Tying the knot, Alameda Style

Photo by Anthony Kelly

Couples joining in holy matrimony have several options for a romantic, beautiful and memorable wedding service in Alameda. Before applying for a marriage license, couples should be certain that any previous marriages have legally ended, either through annulment, death or divorce. If one of the couple has been previously married, the Clerk’s office may require proof of the end date of the previous marriage before issuing a license.

There are two types of marriage license available in California; a Public Marriage License and a Confidential Marriage License. To obtain either type, both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have signed permission from a parent and a California Superior Court Judge. You must have at least one witness to sign the marriage license. There is no age limit for witnesses, but they must be old enough to sign their name, and old enough to understand they are witnessing a marriage.

Couples over eighteen years of age who are living together as spouses may purchase a “confidential” marriage license. Unlike a Public marriage license, which is available to anyone who applies to the County Clerk and pays a fee to obtain a copy, the confidential marriage license is available only to the couple. Proper identification is required to purchase a copy of your confidential-license marriage certificate. Marriages using a confidential license must take place in the county in which the license was purchased.

When choosing a type of ceremony, it’s important to discuss the details of the wedding well in advance. The budget, size of the wedding party, details about the ceremony and how many guests to invite are all important factors to consider. Many couples dream of a fancy church wedding. Churches, however, are not drive-through marriage distributors. Many churches have requirements in regard to the couple’s spiritual practices, lifestyle or future plans. The State cannot require a church or individual clergy person to perform a marriage ceremony, so it is important to find a church that most closely matches your values and lifestyle. Check with the church you’d like to be married in well in advance to be sure you understand any requirements, marital counseling, and any fees that might be charged.

Civil ceremonies are affordable, efficient and include as much pomp and circumstance as you like, or provide a quiet, intimate service for those who prefer a smaller ceremony. Civil ceremonies do not require pre-marital counseling. Couples desiring to marry in Alameda can choose from three different packages, depending on their budget and their needs. No matter which ceremony you chose, an Alameda wedding is a romantic ceremony you’ll never forget.