Marriage, birth, and death

A public marriage license is a public record. The license allows you to hold the ceremony anywhere within the State of California, and you are required to have at least one witness present during the ceremony.

Civil wedding ceremonies are performed by the County Clerk’s Office by a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages.

The Marin County Clerk’s Office offers an opportunity to have a special friend or family member appointed to perform your marriage ceremony. This is a one-time, one-event appointment.

What it means to be an "authorized party" when requesting a copy of a vital record.

Birth, death, and public marriage records are collectively referred to as "Vital Records," and are maintained in the Marin County Recorder's Office.