You will need to obtain a Marriage License from the county recorder. For incarcerated persons, they will not be in a position to appear before the county recorder to apply with you for the marriage license. Instead, the inmate will need to sign an Application for Marriage License and a form called “Affidavit of Inability to Appear." This Inability to Appear form must be notarized. Call 888.400.7671 for more information about how to obtain the services of a mobile notary and/or wedding officiant.
After you have these documents signed and notarized, you and the wedding officiant of your choice must meet at the County Recorder's Office to apply for the license. The wedding officiant cannot be the same person who notarizes the Inability to Appear form. Once you have the marriage license, the wedding officiant can marry you during regular visiting hours, through the glass and via the telephone that you use when visiting the inmate.
The wedding officiant will then take steps to record the marriage with the county recorder. It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for the marriage to be officially recorded and for you to receive the official marriage certificate. The fee for a Public Marriage License is $70 which is a separate fee and must be paid directly to the county recorder. A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it was obtained. The marriage license can be used only within the State of California. At least one witness must be present at the ceremony.
For more information about our services or fees, please call 888.400.7671 or visit our website at www.jailnotarymarriages.com.
