MARRIAGE LICENSE AND CEREMONY SERVICE UPDATE:
The Clerk-Recorder’s Office is currently not open to the public for any services that can be completed through the mail, however appointments are being scheduled for in person marriage licenses and ceremonies.
We are currently not accepting walk-ins.
To inquire about an appointment or to submit a question about marriage services, please send an email to marriages@cr.cccounty.us
Additionally, the Clerk-Recorder grants Deputy Commissioner status to individuals to conduct a single ceremony. A $50 fee applies. For a Deputy Commissioner Packet, click here.
ceremony fee
We accept cash, credit and debit cards. Credit and debit cards are subject to an additional service fee. Checks are not authorized for marriage licenses and wedding ceremonies.
Witness for the ceremony
If a public license has been obtained, the couple must have at least one witness for the ceremony. The witness may be any age, but must be able to understand what they’re signing and be able to sign their name. Our office does not provide witnesses.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER for a specific event
A Deputy Commissioner is granted authority by the Clerk-Recorder to perform a civil ceremony. An individual may apply for, and be granted, a deputy commission for a specific ceremony for a specific couple. In order to obtain a deputy commission, it is required that one of the parties involved (the person performing the ceremony or either spouse to be) must be a resident of Contra Costa County. Only one (1) ceremony (for a specific couple on a specific date) may be performed for each deputy commission granted. The ceremony does not have to take place in Contra Costa County, it may take place anywhere in California. The Deputy Commissioner is responsible for returning the marriage license to the county in which it was purchased within ten (10) days from the date of the ceremony. For information, please call the County Clerk-Recorder’s office at (925) 335-7900 and ask to speak to someone about the Deputy Commissioner program. You may also locate more information in the Deputy Commissioner for a Day packet in the Forms tab under Birth/Death/Marriage. The filing fee to obtain a deputy commission is listed on our fee schedule. Long-term deputy commissions are no longer granted.