Lots of, lots of, lots of questions need to be addressed and answered before you can walk down the aisle and say "I do" and here are some key notes.
- Determine if you will write your vows?
- Who will be escorting the Mothers, Grandmothers, and other important guests down the aisle?
- Will you have recorded music or live music? Is there more than one song for the processional?
- Will you have readings, poems or songs? Have you confirmed with your reader or singer?
- Do you want additional ceremonies within the ceremony, like sand, rose, handfasting, etc.?
- Who will provide the materials for the ceremony, like the sand, etc.?
- Will the officiant/minister have a mic? Who provides this?
- Who will organize and run the rehearsal? Is there an additional fee for this?
- Will you have a rehearsal dinner? Has the location been reserved? Time guests are to arrive?
Obtaining the Marriage License
- There are two types of marriage licenses in the State of California - Public and Confidential.
- To obtain a marriage license, both the bride and groom must appear together at the Clerk-Recorder's Office of their county of choice. The license is good within any county in the State of California.
- The couple must be unmarried and both 18 years of age of older (proof with a valid driver's license, green card, or passport).
- If either party has been granted a divorce within 90 days of applying for a new marriage license, a copy of the final divorce decree must be presented at the time of issue.
- The license is valid for 90 days and can be used anywhere in California. If the license expires unused, another license must be purchased.
- You are NOT MARRIED until a ceremony is performed and the license is completed and properly recorded.
- Beginning January 2010, marriage licenses are no longer considered PUBLIC RECORD, and only authorized individuals are permitted to request a copy of the marriage license. Your minister/officiant cannot request one for you and county will not send one without a request.
- Each county has it's own fee schedule for marriage license applications and certified copies of marriage licenses. Check out the California State Association of Counties, www.csac.counties.org, under "California Counties" click the County Wed Site icon. This will direct you to the county website for additional information from which you will obtain and file your marriage license.