Marriage licenses now available in Palm Springs
Beginning Feb. 21, couples can come to Palm Springs City Hall on Fridays to submit and pick up their marriage licenses and have their civil marriage ceremonies performed, the city and county governments announced Thursday.
Supervisor John J. Benoit and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet worked with Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder Larry Ward to offer the Friday service, a development that makes it possible for couples to tie the knot moments after landing at Palm Springs International Airport.
“Palm Springs is world famous as a romantic destination to get married,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “I want to thank Supervisor Benoit and County Assessor-Clerk Larry Ward for working together to streamline the marriage process and make it easier and more convenient for all members of our community, gay or straight, looking to get married in Palm Springs. This is great news for our destination and I could not be happier that couples can now make appointments to come to City Hall on Friday and get married.”
The officials will gather for a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Following the press conference, Mayor Pougnet will officiate the wedding of a local couple.
“Mayor Pougnet, Larry Ward and I are extremely pleased to launch Friday marriage services in Palm Springs,” said Supervisor John J. Benoit. “Having wedding ceremonies in such a superb destination will be great for tourism in Riverside County.”
“We recognize the need in Palm Springs to offer marriage licenses and ceremonies to the community and we are happy to provide these additional services,” said Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder Larry Ward.
The Palm Springs hours will be 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, effective Feb. 21. Due to the volume of requests, appointments are required for the civil marriage ceremonies. Appointments can be made by calling 760-863-7505.
These services are also available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s desert office at 38-686 El Cerrito Rd. in Palm Desert. The office is within the Desert Business Park complex north of the Washington Street Interstate 10 exit.
The fee for a public marriage license is $90 in Riverside County, and the license is valid for 90 days and may be used in any county in the State of California. The County Clerk’s office performs civil ceremonies for an additional fee of $75, or $83 with a disposable camera.
Please note that civil marriage ceremonies are private and the couple’s consent is required for media to attend, photograph or film. Interested media organizations can contact Bruce Cristall from the Assessor’s office at 951-486-7154 if interested in coordinating with any couples expressing permission.
To obtain a marriage license you must meet the following requirements:
Both parties must be 18 years of age or older. If one or both parties are under 18, then a court order for the minor must be obtained before a license can be issued. This applies to emancipated minors as well. The minor must bring the original court order.
Both parties must come into the office together to obtain the marriage license.
Both parties must have a valid, current picture I.D. The I.D. must be government issued. Some examples include: State issued Drivers License or I.D. card; Military I.D.; Green Card; Naturalization Certificate; Passport.
If either party has been divorced or has had a dissolution of a State Registered Domestic Partnership within 90 days of the issuance of the marriage license, a copy of the final Dissolution is required. The Assessor’s office will take a copy of the register of actions showing the written final decree of dissolution has been entered. The divorce paperwork does not need to be certified. A copy of a Minute Order is not acceptable.
