FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO LICENSES IN CALIFORNIA, THE CONFIDENTIAL AND THE PUBLIC?
Marriage Licenses
Confidential License/Standard License (Public)
I am authorized to issue the Confidential Marriage License for Los Angeles County as a Notary Public. This makes it very convenient for my couples as they do not have to stand in line at the County Recorder?s Office. However, I also issue licenses to couples I am not marrying. Please call my office for details on this process.
In California we have two types of Licenses the Confidential and the Public. The Confidential was originally started for couples who had been living together and wanted to avoid the dreaded blood test. So starting around 1969 many couples avoided the blood test by taking out a Confidential License, stating that they had been living together. In 1970 California began to allow Notaries Public to issue the Confidential Licenses as a convenience to the public. You could still get the other license (with the blood test) if you went to a County office. However, in 1995 California did away with the Blood Test entirely and you still have the option to buy either license. The advantage now of the Confidential license is that it is a "Sealed" document and only the bride and groom can get a copy of it from the County Recorder. In this day of identity theft, many couples opt for the Confidential License. A disadvantage is that it must be used in the County in which it was issued - this does not mean you must have the ceremony performed only in that county. But, Los Angeles is a very large County and this usually isn't a problem for my couples. So it is up to you to decide which license best suits your needs - both types are available at a County Office - you are just as married with either type of license. Of course if I am marrying you in Orange or any other County (except LA), you will have to obtain your own license.
After you fill out the application, you should then call for an appointment to meet with me for issuance. This must be done in person. With the long lines and wait at the Recorders' Offices, you might find it more convenient to spend 15 minutes with me to obtain your marriage license. And remember, I issue licenses on Saturdays, Sundays and evenings by appointment. If you're flying in for a wedding at the last moment, this could be a necessity.
Please note that minors -- 17 years of age or younger, must obtain their license from the County Recorder's office -- Notaries are NOT allowed to issue them.
WHY CAN'T WE GET MARRIED OVER THE PHONE?
At this time California does not allow marriages over the phone, and if you find a minister/notary willing to do this for you, your marriage is not valid. This questions comes up mostly about incarcerated persons. Since you have to appear in person in front of the Notary, it makes no sense that this can be done over the phone. Please call the County Recorder's office for verification of this information at 323/586-6192. You can also verify the notary authorization to issue marriage licenses. If you do this the marriage will be invalid and not legally binding.
CAN I MARRY MY PARTNER WHO IS IN JAIL?
No, we can perform this type of marriage my proxy. Only a Judge can give you permission. Contact the LA County Recorders office for more info. 562/462-2137
WERE YOU ORDAINED ON THE INTERNET?
No, I am not ordained on the internet. I received instruction from the Rosicrucian Fellowship and the United Faith Ministry, and was ordained as a non-denominational minister of the gospel in 1996. I feel that all paths lead to God, and that all religions have a valid place in society. We are all different, and one religion or denomination would not make sense.
I see nothing wrong with being ordained on the internet. People come to God in different ways. I put my heart into each ceremony I perform - I hope I make it special and memorable for each couple. This is all I do, I don't have a "regular job". This is my job, and I feel honored each time I marry a couple that I have been part of their future life together.
WHAT TYPES OF CEREMONIES TO YOU PERFORM?
I am not limited to a strictly religious ceremony. You can choose spiritual, civil, or non-religious. I try to customize the ceremony to the couple's wishes. That is why I give out my 35 page booklet "Words for your Wedding" to let the couple pick and choose the types of prayers, opening statements, vows and ring exchange that they want in their wedding.
HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO ISSUE MARRIAGE LICENSES?
First I was a Notary Public for the State of California. When I became an ordained minister I realized that I could reach more couples if I was able to issue marriage licenses. Certain Notaries (not all of them) are allowed to issue for the County in which their Commission is based. I applied to Los Angeles County, and was accepted into the program in 1997. So I have been issuing licenses since then.
WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST IF I WANT TO BOOK YOU FOR A WEDDING?
Please email or call so we can set up a no obligation consultation in my office. I will show you my ceremonies, and speak to you about your wedding, your plans. etc. Then if you decide you want to have me perform your wedding, I would need a 50% deposit to hold the day and time open. I would give you the ceremonies to choose from, and I would also issue the marriage license at that time, providing it's not too soon for that. If you need time to come to a decision and decide you want my services. we can handle the payment over the phone via email and credit card (I accept Master Card, Visa and Discover).
WHAT ELSE DO YOU OFFER?
I have my own microphone system with a speaker. I can bring a CD player and play traditional wedding music. I work with my husband, Rev. David Nixon, and he's available if you desire a male minister. We have also invested in a number of robes, all colors, or we can wear suit for him dress/suit for me - or clothing appropriate to your theme, i.e., Hawaiian etc.
What do I need for ID?
Valid State issued Drivers License or Identification card, Passport or Canadian / Mexican Drivers License, OR Mexican Matricula Card. Any ID used must be current and not expired. If it is expired you would need to have it renewed before you can use it as ID.
Can I use the Matricular Consular Card as ID?
Yes, We can issue you a marriage license if the card is valid and not expired.
Do I have to be a US Citizen to get married in California?
No, we marry couples from all over the world. There are no citizenship requirements to get married in California. No matter what visa you have you can still get married. You must have the valid ID mentioned above.
Can you issue a license to minors 17 and younger?
No, Please note that minors -- 17 years of age or younger, must obtain their license from the County Recorder's office (with a parent)-- Notaries are NOT allowed to issue them. We can then marry you after you obtain your license.
Can you issue a license to same sex couples?
Not at this time. But if the ban is overturned this summer we hope to issue them again.
Call our office if you have any questions.
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