California

Department of Tourism Website:  www.visitcalifornia.com
Image:  www.melissajill.com

 Ask a dozen people to describe California in just one word and chances are you’ll get 12 different adjectives, each spot on. It’s the Beach Boy’s state of tall palm trees, rolling green golf courses, dry and dusty desert, misty shorelines, farmland, vineyards, the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree National Monument -- oh, and don’t forget two of the United State’s most culturally significant cities -- Los Angeles and San Francisco. California is a gem of a destination wedding locale for just such a reason – the options are endless.

Quick Facts

• Time Zone:  Pacific Standard Time

• Airports:  Burbank Airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Long Beach Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Ontario International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, San Diego Lindbergh Field International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, San Jose International Airport, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, Santa Monica Municipal Airport

• Weather:   California’s weather is about as diverse as the state itself and what you will encounter will depend on the proximity to the coast and altitude.  The ocean moderates the temperatures right along the coast, but if you drive inland a short way you will encounter dry, desert conditions.  The mountainous regions are cool in the summer, and snowy in the winter.  Since there is no California “norm”, our recommendation is to pick your location and visit www.weatherchannel.com for all the details.

For a complete resource for California weddings, visit Here Comes The Guide: http://www.herecomestheguide.com/

Marriage Requirements

The legal age for getting married in California is 18.  You do not have to be a resident of California, however if either or both of the couple are under 18, they must have parental consent.  There is no waiting period to obtain a license, but both the bride and groom must present themselves at the county recorders office of the county that they intend to be married in and have a valid photo ID.  The license is valid for 90 days.  If either the bride or groom was married previously, they must present a divorce decree or death certificate when applying for the license.  The marriage officiant who performs the marriage ceremony is required by law to complete the marriage license and return it to the County Recorder’s office within 10 days of the event for registration.

 
Fees and hours of operation may differ by county so call for current information before applying. Contact information for all county clerk/recorders offices can be found on the California Department of Health website:

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/hisp/chs/OVR/LocalRegistrar/default.htm

Articles:  Summer 2005, Fall Winter 2005, Spring Summer 2006, Fall Winter 2006, Spring Summer 2007, Fall Winter 2007