The County Clerk's office issues Marriage Licenses during the week only.

Regular Licenses issued in one California county may be used in another. Confidential licenses must be issued in the county where the ceremony is performed.

Both applicants must be present, over 18, but need not be U.S. residents.

Obtaining the license should take around 30 minutes in Santa Barbara.

Licenses are good for 90 days from the time of purchase.

Certified copies of your license may be obtained either by mail or can be obtained immediately after your ceremony by walking the license into the Recorder's Office and paying a $l0.00 fee.

No blood test is required.

Each county charges different fees for issuance of licenses. Santa Barbara's fee is $79.00. A certified copy is $13.00.

Licenses are legal worldwide.

Not a U.S. citizen?   Click here for information about Apostilles and Certifications.

Two kinds of licenses can be issued:

A)    Regular license: It requires one witness.  It will be published in the newspaper and is available for public viewing. 

B)    Confidential license: No witness required. Must provide evidence you are living at the same address at time of purchase.
        1. Must be performed in same county that issues license.
        2. Cost of the license is $79.00

Santa Barbara County Clerk 1100 Anacapa St. (at Anapamu)
(805) 568-2251
Open Mon-Fri. 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.