego, be sure to research the different courthouses and their requirements. You can also find helpful information on the San Diego County Clerk's website.
Obtain marriage license
To get married at a courthouse in San Diego, you must first obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's Office. The County Clerk's Office has three locations in San Diego County:
- Central Courthouse: 330 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
- North County Courthouse: 325 S Melrose Dr, Vista, CA 92081
- South County Courthouse: 500 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
To obtain a marriage license, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Valid government-issued ID
- $70 payment in cash, credit card, or check
You will also need to complete a marriage license application. The application can be downloaded from the County Clerk's website or obtained at the County Clerk's Office.
Once you have completed the application and submitted the required documents, the County Clerk will issue you a marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Schedule an appointment
Once you have obtained a marriage license, you can schedule an appointment to be married at the выбранном. To schedule an appointment, you can call the chosen courthouse or visit the courthouse's website.
- Central Court: (619) 531-4880 or online
- North County Court: (760) 765-1152 or online
- South County Court: (619) 698-4570 or online
- Walk-in appointments: Walk-in appointments are available at the Central and South County courthouses on a first-come, first-served basis.
When you schedule your appointment, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name and your partner's name
- Your marriage license number
- The date and time you would like to be married
- The number of guests you will have
Ceremony by deputy marriage commissioner
The ceremony will be performed by a deputy marriage commissioner. Deputy marriage commissioners are authorized by the state to perform civil marriage ceremonies. The ceremony will be brief and will include the following elements:
- Welcome and introduction: The deputy marriage commissioner will welcome you and your partner and will ask you to state your names and that you are both consenting to the marriage.
- Vows: You and your partner will exchange vows. The vows can be traditional or personalized.
- Pronouncement of marriage: The deputy marriage commissioner will pronounce you married and will ask you to sign a marriage certificate.
- Congratulations: The deputy marriage commissioner will congratulate you and your partner and will wish you well.
The entire ceremony will take about 10 minutes. You can bring up to two witnesses to the ceremony, but witnesses are not required.
10-minute ceremony
The courthouse wedding ceremony is a brief and efficient process. The ceremony itself will take about 10 minutes to complete. This includes the time for the deputy marriage commissioner to welcome you and your partner, ask you to state your names and that you are both consenting to the marriage, and to exchange vows. The deputy marriage commissioner will then pronounce you married and ask you to sign a marriage certificate.
- What to bring: You do not need to bring anything to the ceremony, but you may bring up to two witnesses if you wish.
- What to wear: There is no dress code for a courthouse wedding ceremony. You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
- What to expect: The ceremony will be simple and straightforward. The deputy marriage commissioner will guide you through the process and will answer any questions you may have.
- After the ceremony: After the ceremony, you will be issued a marriage certificate. You will need to keep this certificate in a safe place as it is proof of your marriage.
If you are considering a courthouse wedding, it is important to keep in mind that the ceremony will be brief and to the point. However, it is also a valid and legal way to get married.
Issued a marriage certificate
After the ceremony, you will be issued a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate is a legal document that proves that you are married. You will need to keep this certificate in a safe place.
- What the marriage certificate includes: The marriage certificate will include the following information:
- Your names
- Your wedding date
- The location of your wedding
- The name of the deputy marriage commissioner who performed the ceremony
- How to use the marriage certificate: You may need to use your marriage certificate for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Changing your name
- Applying for a passport
- Getting health insurance
- Filing taxes
- Proving your marital status
It is important to keep your marriage certificate in a safe place and to make copies of it in case the original is lost or damaged.
$70 marriage license fee
The fee for a marriage license in San Diego County is $70. This fee is non-refundable.
- How to pay the fee: You can pay the fee in cash, by credit card, or by check.
- Where to pay the fee: You can pay the fee at the County Clerk's Office when you apply for your marriage license.
- What the fee includes: The fee includes the cost of the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and the filing of the marriage certificate with the county.
- Fee waivers: There are no fee waivers available for the marriage license fee.
If you are unable to afford the marriage license fee, you may be able to get help from a legal aid organization. Legal aid organizations can provide free or low-cost legal services to low-income individuals.
Three courthouses in San Diego
There are three courthouses in San Diego where you can get married: the Central Courthouse, the North County Courthouse, and the South County Courthouse.
The Central Courthouse is located in downtown San Diego at 330 W Broadway. The North County Courthouse is located in Vista at 325 S Melrose Dr. The South County Courthouse is located in Chula Vista at 500 3rd Ave.
Each courthouse has its own unique atmosphere and amenities. The Central Courthouse is the largest and most formal of the three courthouses. The North County Courthouse is smaller and more intimate. The South County Courthouse is located in a historic building and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony locations.
When choosing a courthouse for your wedding, it is important to consider the size of your wedding party, the type of ceremony you want, and the amenities that are important to you. You can visit each courthouse in advance to get a feel for the atmosphere and to speak with the staff about your wedding plans.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about courthouse weddings in San Diego:
Question 1: What are the requirements for getting married at a courthouse in San Diego?
Answer 1: To get married at a courthouse in San Diego, you must be at least 18 years old and not closely related to your partner. You will also need to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's Office.
Question 2: How much does it cost to get married at a courthouse in San Diego?
Answer 2: The fee for a marriage license in San Diego County is $70. This fee is non-refundable.
Question 3: Do I need to make an appointment to get married at a courthouse in San Diego?
Answer 3: Yes, you need to make an appointment to get married at a courthouse in San Diego. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the courthouse.
Question 4: What should I bring to my courthouse wedding ceremony?
Answer 4: You should bring your marriage license, a valid government-issued ID, and any witnesses you want to have present.
Question 5: What is the dress code for a courthouse wedding ceremony?
Answer 5: There is no dress code for a courthouse wedding ceremony. You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Question 6: Can I have a large wedding ceremony at a courthouse?
Answer 6: The size of your wedding ceremony is limited by the size of the courthouse chapel. You should contact the courthouse in advance to inquire about the maximum number of guests allowed.
If you have any other questions about courthouse weddings in San Diego, please contact the County Clerk's Office.
Now that you know the basics about courthouse weddings in San Diego, here are a few tips to help you plan your big day:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you plan your courthouse wedding in San Diego:
Tip 1: Book your appointment early. Courthouse wedding ceremonies are popular, so it is important to book your appointment as early as possible. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the courthouse.
Tip 2: Arrive on time. It is important to arrive on time for your courthouse wedding ceremony. If you are late, you may have to reschedule your appointment.
Tip 3: Bring everything you need. Be sure to bring your marriage license, a valid government-issued ID, and any witnesses you want to have present.
Tip 4: Dress comfortably. There is no dress code for a courthouse wedding ceremony, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your courthouse wedding ceremony is a memorable and stress-free event.
Now that you have planned your courthouse wedding ceremony, it is time to start thinking about your reception. There are many great reception venues in San Diego to choose from. You can find a venue that fits your budget and your style.
Conclusion
Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples who want a simple and affordable wedding ceremony. In San Diego, there are three courthouses where you can get married: the Central Courthouse, the North County Courthouse, and the South County Courthouse.
To get married at a courthouse in San Diego, you must obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's Office and schedule an appointment with the courthouse. The ceremony will be performed by a deputy marriage commissioner and will take about 10 minutes. After the ceremony, you will be issued a marriage certificate.
Courthouse weddings are a great way to get married without the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. If you are considering a courthouse wedding, be sure to do your research and choose a courthouse that is right for you.
Congratulations on your engagement! We wish you all the best in your new life together.