How to Get Married in California—Pros Dish on Everything You Need to Know

There's a reason it's the Golden State.

Outdoor wedding ceremony venue in California with palm tree background, how to get married in California

Photo: Alexandria Monette Photography

Updated Nov 05, 2024

"What are the five best things about California?" Ask a group this question and everyone will likely have a different answer because the vast state has a myriad of appeals. As such, it's no surprise you're wondering how to get married in California so you can plan accordingly.

Find a Wedding Planner in California to Guide You

Danielle Leilani, a Los Angeles-based wedding planner and the owner of Leilani Weddings, emphasizes that getting married in California is worth it because of the state's "diverse locales and iconic destinations. We also have amazing year-round weather and the ability to do outdoor weddings pretty much year-round, even in off-season which can sometimes save a lot of money."

How to get married in California: Obtaining a Marriage License | Notable Locations | How to Plan

Find a Wedding Planner in California to Guide You

How to Get a Marriage License in California

The process for how to get a marriage license in California is handled at the county level through the state's County Clerks. As of 2024 rules, both engaged parties must appear in person (with unexpired IDs) at the County Clerk office. You don't need to visit the office in your county of residence or in the county where you're tying the knot, but it's wise to research and make an appointment ahead of time to ensure everything goes smoothly. Licenses to marry in California are good for 90 days and there is no waiting period, but it's always best to double-check the fine print with the county in case rules change. It's also helpful to note that based on the state of California marriage requirements, some to-be-weds may be eligible for an online marriage license process, depending on the county they are applying through.

Notable Cities and Vendors for a Wedding in California

A crucial step for wedding planning in California is deciding where you're actually going to celebrate. "California is huge! Don't just lump California all together," emphasizes wedding expert Holly Gray, the owner of Anything But Gray Events in Los Angeles. "When planning a wedding in California, are you looking at NorCal? SoCal? LA? Orange County? Joshua Tree? Malibu? San Diego? Palm Springs? All the regions are popular wedding destinations but different in terms of venues, vendors, scenery, weather, and logistics." Here's a peek at some of the most notable places in California to get married. (Pro Tip: To learn more about how average costs differ around the state, take a look at The Knot Budget Advisor).

Los Angeles

Known as the nation's center for the film and television industry, it's not hard to see why so many couples settle on the City of Angels for a wedding. This sprawling city has something for everyone—from SoCal beach vibes to edgy Hollywood glam. The average wedding cost in Los Angeles will be on the pricier side, but you'll have access to incredible talent and vendors that make the investment worth it.

San Diego

San Diego, California's second-largest city, is known as the "birthplace of California" and it is also a great spot to serve as the birthplace of your marriage.

Lake Tahoe

Have you always dreamt of a mountain wedding? Journey into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a wedding along the shores of Lake Tahoe's picturesque waters.

Lake Tahoe Wedding Vendors: Notable Wedding Venues | Rehearsal Dinner Venues | Wedding Shower Venues

San Francisco

Picture this: Wedding portraits with The Golden Gate Bridge looking as stately as ever in the background.

Sacramento

Can I be honest with you? Ever since I watched the movie Lady Bird, I've been itching to visit Sacramento. While Sacramento is smaller than many other California cities, the state capital is a great spot to say "I do."

Sacramento Wedding Vendors: Boudoir Photographers | Indian Wedding Planners

San Jose

For tech fans looking to make a jaunt to Silicon Valley, San Jose is worth considering.

San Jose Wedding Vendors: Indian Wedding Planners | Notable Wedding Venues | Transportation

Additional California Wedding Venues and Vendors to Consider

Want even more inspiration for wedding planning in California? If you haven't settled on a location yet, you could consider these companies and venues.

FOR YOU

The 9 Best Wedding Websites on the Market

From free to paid, each one has our wedding-editor stamp of approval.

Couple holding hands while walking on a pier at their Delaware wedding

How to Get Married in Delaware From Start to Finish

The Diamond State is a real gem.

