Marriage records in Marin County, California, are available through several channels. On the MarinCourt.us website, you can start searching for public information about marriage records. Additionally, original documents are maintained by the Marin County Clerk-Recorder's office — you can contact them in person, by mail, or through California's online services.
Marin Marriage Records Search
In Marin County, marriage records are maintained by the Marin County Clerk-Recorder. This office issues marriage licenses, accepts returned certificates after the ceremony, and keeps them as official vital records. The collection includes marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and confidential marriage licenses as provided by California law. Historical records related to the county are also stored in this office — some of them date back to the mid-19th century.
Marin County Clerk-Recorder
Separate from the County Clerk-Recorder records, court cases related to marriage (such as divorce) can be searched through the eCourt Online Portal of the Marin Superior Court. However, marriage certificates themselves are the jurisdiction of the Clerk-Recorder, not the court.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Marin
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the California Health and Safety Code § 103625 and the County Clerk-Recorder's fee schedule. Below are the main rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified Authorized Copy | $15 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $3 |
| Informational Copy (Informational, not for legal purposes) | $15 |
| Index search (every 5 years of search) | $3 |
Certified copies come in two types. An Authorized Certified Copy is a full legal document that can only be obtained by the person named in the record, their immediate family member, legal representative, or authorized agent. An Informational Certified Copy is available to anyone but contains a watermark "INFORMATIONAL" and is not suitable for identity verification. The processing time for mail requests is usually two to four weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Marin
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
Through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) portal, you can order a certified copy of marriage records registered in any county in the state. To do this, you need to fill out an electronic application on the CDPH Vital Records website and pay the fee by credit card. An additional service fee is charged by the payment processor. Processing online orders may take several weeks.
In Person
Visit the Marin County Clerk-Recorder's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID with you. If you are requesting an Authorized Certified Copy, the clerk will verify your eligibility to obtain it. Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to Marin County Clerk.
By Mail
Send your request to the Clerk-Recorder's office address. Include in your letter:
- A completed application (Sworn Statement / Application for Certified Copy) — the form is available on the county or CDPH website.
- A copy of your photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to Marin County Clerk.
- A self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.
For court records related to marriage cases (annulment, divorce), use a separate court records request form from the Marin Superior Court. Copies of court documents can also be ordered in person at the Court Records & Exhibits department — room 113 Civic Center, from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00.
If you need a copy of a divorce record at the state level, contact CDPH Vital Records. Marriage records and divorce records are different documents and are stored in different institutions.