Marriage

Deputy Marriage Commissioner for the Day

This service allows you to apply to be a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for the Day. California Family Code Section 401(b) allows the Clerk-Recorder, as Commissioner of Civil Marriages, to deputize individuals as a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for a day to solemnize marriages in California.

NOTE: This is an optional service not provided by all counties. Additionally, if the marriage license was purchased outside of the County of San Luis Obispo, please verify with that County that they will accept a Deputy Commissioner for a Day deputized by the County of San Luis Obispo.

Indoor Marriage Ceremony (Appointment Required)

Our Intimate and charming indoor ceremony room is designed for a private and special day. Our indoor marriage room accommodates 4-6 seated guests or 8-9 guests standing closely together. The allotted time for the civil ceremony is 30 minutes from the scheduled service, accommodating the ceremony and allowing for photographs with guests.

Express Marriage Ceremony

Our office offers convenient express civil marriage ceremonies at the counter, performed by our staff officiants. No appointment is necessary—simply visit us during normal transaction hours. Express ceremonies are designed to be simple and efficient, and are limited to the couple and up to three guests. If you are using a public marriage license, you’ll need at least one witness. We recommend bringing your own, but if needed, a witness can be provided by our office for an additional fee.

 

Marriage Licenses

This service provides information about marriage licenses and requirements and allows you to apply for a marriage license. A marriage license must be purchased prior to your ceremony and is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase. The ceremony must take place in the state of California.

Seasonal Rooftop Civil Ceremony (Appointment Required)

Discover our seasonal rooftop ceremony service! Our rooftop overlooks the beautiful Cerro San Luis Mountain and features surrounding downtown views. Our rooftop can host groups up to 30 guests standing. The allotted time is 30 minutes from the scheduled service, accommodating the ceremony and allowing for photographs with guests. Seating is limited, with approximately 4 seats available, and shade is limited as well. 

Services are offered seasonally and an appointment must be scheduled through our bookings page. 

Please prepare your guests for rooftop conditions and instruct them to arrive on time for your scheduled ceremony. Remind them to allow extra time for parking in our bustling downtown office area and to be aware that our office does not have dedicated parking. Arriving late may lead to them missing your ceremony. We also recommend that guests prepare for current weather conditions and bring sunglasses. 

Please note the following disclosures for rooftop ceremonies: 

  • Privacy: Rooftop ceremonies are not guaranteed to be private. An unintended guest could witness your special day. 
  • Weather Dependency: Ceremonies are weather-dependent and may be relocated on the day of the event due to:
    • High winds
    • Rain
    • Extreme heat
    • Poor air quality (smoky conditions)

In case of relocation, ceremonies will be held in the lobby of the Government Center, which is not private. Passerby and occasional noise from patrons are possible. If our indoor ceremony room is available and suitable for smaller groups, we may be able to accommodate the ceremony there.