A confidential marriage license has many, many benefits:
- no witnesses necessary
- provided on the spot
- no waiting in a long bureaucratic line
- the license can be brought to you right before your wedding
- no spam after your wedding
- no telemarketers
- no junk mail
- no stalkers
- no media
- no press
What is a confidential marriage license?
The origin of the confidential marriage license goes back to 1878, when it was meant for unmarried cohabitating couples in the state. Some of these couples lived in rural, remote areas that were inconveniently far from a church or court, but most simply “lived in sin” and/or gave birth to children out of wedlock.
What are the benefits of having a marriage license?
Some of which are as follows: 1 Getting visa approvals for your partner 2 Ensures social security 3 Beneficial for women as it can impart self-confidence in them 4 Beneficial for claiming life insurance, pension, and other bank deposits 5 Can be essential during a legal separation, alimony, and even divorce 6 Succession of property.
What do you have to do to get a confidential marriage?
You have to be living together as spouses at the time you apply for a confidential marriage license, and must sign an affidavit on the license attesting to it. You have...
What are the limitations of a confidential marriage license in California?
The only limitation of a confidential marriage license is that, the license is valid only if your marriage ceremony takes place in Los Angeles County.
What's the difference between a confidential marriage authorized copy and a public marriage authorized copy?
The significant difference is that the confidential marriage license is confidential, and only the married couple can procure copies of it from the recorder's office. Comparatively, the public license is part of public record, which means anyone can request copies, provided they pay the required fees.
Can I keep my marriage a secret?
Confidential marriage is in most respects the same as any old legal marriage—solemnized and binding. But confidential marriage licenses, unlike regular marriage licenses, are not part of the public record.
What is the difference between a public and confidential marriage license in California?
A PUBLIC marriage license is a public record. The license allows you to have the ceremony anywhere within the State of California and you are required to have at least one witness present during the ceremony. A CONFIDENTIAL marriage license requires both parties to be living together prior to applying for the license.
What is a secret marriage called?
Elopement refers to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one's place of residence together with one's beloved with the intention of getting married without parental approval.
Can you get married without telling anyone?
Eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends, particularly their parents. Typically, those who elope only have a ceremony and do not host a reception or celebration. If planning your elopement is giving you those stress sweats you were trying to avoid, we're here to help.
What states have confidential marriage licenses?
California Confidential Marriage Licenses California is a confidential marriage license (or licence if you tend to spell it that way) state which means that it allows this special wedding license to be issued and honored legally in all states.
How do I get a confidential marriage certificate in California?
The marriage license is a confidential record and is registered at the County Clerk's Office in the county where it was purchased. Only the couple may purchase copies of the marriage license and must present valid picture identification together with the required fee to the County Clerk in order to do so.
Can a notary marry someone in California?
Issuing a confidential marriage certificate is not the same as officiating at a wedding. California does not authorize its Notaries to perform marriage ceremonies as part of their commissioned duties.
Can you get married in a church if you've been divorced?
Since divorce only impacts your legal status in civil law, it has no impact upon your status in church law. Since a divorced person is still considered married in church law, they are not free for remarriage in the Church. Simply put, a person can't have two spouses at the same time.
Can you get married without a ceremony?
A marriage without out one is null and void. There must be an actual marriage ceremony. There is no specific form or religious rite required for the marriage vows, but the law is clear on what the ceremony must include.
What is it called to get married without a wedding?
Elopements and civil ceremonies/civil marriages are both legally binding ways to get married without a wedding. With elopements you'll pick up a marriage license from the County Clerk and Recorder and you'll sign it on the day of your elopement and then have it filed after its completed.
Is elopement a sin?
Eloping is not a sin when you really consider the creativity that comes along with it. It wouldn't be a great Christian wedding idea to dishonor your father and mother to elope, ditch your church family, or have your ceremony ungodly, right? But these are all myths that come along with eloping.
What does the Bible say about keeping secrets in marriage?
ACCORDING to biblical injunction that says: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder,” there should be no secrecy between the husband and his wife. The husband should bare his mind to his better half and in some cases; she may have good suggestions to offer, since no man is an island of knowledge.
What the Bible says about privacy in marriage?
Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate (Matthew 19:6). We must guard our marriage, so that the outside world cannot separate it. We must protect its core – the love between husband and wife.
Do couples have to tell each other everything?
But should you tell your partner everything? Experts agree that you don't have to. “I absolutely think that is not only normal, not only OK, but really great to have some private thoughts or things in your life that are just yours,” dating and relationship expert Cora Boyd tells Bustle.
What are the things that can destroy marriage?
8 Things That Can Ruin a MarriageNot putting each other first. Once you marry, make each other a priority. ... Weak communication. ... Keeping secrets. ... Poor boundaries with family or friends. ... Never apologizing or admitting that you are wrong. ... Not showing gratitude. ... Exerting jealousy. ... Shirking professional help.
What is confidential marriage license?
What Is a Confidential Marriage License and Why Does California Offer Them? If you’re getting married anywhere in the United States, the first step is to get your marriage license. The rules for doing so vary from state to state, with different minimum age, cost, number of witnesses, and blood test requirements.
How much does a confidential marriage license cost in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles county, confidential marriage licenses are actually a little cheaper than a public license, but couples opting for the confidential route have to pay $14 to order a certified copy of their license and certificate, so the cost evens out.
Why were confidential marriages a boon to the California legal system?
Confidential marriages were also a boon to the California legal system because inheritance and property rights were more clear-cut when the majority of people cohabitating and raising children were married.
When did California stop using confidential marriage?
