How to Get Married in San Diego During Coronavirus
Did you have your perfect dream wedding planned but then COVID19 came over and decided to rain on it? Like they say, “love is not cancelled”. I am here to give you the details on weddings in San Diego county and how you can still say “I do” with a beautiful wedding day amidst the coronavirus craziness. So let’s dive into all the details you will need to know. Below are some helpful tips, links and current ways on how to get married in San Diego during coronavirus.
Marriage License:
This is the first step. Currently, every area is handling things a little different. The good thing here is, no matter where you get married (i.e on a beach, in a chapel or virtually in your living room) as long as it’s in California, you can get your marriage license through any county clerk office in California. I have listed the details of San Diego County below.
San Diego County is now offering marriage license by appointments. Marriage license and outdoor ceremony appointments are available at the San Marcos branch office, Santee branch office, and Downtown Marriage Hut locations. It is important to make sure that you make an appointment as it is required for all marriage services. To schedule an appointment for a marriage license and/or civil ceremony, you can visit the San Diego county website here. You will need to appear in person for your marriage license. You also have the option to obtain your marriage license and full ceremony together in one appointment. Click here to find more details on how to make an appointment.
Confidential marriage licenses may also be issued by an Authorized Notary Public. You will need to confirm availability with the Notary Public directly. Click for a list here of an Authorized Notary Publics in San Diego County.
Where can I get married?
You still have the option of getting married at the courthouse. Click here to check out a recent San Diego Courthouse wedding! In addition, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to allow for virtual ceremonies.
Virtual ceremonies are where the couple and the officiant are brought together by a virtual call (i.e zoom). Some county clerks are offering virtual ceremonies. Although San Diego is not offering teleconference options, many counties across southern CA have started to put plans together to make this a future option.
Witness Requirements
For a Public Marriage License, you will need at least one witness to be present at your ceremony. You may NOT have more than two witnesses sign on the official marriage license.
For ceremonies performed by the County Clerk, you may bring your own witness or the office may provide a witness for an additional fee of $18.00
For a Confidential Marriage License, no witnesses are required to be present at the ceremony, AND no witnesses sign on the marriage license.
Can I still do an in person ceremony?
You still have options for your ceremony. Many that have chosen not to wait are opting for smaller and more intimate ceremonies. There are many officiants available or online certifications that your friends and family can take to legally wed you and your fiancé as well. No matter what the case, coronavirus is not going to stop love from happening.
Location ideas:
– Say “I do” at the San Diego Courthouse
– Have an intimate wedding in your backyard
– Elope in your favorite outdoor park
Can you still capture this moment?
Yes! Although things are different and maybe virtual in some cases, you’ll still want to look good and more than ever, document this special time. My courthouse and elopement collections begin at $600 and are custom created for your special day. Simply inquire below and I’ll get back to you in 24-48 hrs.
After the Ceremony, Registering the Marriage License:
