The unsexy but necessary Marriage License ..

Most states in the U.S. do not require you to be a resident of the state to obtain a marriage license in that state. However, USMarriageLaws.com is a good place to start researching local laws and requirements to ensure you understand the rules and requirements of the State, City, and County you with to get married in and to find out what paperwork to bring with you when applying for your marriage license and the waiting period or license expirations.

NOTE: A marriage license issued in any state is valid throughout the country. Often times, it can be easier and less logistics to obtain a license from your home state and oblige the legal ceremony at your local Justice of the Peace, then pack your bags for the big celebration elsewhere.

To obtain a marriage license in Lake Tahoe, first confirm what state and county your ceremony venue is in since Lake Tahoe shares a border with California and Nevada.

California Marriage License

For a California wedding, you must obtain your marriage license directly from the County Clerk’s Office prior to the ceremony. You will have the choice of either a confidential marriage license or a public marriage license; a confidential license does not require any witnesses, the public license requires at least one. The cost is approximately $85, but this will vary by county. The license has a 90 day expiration. Both partners (bride & groom) must be present with proper photo identification at the time of license purchase. When obtaining your marriage license, you will need to know specific information such as your parent’s names, places of their birth, and your mothers’ maiden name. Here is the location and website to schedule your appointment:

El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk’s Office
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd. / U.S. Hwy 50 Suite 108
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3408

Open Monday – Friday: 8am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm

Nevada Marriage License

For a Nevada wedding, you must obtain your marriage license directly from a Nevada County Clerk’s Office prior to the ceremony. The approximate cost is $85, but this will vary by county. Only one witness is required. Both partners (bride & groom) must be present with proper photo identification at the time of license purchase. When obtaining your marriage license, you will need to know specific information such as your parent’s names, places of their birth, and your mothers’ maiden name. Here is the location and website to schedule your appointment:

Douglas County Administration Building
175 Highway 50
Stateline, NV 89449
(775) 586-7290

Open Monday – Friday: 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm

The above link will also let you register as an officiant if you are not yet registered in Nevada.

Be aware that marriage license requirements, in both California and Nevada, will vary from county to county and often change. The above information is for guidance only. It is important that you verify all information with the county clerk directly.