Marriage records in Los Angeles County, California, are available through several channels: online tools, the issuing office, an in-person visit, or a mail request. LosAngelesCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies and original documents can be obtained directly from the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of Los Angeles County by visiting the office in person or sending a request by mail.
Los Angeles Marriage Records Search
Marriage records in Los Angeles County are maintained and serviced by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office. This institution registers marriage licenses issued within the county and also stores returned marriage certificates submitted after the ceremony. The collection includes documents dating back to the 1850s, although the availability of the oldest records may be limited.
To search for marriage records, contact the Recorder's office — this is where registered documents are stored. The state of California also maintains a statewide marriage registry through the California Department of Public Health — Vital Records.
Main Office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Los Angeles
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the California Health and Safety Code and the internal fee schedule of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (first copy) | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (in one order) | $15 |
| Informational (non-certified) copy | $15 |
| Record search (mail-in search) | Included in the copy cost |
The processing time for mail requests is typically 4 to 6 weeks. An in-person visit to the office allows you to obtain a copy much faster — usually on the same day. Note: Certified copies (authorized copies) are issued only to individuals who have a legal right to them according to section 103526 of the California Health and Safety Code — spouses, parents, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order. Informational copies are marked with a stamp and cannot be used to establish identity.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Los Angeles
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate in Los Angeles County.
Online
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office provides the option to order a certified copy through its website. To do this, you need to:
- Go to the vital records order page on the lavote.gov website.
- Fill out the request form with marriage details (names of the spouses, date of marriage).
- Pay the fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Expect delivery by mail within a few weeks.
In Person
Visit the main office in Norwalk or one of the county's regional branches. Bring a valid photo ID. A copy is usually issued on the day of the visit.
By Mail
Send a written request to the main office address. Include in the letter:
- A completed application for a certified copy of the marriage record.
- A copy of your photo ID.
- A check or money order payable to "Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk" for $15 per copy.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional, for expedited delivery).
Alternatively, state-level marriage records can be requested through the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records Division. This is useful if you are unsure in which county the marriage was registered. Note: Divorce records in Los Angeles County are not stored at the Registrar-Recorder's office but at the Los Angeles County Superior Court — this is a separate procedure.