Deputy Commissioner Of Civil Marriage
Do you have a friend or family member who you would like to perform your marriage ceremony at your chosen venue? If so, we may be able to assist you.
Pursuant to Section 401(a) & (b) of the California Family Code, the County Clerk is designated as the Commissioner of Civil Marriages for Monterey County, and may at their discretion appoint Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages to perform civil marriage ceremonies.
There is no residency requirement and commissioners may perform the marriage ceremony anywhere in the State of California.
Applications for appointment as a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day should be submitted well in advance of the wedding.
Prior to the marriage ceremony the following requirements must be met by the person requesting an appointment as a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day.
The applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 year of age and provide valid, government issued photo identification at the time of application to be sworn in. (California Family Code 400)
- Appear in person, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, at the Monterey County Clerk's Office, 168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor, Salinas, CA 93901 and present a completed application to be appointed as a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day. The request must include the name of the two people to be married, as they will appear on their marriage license, the date of the ceremony, the name of the applicant, his/her residence or mailing address and daytime telephone number. The application is attached here, or may be obtained in our office.
- You must be willing to take the oath of office swearing/affirming to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; and
- You must pay the $105.00 fee. This fee is just for the ability to perform the marriage; the cost of the license is separate. The fee is payable by cash, credit/debit card (a transaction fee of $2.50 applies), check or money order made out to the Monterey County Clerk and is to be submitted with the application.
Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day Application