How do you obtain a marriage license when the record offices are closed?

You should be able to still call the Clerk of Court for your area and ask that question. I’m a legal professional on the east coast and while courts are mostly closed to the public right now, there are still clerks there to answer the phone and file pleadings. However, I wouldn’t worry about it too much right now. Most states issue marriage licenses that are good for anywhere from 30-90 days (depending on the jurisdiction) and you have PLENTY of time before your November wedding.

Right now, there is no procedure in California to get a marriage license. The courts are working on something (perhaps by appointment only?), but it is unclear when they will have one, and whether it will be available to anyone or only in emergency situations (e.g., deployment, immigration, or lack of health insurance).

We can hope that the courts will reopen or some procedure will be worked out long before November. If it is not, some couples are planning on having a religious ceremony (which would presumably include one by someone ordained online) without a license, and then filing a Petition to Establish a Fact of Marriage once the courts reopen. It's more expensive than a marriage license, and I'm certainly not going to opine on the law in this area. However, it is supposed to be available if, among other things, "You were married in a religious ceremony but did not get a civil marriage license."

http://www.scscourt.org/self_help/probate/probate_facts.shtml

Call or email your county clerk for instructions. That’s what I had to do. I live in Alameda County (Northern California). The clerk sent me “Affidavits of Inability to Appear” marriage license application. It’s a bit arduous but you can apply and obtain a marriage license at this time.

You can call, email or go on their website to order it. Normally you can get a marriage license 30-60 days before your wedding but it varies between states. Keep trying. You have plenty of time to get your marriage license.

View Quoted Comment Thank you that is a lot of helpful advice.

I don't know if you've seen the updates, but the Orange County Recorder is opening up for wedding licenses and drive up weddings! You need to make an appointment and fill out your paperwork online, but this may help everyone who is interested in getting their licenses (and/or getting married!). OC Marriage Services

Thank you all so much for the tips and advice! I know other brides in the same situation and I definitely will be passing this information to them. Wishing you all the best.

http://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage

from website:

Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses will be issued by appointment only at Honda Center in Anaheim at the corner of E. Katella Avenue and S. Douglass Road. The address to Honda Center is 2695 E. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806.
A marriage license is valid for 90 days. There are no citizenship or residency requirements, nor are blood tests required to obtain a marriage license. Applicants must be over 18 years old. There are absolutely no refunds for expired marriage licenses or if you have a change plans.

The department will be offering 60 appointments per day and will be implementing strict social distancing guidelines as well as the following restrictions to ensure the safety of the couples and staff:

• • For couples looking to obtain a marriage license, only the couple can be present. No guest allowed.
  • For couples looking to obtain a public marriage license and have a ceremony performed, only the couple and one witnesses may be present. No guests allowed.
  • For couples looking to obtain a confidential marriage license and have a ceremony, only the couple can be present. No guests allowed.
  • Couples will need to pay fees with a check or money order made payable to the Orange County Clerk- Recorder. No cash or credit card payments accepted.
  • Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
  • Next day appointments must be scheduled before 3:00 p.m. the day prior to the appointment.
  • No walk-in applicants will be taken during this time.

To complete the application for a marriage license, a couple must:

• • Appear together in person.
  • Each person must present one form of a valid non-expired, government issued, photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport).
  • If divorced within the last 90 days, please provide a copy of the divorce decree.
  • If spouse is deceased within the previous 90 days, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
  • Select the name each wishes to use after marriage, to be listed on the marriage license.
  • Couples are not required to change their names nor are they required to take the same name. However, if a name change is desired, it must be correctly reflected before the marriage license is signed.
  • Once the license is signed, names can only be changed by a court order.
  • The couple must provide at least one witness if they are a having a marriage ceremony performed at Honda Center after having obtained a public marriage license.The department will not provide witnesses under any circumstances.
  • A marriage ceremony will not be performed if a couple doesn't have a witness present who can sign their public marriage license and who can physically witness the marriage ceremony.
  • Both individuals must be able to read, speak and understand English. If not, the couple's must bring a sole witness who is able to translate in order to obtain a license and to have a ceremony performed. The department does not provide translation services nor witnesses.

To Make an Appointment

Couples must complete their marriage license application online prior to calling our hotline to make an appointment.
Marriage license applications can be completed at https://cr.ocgov.com/Portal_OC/eMarriage/
Once completed, couples can call the phone number listed below to make an appointment.

This hotline will be active effective Monday, April 20, 2020
No appointment calls will be available until Monday.
When making an appointment, both parties must be on the line for verification of marriage license information.

Marriage Services Hotline
(714) 834-2740

Some county offices are offering virtual marriage licenses. Just look in your county or ones closest to you. I know San Diego County is doing it by appointments only