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Santa Clara County exact answer

Who can perform a marriage ceremony for a license from Santa Clara County?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In Santa Clara County, the ceremony may be performed by clergy, a judge, retired judge or designated court official, a County Deputy Marriage Commissioner at the Clerk-Recorder's office, or a deputised relative or friend. The county has two wedding chapels, indoor and outdoor, available by reservation only, Monday to Friday between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM, for $112 with a commissioner or $40 per 10 minutes if you bring your own officiant. An express ceremony at the service window needs no pre-scheduling, costs $174, runs Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., includes a county witness, and allows up to 2 guests with no music and no food or drink. A friend or family member can be deputised as a One-Time Deputy Marriage Commissioner for $80 by applying in person with current government-issued identification, the names of the couple, the date and location of the ceremony, and the county where the license will be issued. The office does not publish a registration requirement for outside officiants.

Published rule and conditions

Officiant and ceremony rule
The ceremony may be performed by clergy, a judge, retired judge or designated court official, a County Deputy Marriage Commissioner at the Clerk-Recorder's office, or a deputised relative or friend. The county has two wedding chapels, indoor and outdoor, available by reservation only, Monday to Friday between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM, for $112 with a commissioner or $40 per 10 minutes if you bring your own officiant. An express ceremony at the service window needs no pre-scheduling, costs $174, runs Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., includes a county witness, and allows up to 2 guests with no music and no food or drink. A friend or family member can be deputised as a One-Time Deputy Marriage Commissioner for $80 by applying in person with current government-issued identification, the names of the couple, the date and location of the ceremony, and the county where the license will be issued.

The office does not publish a registration requirement for outside officiants.

Official requirement

You can be married by: Clergy Judge Clerk-Recorder's Office (marriage commissioner or vital-records clerk) Deputized relative or friend (one-day deputy commissioner)

Issuing office

Santa Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder

Open the issuing office

Official sources for this answer

  • Apply for a marriage licenseSanta Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder - checked July 26, 2026

    Marriage License Services are offered Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Arrive early! Submit your marriage license application by 4:00 PM to be processed before close of business. Your license permits you to be married anywhere in the state of California. You and your future spouse must be present to apply for a license and must be: Single, 18 years of age or older. Both parties must be present with a valid photo government-issued ID. No copies or digital images are allowed. Standard: Most couples apply for a Standard license. With a Standard license, your marriage becomes part of the public record, but your information is not published and cannot be searched online. Confidential: A Confidential license does not become part of the public record. To apply for a Confidential license, you must already be living with your future spouse. If divorced, you'll need to know the date of your divorce. If you divorced within the last 90 days, bring a copy of the judgment of divorce. No appointment is necessary for a marriage license. You may either fill out the application online prior to visiting our office. At the Clerk's window, present valid personal identification (driver's license, passport, permanent resident card). If you don't have valid id, you can provide two Credible Witnesses—friends or family members who have valid personal identification and can sign an affidavit verifying your identity. The fee for Credible Witnesses is $20. Pay the license fee: Standard marriage license: $80.00 Confidential marriage license: $83.00. When you get your license, you need to complete your marriage ceremony within 90 days in the state of California. If you aren't married within the 90-day period, you'll have to apply for another license. You can be married by: Clergy, Judge, Clerk-Recorder's Office (marriage commissioner or vital-records clerk), Deputized relative or friend (one-day deputy commissioner). Return your signed marriage license to the Clerk-Recorder's Office within 10 business days of being married.

  • Plan your marriage ceremonySanta Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder - checked July 26, 2026

    We now offer two (2) chapel options, indoor or outdoor (weather permitting). Both chapels are available by reservation only. Chapel appointments are available Monday to Friday between 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. REQUIRED CIVIL MARRIAGE FEES: Civil ceremony in chapel with commissioner (indoor or outdoor, reservations only) $112.00 or Express marriage ceremony at service window $174.00. OPTIONAL FEES: Additional 10-minute block of time in chapel $40.00, County witness (required for express marriage ceremonies) $32.00, Sterling silver-band ring $20.00. Unlike a Chapel Marriage Ceremony, there is no need to pre-schedule your ceremony. Couples arrive at our office, apply for a marriage license, and get married right at one of our 27 counter windows. Additionally, our office provides a witness to your marriage as part of the express marriage service. The county also offers a walk-in, express marriage ceremony. The ceremony is performed at the service window, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A friend or family member can perform your marriage ceremony if they are deputized. The fee for this service is $80.00, payable by cash, check, or debit/credit card ($2.50 convenience fee applies for debit and credit cards).

  • Express wedding ceremony guidelinesSanta Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder - checked July 26, 2026

    We are delighted to accommodate up to 2 guests at your express wedding. This number does not include the bride, groom, and officiant. To maintain a focused and serene atmosphere, no music is allowed during the ceremony. To preserve the cleanliness of the venue, food and drinks are not permitted. Express weddings are held at counters, providing a simple and efficient setting for your vows. If you wish to take pictures outdoors, please reserve the area for a 10-minute slot. This reservation allows for up to 12 guests. Additional charges will apply and based on availability.

  • Fee scheduleSanta Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder - checked July 26, 2026

    Marriage Services. Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Marriage license fees (est. total cost): $80.00 - $100.00. Standard License $80.00. Credible witness fee (2 signatures for marriage license applicant lacking proper identification) $20.00. Confidential license $83.00. Marriage ceremony (est. total cost): $112.00 - $174.00. Marriage ceremony (in Chapel) $112.00. Witness fee, for couples lacking a witness (which is required for all standard marriage ceremonies) $32.00. Express marriage ceremony (at window) $174.00. Other marriage services: Certified copy of marriage certificate $19.00. One-day deputy marriage commission $80.00. Chapel usage fee (per 10 minutes) $40.00.

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