How to Officiate a Wedding in Sacramento County, California
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Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in California.
Get Ordained NowSacramento County by the Numbers
- Population
- 1,584,288
- Since 2020
- -0.1%
- Households
- 571,057
- Median Age
- 37.5
- Median Household Income
- $92,175
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 8,700
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 7,349
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: May, September & October (avg 68°F) · golden hour in September: ~6:15 PM–7:15 PM
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Donlon Lake, Andrus Island & Lake Greenhaven
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × California's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license). Golden hour: computed for the county seat, mid-month.
Same-sex couples have married legally in California since 2013. The story of marriage equality in California →
Eloping in Sacramento County?
Elope-friendlyno waiting period — marry the same day you get the license · no witnesses required
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
✓
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
- Photo ID
California generally accepts online ordinations. The county clerk may ask to see your ordination certificate. Verify with the local county clerk.
California State Law
California authorizes 'priests, ministers, rabbis, or authorized persons of any religious denomination' to solemnize marriages. Courts have consistently upheld online ordinations under this statute.
California Family Code § 400–402Marriage License Info
Verified- Waiting Period
- None
- License Valid For
- 90 days
- Witnesses Required
- None
- Blood Test Required
- No
- Return Deadline
- 10 days
County Clerk Contact
Sacramento County Clerk's Office
3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95864
Get directions →Visit website →Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the Sacramento County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (916) 874-6334 and confirm that Sacramento County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate, photo id ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license to the Sacramento County clerk within 10 days. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
Sacramento County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in Sacramento County, California?
Yes — Sacramento County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. California generally accepts online ordinations. The county clerk may ask to see your ordination certificate. Verify with the local county clerk.
Do officiants need to register with Sacramento County before the ceremony?
No — Sacramento County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
How many witnesses are required at a Sacramento County wedding?
None — no witnesses are required to sign the marriage license in Sacramento County, California.
When must the signed license be returned in Sacramento County?
The completed marriage license must be returned within 10 days. As the officiant, returning it is usually your job — don't leave it in a glovebox.
How do I contact the Sacramento County clerk?
Sacramento County Clerk's Office — 3636 American River Drive, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95864 — phone (916) 874-6334.
Other California Counties
Ready to Officiate?
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Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.