UPDATE: Starting October 17, tying the knot in L.A. County will cost couples significantly more. The Board of Supervisors has just voted to increase marriage license fees by up to 160%, impacting newlyweds’ wallets across the region.
With the new fee structure, a public marriage license will jump from $91 to $176, a staggering 93% increase. Similarly, a confidential marriage license will escalate from $85 to $220. Couples seeking county-officiated ceremonies will now pay $44, up from $35, while witness services will rise from $20 to $26. Altogether, the total cost for a public marriage license and ceremony with witnesses will reach approximately $422—excluding traditional wedding expenses like flowers and attire.
This decision comes as the county grapples with rising operational costs, as detailed in a letter from L.A. County Clerk Dean Logan. Logan emphasized that the previous fees no longer covered the actual costs of services or accounted for inflation and minimum wage increases. The county’s clerk’s office, which oversees vital records and election administration, operates on a budget exceeding $338 million but has been facing a growing deficit.
The increase in fees is expected to generate over $5 million in additional revenue, helping to bridge the financial gap. While some may view this as an unwelcome burden, officials argue that marriage fees in L.A. County remain competitive with surrounding areas. For context, the average marriage license cost in counties such as San Diego and Orange is around $100.
Historically, L.A. County last adjusted its marriage service fees back in 2009, when costs were significantly lower at $85 and $90 for public and confidential licenses, respectively.
As couples prepare for their big day, they must now navigate a landscape where the cost of love just got pricier. The changes come in light of increasing expenses faced by the county, and many are left wondering what other financial hurdles await in the wedding planning process.
For those planning to marry, it’s crucial to act quickly. The clock is ticking down to October 17, marking the beginning of these new fees. Prepare to budget accordingly as you join the ranks of couples embarking on their marital journey under a heavier financial load.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we track the implications of these changes on couples and the wedding industry across California.
