Marriage records in Contra Costa County, California, can be accessed through several channels. ContraCostaCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder's office, visit in person at the county offices in Martinez, or submit a request by mail. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains statewide vital records and offers an additional path to obtain certified copies of marriage certificates.
Contra Costa Marriage Records Search
The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder is the issuing authority for marriage licenses and the custodian of marriage records filed in the county. Under California law, the county clerk issues marriage licenses and records the completed marriage certificate once it is returned by the officiant after the ceremony.
The Clerk-Recorder's marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in Contra Costa County
- Marriage certificates (returned and filed after solemnization)
- Confidential marriage licenses and certificates
- Historical marriage records dating back to the county's early record-keeping
Public (non-confidential) marriage records are generally available to any requester. Confidential marriage certificates are restricted — only the parties named on the certificate, or an authorized agent, may obtain certified copies.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Contra Costa
Fees for marriage record services in Contra Costa County are set by California statute and county fee schedules. The table below reflects standard fees at the county level. The CDPH charges its own fees for statewide vital record requests.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (county) | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $15 |
| Certified copy from CDPH (state) | $18 |
| Informational (non-certified) copy | Not generally issued separately at county level |
| Amendment or correction | Contact Clerk-Recorder for current fee |
Fees are established under California Health and Safety Code §§ 103625–103690. Processing times for in-person requests are typically same-day if the record is on file. Mail requests may take several weeks. CDPH mail-in requests can take 12–16 weeks or longer for standard processing; expedited options are available for an additional fee through the state.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Contra Costa
Online
Certified copies of California marriage certificates can be ordered online through the California Department of Public Health Vital Records ordering portal. The CDPH processes requests for marriages that occurred anywhere in California. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the date and county of marriage, and your relationship to the parties (for confidential records). The state charges $18 per certified copy.
The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder does not currently offer a dedicated online ordering system for marriage certificates directly through the county website. Check the Clerk-Recorder's page for any updates to online services.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Clerk-Recorder's office in Martinez during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. For confidential marriage records, you must be a named party on the certificate or present a court order or notarized authorization.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the county, send the following to the Clerk-Recorder's office:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your return mailing address
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $15 per copy, payable to the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail to:
You may also request copies by mail from the CDPH using the state's Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record (VS 111). The form is available on the CDPH Vital Records website. State requests should be mailed to the CDPH – Vital Records, MS 5103, P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410.
For questions about Contra Costa County public records more broadly, the county provides guidance on how to submit requests under the California Public Records Act. Marriage records that are public (non-confidential) fall within this framework, though certified vital record copies follow the specific procedures described above.