Marriage Licenses in Napa Valley
Planning to say “I do” in Napa Valley? Before you pop the champagne, you’ll need to take care of one important detail—your marriage license. Here’s everything you need to know.
If You Live in California
The simplest option is to purchase your marriage license from the county where you currently live. Just remember to bring it with you to Napa Valley. (Yes—this is easy to forget, so double-check before you pack!)
If You’re From Out of State
Unfortunately, Napa County does not issue marriage licenses. But don’t worry—your Napa Valley Weddings professional will guide you to the most convenient location to obtain your license based on:
- The airport you’re flying into
- Where you’ll be staying
Important: You cannot use a marriage license from your home state. To be legally married in California, you must purchase a California marriage license.
Public vs. Confidential Marriage Licenses
Most couples—about 95%—choose a public marriage license. Here’s how the two types compare:
Public Marriage License
- Becomes part of the public record.
- Requires one ceremony witness (your photographer can be the witness if you have no guests).
Confidential Marriage License
- Not part of public record—available only to the couple.
- No ceremony witness is required.
- Can help reduce certain types of junk mail.
- To obtain copies, both spouses must appear together at the County Clerk’s office with valid photo ID, or a third party must present a court order.
Both types are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Obtaining Certified Copies
A common misconception is that couples automatically receive a certified copy of their marriage license—you don’t.
You’ll need to request certified copies from the County Clerk’s Office where you purchased your license. Each county has its own process, so check their website for details.
Reasons you might need certified copies:
- Name change
- Health insurance updates
- Car or home insurance changes
- Updating bank accounts
Think ahead about how many copies you’ll need. There is a fee for each one.
