Marriage records in Sacramento County, California, are available through several channels. SacramentoCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder office by sending a request by mail or using online document search tools. Below is a practical guide to searching, ordering, and obtaining marriage certificates.
Sacramento Marriage Records Search
All marriage records in Sacramento County are maintained by the County Clerk/Recorder's office. This institution issues marriage licenses, accepts returned signed certificates from ceremony officiants, and maintains an archive of registered documents. The collection includes marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and confidential marriage licenses. Historical records are available from 1849 and can be viewed through the online index of registered documents. Note: divorce records are not kept by the Clerk/Recorder but by the Superior Court of the county.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Sacramento
Fees for copies of marriage records are established in accordance with the California Health & Safety Code and the county's fee schedule. Below are the main rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $15 |
| Each additional copy (same order, same record) | $4 |
| Informational (uncertified) copy | $15 |
| Record search without issuing a copy | Included in the cost of the copy |
The processing time for requests submitted by mail is usually 4–6 weeks. In-person requests yield results much faster—often on the day of the visit if the record is in the electronic database.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Sacramento
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of California provides the opportunity to order certified copies of vital records through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) portal. For marriage records registered in Sacramento County, you can also use online services on the County Clerk/Recorder website. You need to provide the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage.
In Person
Visit the Clerk/Recorder's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. An appointment is usually not required—clerks serve visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
By Mail
Send a request to the Clerk/Recorder's office address. Include in the envelope:
- A completed application for a copy (Sworn Statement—you can download the form from the CDPH website or get it at the office).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A check or money order for the fee amount, made payable to "Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder."
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Processing mail requests may take several weeks. If the record pertains to an event before 1905, the clerk may request additional information for an archive search. To check the status of your request, call (916) 874-6334.