Orange County officials Wednesday touted the success of its pre-paid marriage certificate program and encouraged more newlyweds to take advantage of the initiative.
The program allows couples to take care of the financial part of the application process in advance, so their trip to the Orange County Clerk’s Office is more efficient.
Couples who are seeking to obtain their marriage license and have their ceremony performed at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office can pay the $17 fee as they exchange their vows. Then they will automatically receive their marriage license by mail without having to to make a separate trip to the office or call to see if their license is ready.
“This program has become one of our most popular services because it allows couples to focus on celebrating their special day instead of worrying about paperwork,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “By streamlining the process, we’re helping newlyweds save valuable time, reduce phone calls and trips to our offices, and begin their new chapter with ease.”
In 2024, more than 23,000 couples received their marriage certificates through the pre-paid program, OC officials said.
The Orange County government also reminds people that the Clerk-Recorder’s Office is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses, performing ceremonies and providing certified marriage certificates.