By the early 1980s, almost 1 in 3 marriages in California was a confidential one. Polygamists, minors, and people falsely claiming Social Security benefits took advantage of the confidential option, though, and the state legislature came close to doing away with it in 1984—it stayed alive by one vote. In 2012, approximately one fifth of all ...
Which state has the only marriage license?
The rules for doing so vary from state to state, with different minimum age, cost, number of witnesses, and blood test requirements. California, however, is the only* state that offers both a regular public marriage license and a confidential marriage license.
When did California change the marriage law?
In 1972 , California state legislators changed the law so that laypeople, not just pastors, could perform confidential marriages, allowing couples to marry quickly (without getting their blood tested and waiting for the results) and privately.
Do you need witnesses to sign a marriage license in California?
And since it’s private, no witnesses are needed to be present at the ceremony to sign the license. It’s not exactly clear why other states’ legislatures never added the option for a confidential marriage license after California instituted it, perhaps due to lack of demand.
1 attorney answer
No, your decision to change or hypenate your name or keep your name is independent of whether your marriage is confidential or not. You have to be living together as spouses at the time you apply for a confidential marriage license, and must sign an affidavit on the license attesting to it. You have...
Pamela Koslyn
No, your decision to change or hypenate your name or keep your name is independent of whether your marriage is confidential or not. You have to be living together as spouses at the time you apply for a confidential marriage license, and must sign an affidavit on the license attesting to it. You have...
How to Get a Confidential Marriage License in California
In California, couples have two options for a marriage license. Here’s what you need to know about a confidential marriage license in California.
What does it mean to have a confidential marriage license?
Having a confidential marriage license is the first legal step to getting married. Having one essentially means that an individual has applied to be married. There are two types of marriage licenses that can be issued in the state of California.
Steps to Apply for a Confidential Marriage License in CA
Appointments to apply for a confidential marriage license can be scheduled online. Appointments should be scheduled prior to visiting the County Clerk’s Office, as walk-ins are not always allowed. The times and options for walk-in appointments depend on the county in California.
FAQs About Confidential Marriage License in CA
In California, the minimum age requirement to obtain a confidential marriage license is 18. This age requirement remains the same for all marriage licenses in the State of California.
What is the marriage.com course?
If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.
How much has marriage declined since the 1960s?
Other benefits. There was once a time when marriage was a foundational part of our culture. However, since the 1960s, marriage has declined close to 72 percent. This means that only about half of America’s population are in a marital relationship.
Is marriage good for health?
Marriage is good for your health. It’s a healthy environment for children. A marriage license earns you all kinds of rights. You can receive financial benefits. Being married can make (and keep) you happy. Other benefits. There was once a time when marriage was a foundational part of our culture. However, since the 1960s, marriage has declined ...
Is marriage a good environment for kids?
It’s a healthy environment for children. There is a bit of a caveat to this point. Marriage is a healthy environment for children if the marriage itself is good. Keeping that in mind, there are numerous reports which indicate that children who have two parents in the home earn better grades, are more likely to stay in school (and go to college), ...
Is it legal to get married for Social Security?
A marriage license earns you all kinds of rights. Although no one should get married just for the legal benefits, it’s still good to know that there are some. Many, in fact. Being married gives you the right to your spouse’s Social Security, Medicare, and even disability benefits.
Does marriage help with taxes?
Marriage can earn you several tax deductions. It can also safeguard your estate, reduce your healthcare costs, earn you greater deductions on your charitable contributions and it can also serve as tax shelter if your partner has a business that ends up losing money.
What is confidential marriage license?
A confidential marriage license allows all the personal information on a marriage license to be protected from public view. Only a court order or a notarized application by either spouses can obtain a copy of the information. This benefits anyone who wishes their information remain private, including celebrities.
How much does a confidential marriage license cost in Los Angeles?
A Confidential Marriage License ($85) in Los Angeles county costs less than a public marriage license. You will also need to order at least one Certified Copy of your marriage license and certificate your wedding day. Certified Copies are required for federal and state governmental purposes, such as immigration issues, ...
How much does a certified copy of a marriage certificate cost?
The Registrar Recorder-County Clerk's office will mail your certified copies to you upon request. Certified Copies cost $14 apiece. Convenience.
How long does it take to get a copy of a marriage license in California?
Instead, if you marry with a marriage license issued by any other county you'll have to wait up to 10 weeks or more to receive a certified copy of your marriage license and certificate.
What is confidential marriage license?
Confidential Marriage License. A confidential marriage license (we issue these) requires no witnesses to sign the license. Only the Officiant and the couple will be signing the document. The marriage license is recorded but is only accessible by the couple.
How many witnesses do you need to sign a marriage license?
Public Marriage License. A public marriage license requires one or two witnesses to sign the marriage license. The license is recorded and made a matter of public record. Once it’s recorded ANYONE can get a copy; You, your friends, your family, your employers, every telemarketer, and Chester the Identity Thief can get a copy.
Is a public marriage license the same as a confidential marriage license?
First off both public and confidential marriage licenses have the same effect, you’re married! They’re both just as legal and enforceable for any use and need. Both can be issued by the County Clerks Office in any county in California.
Marriage License Requirements
As stated earlier, a marriage license is not yet legal and binding. It is only a part of the entire process. You have to appear personally at a marriage licensing office and present the following requirements:
The Benefits of Marriage
Now you have an inkling as to what that famous marriage license is all about. But did you know that getting married has a lot of benefits too? Yes, you read it right. Aside from living and loving happily ever after (we do hope so), marriage has a lot of perks, too.
About the Author: Sarah Adams
Hello from Los Angeles! My name is Sarah Adams and I love to blog. I am a bit of a social media nut that is never behind on the current trends. Staying in touch with people and trends helps to keep me sharp, and my writing even sharper.