Marriage: Services
It is my pleasure to help you “make it official”!
I can:
- Issue Confidential Marriage Licenses
and/or
- Serve as Your Officiant for your Ceremony where I Solemnize your Marriage
And best of all - I can meet you two where you want and when you want!
There are some requirements for marriage services - so please keep reading to see if you are eligible.
Marriage Program - Confidential Marriage License Requirements
Partners must be:
- Unmarried
- Both age 18 or older
- Living together as spouses
- If previously married, the applicable person must know the month, day and year that the judgment of dissolution of marriage, court order or annulment was made final (there is a specific date stated on the face of the judgement that indicates the date the marital status ended)
- If judgement was made final within the last 90 days, you must provide me with proof, by way of a divorce decree or an annulment document
And must both appear:
- Physically present before me, with Acceptable ID, in Santa Clara County.
A marriage license cannot be issued to individuals who lack capacity to enter into a valid marriage, or is/are under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic.
Marriages between parents and children, and between brothers and sisters of the half as well as whole blood, and between uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews are void from the beginning. However, California law does allow first cousins to marry. I am required to ask if you are related by blood if you have the same last name.
Marriage FAQ
Do I need a marriage license and a marriage ceremony?
“To be legally married, you must obtain a marriage license and have a marriage ceremony. The license is the document that will later become your proof of marriage as a marriage certificate. The ceremony is the formality when an authorized party pronounces you legally married. The ceremony must be performed within 90 days of the marriage license issued and cannot be performed before the issuance of the marriage license.”
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
“A marriage license is a document that indicates that you wish to be married. After your ceremony is performed and the license has been registered, it becomes a marriage certificate. A marriage certificate is a document that proves you are legally married.”
- from the Santa Clara County Clerk Recorder’s pamphlet
Officiating/Ceremony FAQ
What kind of ceremony can you perform? Can we write our own vows, exchange rings, or seal the marriage with a kiss?
I can work with you to provide the ceremony that you want! Please let me know what you would like. We can do simple, traditional, a special part about how your family pets bring you closer together, whatever! I firmly believe your marriage ceremony is special and what is important to you as a couple, is important to me.
Do I need witnesses for a confidential marriage ceremony?
No.
Do I need witnesses to sign on the standard marriage license issued by the County?
Yes!
Is Josie able to provide us legal advice?
No! I am not a lawyer and am unable to provide any legal advice.