Marriage records in Sonoma County, California, are available through several channels. SonomaCourt.us allows for quick access to publicly indexed information on marriage records. Additionally, the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's office issues certificates and certified copies in person, by mail, and through online tools. The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records also processes requests at the state level.
Sonoma Marriage Records Search
Marriage records in Sonoma County are maintained by the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's office. This department is responsible for issuing marriage licenses, registering returned marriage certificates, and preserving historical records. The collection includes marriage licenses, certified marriage certificates, and confidential marriage documents — the latter have restricted access according to California law. An online index of official public records, covering documents from 1964 to the present, is available through the records search page on the county's website. Note: California law prohibits the display of images of recorded documents online, so only the index is available online, not full copies.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Sonoma
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the California Health and Safety Code and the county's fee schedule. Current rates are listed below:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (in one order) | $3 |
| Informational copy (informational / uncertified) | $15 (first), $3 each additional |
Certified copies have legal validity and are suitable for official purposes — name changes, immigration cases, benefit applications. Informational copies contain a watermark and are not accepted as legal documents. Processing time for mail requests is typically two to four weeks. For detailed fee information, visit the Clerk-Recorder page.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Sonoma
There are several ways to order a marriage certificate in Sonoma County.
Online
Sonoma County does not have its own online portal for ordering certified copies of marriage certificates directly. However, orders can be placed through the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records portal, which processes requests at the state level. You can also use the official public record copies page to search the index and verify document details before ordering.
In Person
Visit the Clerk-Recorder's office during business hours without an appointment:
- Bring a valid photo ID.
- Complete an application on-site and pay the fee (cash, check, or money order).
- The certified copy is usually issued the same day.
By Mail
To order a copy by mail, send the following documents to the office address:
- A completed application (Application for Certified Copy of a Vital Record) — the form can be downloaded from the county website or obtained at the office.
- A copy of the applicant's photo ID.
- A check or money order payable to Sonoma County Clerk for the appropriate amount.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope — optional, for expedited delivery.
Mail response takes approximately two to four weeks. If the record pertains to an event outside the county, the Clerk-Recorder cannot process the request — in such cases, contact the county where the marriage was registered or CDPH Vital Records at the state level.
For divorce records, the Clerk-Recorder's office does not hold the relevant data. These documents are maintained by the Family Law Division of the Sonoma County Superior Court. Requests for copies of divorce decrees are handled by the Court Records Division.