Information and Documents Regarding California Marriage Licenses
Oct. 3, 2008
(New marriage license forms for November announced to county clerks on October 3, 2008)
Many Californians have asked to have the option to identify as “bride” and “groom” on their marriage license form. The California Department of Public Health has been reviewing how we can provide those options in a way that is consistent with court rulings on marriage. The state will begin using new forms effective November 17th that will include boxes for “bride” or “groom.” Identifying as a “bride” or a “groom” is optional, not mandatory.
Letter to County Clerks, Oct. 3, 2008
Sample License and Certificate of Marriage for Denominations Not Having Clergy, Rev. 11/2008
Sample License and Certificate of Declaration of Marriage, Rev. 11/2008
Sample License and Certificate of Marriage, Rev. 11/2008
Sample Confidential License and Certificate of Marriage, Rev. 11/2008
Sample Affidavit to Amend a Marriage Record, Rev. 11/2008
June 5, 2008
Letter issued to all county clerks on June 5, 2008.
May 28, 2008
(Below is the e-mail announcement and documents that were sent to all county clerks on May 28, 2008.)
To facilitate the county’s implementation of the ruling of the Supreme Court Decision, In re Marriage Cases [Six consolidated appeals], Case No. S147999., the California Department of Public Health is attaching changes to existing California marriage forms.
The California Department of Public Health is advised by counsel that the California Supreme Court has until close of business on Monday, June 16, 2008 to rule on any requests for re-hearing and that the Court of Appeal will likely issue a writ consistent with the Supreme Court decision. Assuming no legal developments to the contrary, the Department of Public Health will recognize the Court's decision as being in effect beginning June 17, 2008. The new forms should be used by all counties beginning June 17, 2008. Should the Courts take other action, additional guidance from the State Registrar will be forthcoming.
As the State Registrar, the CDPH is responsible for prescribing and furnishing all record forms for use in births, deaths, fetal deaths, and marriages in California. The Registrar is also responsible for ensuring that these record forms are used correctly throughout the State.
Revision to the marriage certificates are highlighted for your information; however, the electronically generated forms should not contain highlights.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact your State Office of Vital Records Policy Analyst.
Thank you for your efforts to implement the Supreme Court ruling.
Note: The California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records does not collect or maintain information about whether a marriage was between individuals of the opposite sex or the same sex.
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Letter to County Clerks
Sample License and Certificate of Marriage for Denominations Not Having Clergy
Sample License and Certificate of Declaration of Marriage
Sample License and Certificate of Marriage
Sample Confidential License and Certificate of Marriage
Sample Affidavit to Amend a Marriage Record