Durham, North Carolina outdoor bohemian wedding

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Get Married in NC

From setting a budget to choosing your photography style and wedding vibe, here's a step-by-step.

California Wedding Vendors to Consider: Premarital Counseling in California | Inland Empire DJs

How to Plan a Wedding in California Step by Step

As for the specific of how to plan a wedding in California, there are some unique state-specific nuances to keep in mind.

Consider Transportation

California is a vast state, 163,696 square miles to be exact. "Being mindful of the distance and the lack of public transportation in California is incredibly important and something many couples don't consider during their initial wedding planning," explains Gray. Leilani concurs, adding: "We all love California's geographical beauty and diverse landscape but let's be honest—the traffic can be just terrible at times."

So what are you to do? Firstly, "plan accordingly by coordinating ground transportation for guests, and adding in extra travel time to your day of timeline," says Leilani. Additionally, "hiring local vendors within the specific California destination you are looking at is helpful," says Gray. "This will help reduce travel fees when possible, plus, support local vendors who know and understand the area really well and can advice you accordingly. "

Be Mindful of Weather

When you think of California, most people picture a perfect 70-degree day. However, that isn't always the case. Gray notes that "we do get highs and lows. There is often a need for a tent and heat lamps because of rain and wind as well as umbrellas, sunshades, fans, and air conditioning due to excessive heat."

The pro goes on to note that, "in theory, all 12 months in California see weddings. August is our hottest month with highs in the 100s and beyond. And December can get down to the low 40s in some areas."

Leilani emphasizes that coastal and desert areas, specifically, are prone to more extreme temperatures. "The weather in California is mostly amazing, however at times it can be unpredictable especially near the coast or in the desert," she says. "Plan accordingly by budgeting for a tent, and coming up with a game plan for other weather woes like wind and cold nights."

Think Beyond "Wedding Season"

So, when is wedding season in California? "Luckily, California has pretty great weather year round, so while you may need to budget for a tent or come up with a contingency plan for a bit of wind, we are pretty lucky when it comes to weather here," says Leilani. "Because of this, our wedding season spans almost year long, from March to November, although we have done our fair share of weddings in December, January and February too."

While a wedding is possible almost anytime in California, fall is still the most popular time for a wedding. "Fall in California, depending on the specific area, can be highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. But, while I would love to tell you that is consistent, right now, October 2024, in Los Angeles, it's 88 degrees and feels like summer," notes Gray./

Embrace Creativity

There are simply an abundance of talented wedding vendors in California. "California, especially SoCal, is a hub for creative wedding vendors, especially as the epicenter of entertainment," explains Gray. "Many wedding professionals come with a background in production, TV or theatrical design, and other creative endeavors within the entertainment field. As a wedding planner who was a former stage manager and designer for live theater and television, we attract clients who are looking for a wedding that they don't yet see on Pinterest."

Consider Unique Vendors

Not only are standard California wedding vendors, like planners and photographers, extremely talented, but there are also an ample number of unique pros Cali couples should consider. For example, Leilani says that "getting an In-N-Out truck for a late night snack is a must, and if you're into it, cannabis is legal here so mobile cannabis bar vendors have become popular in recent years. You can also find your fair share of planners who focus on sustainability here, farm to table caterers, amazing wine providers, and adventure photographers and videographers."

Be Thoughtful About the Guest List

Who doesn't want an excuse to travel to California? "One of the pros and cons of a wedding in California is a larger percentage of your guests will want to attend," says Gray. "That can either be exactly what you hoped for, or a challenge." As such, Gray recommends couples have both an A and a B guest list when inviting folks to their California wedding. "With so many experiences for out-of-state guests to have while they are in the state (Disneyland, Universal Studios, beaches, wineries, etc.) it can be a huge draw to attend your wedding and turn the weekend into a vacation," says the pro.

Book Early and Budget Wisely

Since California is such a popular destination for weddings, "some downsides would have to be the price and booking challenges," says Leilani. "California is a hot-spot for weddings, so while there are a plethora of venue and vendor options here, if you have your heart set on someone specific, go with your gut and book them early."