Who is authorized to perform a wedding ceremony?

In California, persons authorized include: 

  • Commissioner of Civil Marriages (and his/her deputies)
  • Legislator or Constitutional Officer of this state or a member of Congress who represents a district within this state while that person holds an office
  • Ministers or other clergy persons
  • Out-of-state or out-of-country Priests
  • Priest
  • Rabbi
  • Shaman or Medicine Man
  • State Judges
  • A person that holds or formerly held an elected office of a city, county, or city and county
  • A city clerk of a charter city while that person holds office

Note: Ship’s captains do not have authority to solemnize California marriages unless they are also authorized.

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1. Where are you located?
2. What are the hours for the Recorder-County Clerk?
3. What are the hours for recording documents?
4. Do I obtain divorce copies from you?
5. Do we purchase the marriage license first?
6. What information will we need when we apply for a marriage license?
7. What is the difference between a public and confidential marriage license?
8. What are the requirements for obtaining a marriage license?
9. Can one of your staff serve as a witness for our wedding?
10. Is there a waiting period before getting married?
11. Do we need to get blood tests to get married?
12. Does your office perform civil marriage ceremonies?
13. Must we already have a marriage license to make an appointment for a ceremony?
14. Who is authorized to perform a wedding ceremony?
15. Does Napa County appoint deputy marriage commissioners?
16. How does one apply for appointment as a Deputy Marriage Commissioner?
17. How do I change my name?
18. What if one or both of the persons getting married is a minor?
19. Is this where I apply for a business license?
20. How do I get a copy of a will?
21. May I have a document notarized in your office?
22. Does the Napa County Clerk process passport applications?
23. Where do I get information about becoming a Notary Public?
24. Does the Recorder-County Clerk’s office close during the lunch hour?