CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Marriage ceremonies can be performed during regular business hours, by appointment only, at our Downtown San Diego, San Marcos, Chula Vista, El Cajon, or Kearny Mesa offices in a private ceremony room. Our ceremony rooms will accommodate the following number of guests:
• Downtown San Diego: Up to 15 Guests
• San Marcos: Up to 20 Guests
• Chula Vista: Up to 15 Guests
• El Cajon: Up to 10 Guests
• Kearny Mesa: Up to 15 Guests
In addition, at the downtown location, ceremonies may be performed outside on scenic County grounds overlooking San Diego Bay. Outdoor ceremonies are by appointment only, weather permitting, and subject to staffing availability. You will need to provide a witness. If you do not have a witness we can provide one for an $18.00 fee.
The fee for a civil marriage ceremony is $88.00. Please call early to make an appointment for both your license and your civil ceremony. The appointment number is (619) 237-0502 for all three offices.
Civil marriage ceremonies are only performed at the following locations and times:
County Administration Center Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
San Marcos Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Chula Vista Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
El Cajon Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Kearny Mesa *3rd Saturday of Month 9:00am-2:30pm
*With the exception of February 2016, instead we will be open on February 13, 2016.
Commemorative Keepsake Fees
We offer a framed digital photograph for $10 to commemorate this special occasion. A portion of the proceeds are given to the Polinsky Children's Center.
Marriage or anniversary keepsakes are also available. These 8X10 certificates are perfect for framing making them ideal gifts for $5 each. The keepsake has the name of the married couple, place of birth, day and date of the ceremony and is signed by the County of San Diego Assessor/Recorder/Clerk, who is also the Commissioner of Civil Marriages.
“Just Married” bumper stickers are available in Red and Blue from the County Clerk for $1.00
DEPUTY MARRIAGE COMMISSIONER
The San Diego County Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day program offers a unique way for couples to make their special day even more memorable. For a fee of $80, a couple may choose a friend or relative to be deputized to perform their wedding ceremony at their chosen venue. Anyone who wishes to be deputized to perform a wedding ceremony must submit an application form for appointment to the County Clerk in person or by mail.
We encourage applicants to apply in person at least 3 weeks before the ceremony date at the office of the County Clerk and take the Oath of Office before the wedding can take place. The Oath of Office will be given in English. If the applicant cannot appear in person, a notarized application should be submitted to the County Clerk by mail at least one (1) month before the ceremony date. Upon completion of the application for a Deputy Marriage Commissioner and payment of the fee, the applicant will receive sample vows, instructions for the completion of the marriage license, and the commission. Please call (619) 237-0502 during regular business hours for additional information.
Payment may be made with cash or by check/money order made payable to the “San Diego Recorder/Clerk”. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa Debit card payments are also accepted at any of our office locations with a $2.50 surcharge per transaction.
Click here for application.
Application packet to apply in person
Application packet to apply by mail
