Marriage records in San Mateo County, California, are available through several channels. SanMateoCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies can be obtained directly from the County Clerk-Recorder's office, either in person or by mail. For court cases related to marriage, the Records Management Division of the Superior Court provides access to documents filed after 2000, but for marriage certificates, the court directs applicants to the Recorder's office.
San Mateo Marriage Records Search
In the state of California, the official custodian of marriage records at the county level is the County Clerk-Recorder. In San Mateo County, this function is performed by the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office. This office issues marriage licenses, registers returned certificates, and maintains the county's archive of marriage documents.
The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in the county
- Marriage certificates submitted after the ceremony
- Confidential marriage licenses — access to these is restricted according to the California Family Code
- Historical records maintained since the county's inception
At the state level, the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records also maintains copies of marriage records and can issue certified copies.
San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in San Mateo
The cost of services depends on the type of copy and the method of ordering. Below are the main fees established according to the County Clerk-Recorder's fee schedule and the California Health & Safety Code §103625.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified Copy | $15 |
| Additional Certified Copy (in one order) | $3 |
| Informational/Uncertified Copy | $15 |
| Search Fee — included in the cost of the first copy | Included |
An informational copy has a watermark "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" and cannot be used to establish identity. A certified copy can only be obtained by an authorized person — one of the spouses, parents, legal representative, or a person with a notarized authorization. Processing time for in-person requests is usually the same day. Mail requests are processed within a few weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in San Mateo
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
Ordering online is available through the state portal. The California Department of Public Health accepts online applications for certified copies of vital records. Additionally, some third-party authorized services process orders on behalf of the County Clerk. Check the current information on the Vital Records CDPH page.
In Person
Contact the County Clerk-Recorder's office in Redwood City directly. No appointment is necessary for obtaining copies — they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Fill out the application on-site or download the form in advance
- Pay the fee by check, money order, or card
By Mail
Send a request to the Clerk-Recorder's office address. Include in the envelope:
- Completed Vital Record Request Form
- A copy of the applicant's ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to "San Mateo County Clerk"
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For court documents related to family law (e.g., divorce decrees), contact the Records Management Division of the Superior Court of San Mateo County. The court processes requests for copies of criminal, civil, family, and probate cases, but marriage certificates are issued exclusively by the Recorder's Office.
If you need a copy of a divorce record for the period 1962–1984, it can be ordered through CDPH Vital Records. Outside this period, contact the Superior Court of the county where the decree was issued.