Marriage licenses and vital records

City hall in Palo Alto handles a lot, but not weddings or birth certificates. Those records belong to Santa Clara County. The County Clerk-Recorder issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies and keeps birth, death and marriage records for everything that happens in the county, from a wedding at a downtown restaurant to a birth at Stanford's children's hospital.

This guide explains how to get a marriage license, how civil ceremonies work, how to order birth and death certificates and what the county charges. Fees come from the Clerk-Recorder's published fee schedule as it read in October 2026. Fees and procedures change, so check before you make the trip to San Jose.

Where the county office is

The county lists the Clerk-Recorder's Office at 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st floor, in San Jose. That is in North San Jose near Highway 237, reachable from Palo Alto by Highway 101. VTA light rail also serves Tasman Drive. Older guides and press releases give the County Government Center at 70 West Hedding Street, so double-check the address on any appointment confirmation.

The fee schedule lists vital records service from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and marriage services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though a later section lists 4:30 p.m. for marriage services too. Walk-ins are accepted, but the county suggests booking an appointment because waits can be long.

Getting a marriage license

California law sets the basic rules and the county runs the process. The steps:

1. Start online. The county lets couples fill in the marriage license application before visiting, which shortens the appointment.
2. Appear together. Both people must come in person with valid government photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
3. Choose public or confidential. See the comparison below.
4. Pay the fee and receive the license.
5. Hold the ceremony within 90 days. A California license expires 90 days after it is issued and can be used anywhere in the state.
6. Return the license. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the issuing county within 10 days for registration.

California does not require a blood test or state residency. You do not need to live in Santa Clara County to get a license there. Palo Alto residents marrying elsewhere in California can get a license from that county instead.

Public or confidential

The county explains that confidential licenses date to the late 1800s and were created so couples could keep their marriage date out of the public record. If you do not bring a witness to a county ceremony, the fee schedule lists a $32 witness fee.

Civil ceremonies

The Clerk-Recorder performs civil marriage ceremonies. The fee schedule lists two options:

• Chapel ceremony: $112. A short ceremony in the county's wedding chapel, scheduled in advance, with room for a small group of guests.
• Express ceremony: $174. Performed at the service window, aimed at couples who want to get the license and marry in one visit.

Both are in addition to the license fee. Capacity, guest limits and booking rules can change, so confirm when you schedule. Around Valentine's Day and on memorable dates, slots go quickly.

A friend as officiant

Many couples want a friend or family member to lead the ceremony. The county sells a one-day deputy marriage commission for $80. It authorizes that person to perform your wedding on the date stated. Apply well ahead, since the county needs time to process it. Clergy and other authorized officiants do not need the commission.

Celebrating in Palo Alto

Once the paperwork is done, the party can be anywhere. Palo Alto restaurants with private rooms host rehearsal dinners and small receptions. Our guide to private dining rooms lists options. Guests coming from out of town can start with our where to stay guide.

Copies of marriage certificates

After the license is registered, you can order certified copies. The fee schedule lists $17 per certified copy of a marriage certificate. You will need copies to change your name with Social Security, the DMV, banks and the passport office. Order two or three at once to save return trips. For a confidential marriage, the county says only the people named on the certificate, or someone with a court order, can buy a copy, with valid ID.

Changing your name? Start with Social Security, then the DMV. Our DMV guide explains REAL ID name change documents and our passport guide covers updating a passport.

Birth certificates

Every birth in Palo Alto is registered in Santa Clara County. That includes babies born at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, which serves families from across the region. Certified copies are available from two county offices:

• County Clerk-Recorder, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose.
• Public Health Department, Vital Statistics Section, 976 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, (408) 885-2010.

The Clerk-Recorder's fee schedule lists $32 for a birth record. The California Department of Public Health also issues copies statewide, usually more slowly. For a recent birth, ask the hospital how registration works and when a copy will be available.

Authorized and informational copies

California issues two kinds of certified copies. An authorized copy can be used to prove identity, for a passport or a REAL ID. Only the person named and certain relatives or legal representatives can get one. They must sign a sworn statement. A mailed request needs that statement notarized. An informational copy is marked as not valid to establish identity and is available to anyone. If you need it for a passport or the DMV, ask for an authorized copy. Our legal help and notaries guide lists notary options in town.

Death certificates

When someone dies, the funeral home usually orders the first certified copies for the family. The county Medical Examiner-Coroner says it does not provide death certificates to the public and suggests getting copies from the funeral director at or near the date of death. Later copies come from the same two county offices as birth certificates: Public Health Vital Statistics on Lenzen Avenue or the Clerk-Recorder on Tasman Drive. The Clerk-Recorder's fee schedule lists $24 for a death record.

Banks, insurers, pension plans and the DMV often each want their own certified copy. Ask for more than you think you need. For other practical steps after a death, our guide to resources for older adults lists local social work and caregiver services that can help families.

Tips for a smooth visit

• Book an appointment online if you can. Walk-in waits can be long.
• Bring valid photo ID for every person who needs to sign.
• Confirm the office address on your confirmation. The county now lists its office on Tasman Drive.
• Start the marriage application online to cut time at the counter.
• Order authorized copies when you need a record to prove identity.

Frequently asked questions