Officiating a wedding in California
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: cdph.ca.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
California authorizes any ordained or authorized person to solemnize a marriage; there is no statewide officiant registration. The couple obtains the license from a County Clerk before the ceremony.
Who returns the license, and by when
The officiant returns the endorsed license to the county recorder of the county that issued it, within 10 days of the ceremony under Family Code section 423. Confirm the delivery details with the issuing office.
Suggested return window: about 10 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do officiants have to register in California?
No. California has no statewide officiant registration: any ordained or authorized person may solemnize the marriage. Confirm any local expectations with the County Clerk.
Where does the couple get the license in California?
From a County Clerk, before the ceremony.
Who returns the marriage license in California, and by when?
The officiant signs the license and the couple or officiant returns it to the issuing County Clerk. The timing is set by the county, so confirm the window with the issuing clerk.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:cdph.ca.gov.