How can i still get married in California during shelter in place?

Some states have implemented online marriage license applications. If that’s not an option in California, you would have to travel to another state.

I don’t believe it’s possible to get a marriage license unless your county is doing online licenses. Even then you would have to do an online officiant because gatherings of any sort are prohibited and I’m not sure of the legality of all of that.

Not sure about every state/county, but a bunch have made exceptions to the online marriage license rule for cases like these (needing to go on future spouse's health insurance, the military, green card/visa issues, etc.). I would look into this, and hopefully it works in your state!

So you already have marriage license or you don’t have it yet? If you have your marriage license you can get married at home with an officiant or at a park if its a minimal amount of ppl It you don’t have your license yet you have to wait for courts to open or try webwed.com or other online places for the certificate. Im norcal too about 1hr from the bay

Here in CA, you can get a notary to issue you a private wedding license, but I'm not sure about the intricacies regarding that. Be aware, however, that for a private license, only you and your spouse would ever be able to request a copy of the license, which could make it more difficult down the road. If you're still wanting to do that, I would contact some notaries in your area to see if they're offering the service, as not all of them do.

If you are able to access a notary - Alameda county is allowing you to sign an affidavit in order to get a license. It basically says you can't go to the county clerk due to covid-19, then you notarize it and send it in with the payment for the license and they will mail it back to you no matter what county you are in in California.

Hi just an update I found out. For San Joaquin county they are allowing marriage license applications to be filled online and they will mail the license in the mail. Check with ur county. Even tho shelter in place is issued they are not open to the public but still answer phones and emails.

Hi Kimmy,

These are all great suggestions above! I don't know much about marriage licenses, and I especially don't know more than you do about your home county. I agree that you should check directly with them, as well as checking with your FH's insurance company directly.

Good luck!