What is the difference between a Public and a Confidential Marriage License?
With a Public Marriage License the record will become public record once recorded, and with this type of Marriage License the Wedding Ceremony can take place anywhere in California. In plain English that means that anybody can obtain a copy of your Marriage License because it will be a public record. With a Confidential Marriage License the record will be closed, and not opened to public once recorded, and with this type of Marriage License the Wedding Ceremony has to take place in Los Angeles County. In plain English that means that nobody other than the Bride and Groom can obtain a copy of this type of Marriage License since the record wont be open to the public. Are all Notaries authorized to issue a Marriage License? No, only those that are part of the Authorized Notary Program are allowed to issue a Marriage License; Authorized Notaries are acting as agents of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Can Authorize Notaries issue the same Licenses issued by the County Clerk? No, Author
