Marriage certificates are used for many reasons such as a spouse being added onto health benefits.  You can purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate in person at the County Clerk-Recorder's office at 555 County Center, First Floor, Redwood City, CA  94063-1665 or by mail. Our office hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Mailed requests for marriage certificates must include the name of the bride and groom (or Party A and Party B if after June 17, 2008) as they appeared on the marriage license, the date of the marriage and the office where the license was purchased. Marriage certificates can only be purchased in the same county where the license was purchased, regardless of where the wedding ceremony took place. The request should include the address to which the certificate is to be mailed and a daytime contact telephone number. Please use the attached form for your convenience.

Mail the request letter with the required payment in a check or money order only (payable against a USA bank) to the above address - Attn:  Vital Records. Make checks payable to San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder.

Processing time may take several days.  Please expect to receive your copies via regular mail in approximately two weeks.  If you wish to expedite your request, you may opt to send it via overnight mail.  To do so, include a pre-paid overnight return envelope with your request letter and check.   Certificates from the years 1856 to 1964 may require an additional one to two days for processing.  

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