Marriage records in San Luis Obispo County, California, are available through several channels. SanLuisObispoCourt.us helps find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the County Clerk-Recorder's office, either in person or by mail. Online tools for searching recorded documents also allow for remote record verification.
San Luis Obispo Marriage Records Search
In San Luis Obispo County, marriage records are maintained and stored by the County Clerk-Recorder office. This office issues marriage licenses, registers returned marriage certificates, and stores official records. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and confidential marriage licenses. Historical records are preserved from the county's founding.
To search for recorded documents, you can use the online recorded documents search system, which operates 24/7. The Clerk-Recorder self-service system is also available, where you can request official records.
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in San Luis Obispo
The fees for obtaining copies of marriage records are set according to the California Health and Safety Code. Below are the current fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage certificate | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (in one order) | $3 |
| Informational copy (informational/uncertified copy) | $15 |
| Index search (if the exact date is unknown) | Included in the copy cost |
Certified copies have legal force and are accepted by government agencies. An informational copy has a watermark "INFORMATIONAL — NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" and cannot be used for identity verification. The processing time for in-person requests is usually the same day. Mail requests can take two to four weeks.
Source of fees: California Health and Safety Code §103625.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in San Luis Obispo
There are several ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
Through the County Clerk-Recorder self-service system, you can request official records. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card. You can also order a certified copy through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) portal at cdph.ca.gov if the marriage was registered in any county in the state.
In Person
Visit the Clerk-Recorder's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. A certified copy is usually issued on the day of the request. No appointment is needed — service is on a first-come, first-served basis.
By Mail
Send a request to the Clerk-Recorder's office address. Include in the envelope:
- A completed Sworn Statement / Application for Certified Copy (form can be downloaded from the Clerk-Recorder's website).
- A copy of a valid photo ID.
- A check or money order payable to "SLO County Clerk-Recorder" in the amount of the appropriate fee.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail requests are processed within two to four weeks from the date of receipt.
Who Can Obtain a Certified Copy?
According to California Health and Safety Code §103526, a certified copy of a marriage certificate can be obtained by:
- The person named in the record (one of the spouses).
- A parent or legal guardian of the person named in the record.
- A representative with a notarized power of attorney or court order.
- An attorney representing the interests of the person named in the record.
- An employee of a government agency authorized to obtain such documents.
Anyone can order an informational (uncertified) copy — no need to prove a legitimate interest. Such a document is suitable for genealogical research or confirming the fact of marriage, but not for legal purposes.
If you need help finding old records or are unsure which document to order, call the Clerk-Recorder's office at (805) 781-5080 — staff will help determine the type of record and the correct request procedure.