How to Officiate a Wedding in San Bernardino County, California (2026 Guide)

Quick Requirements for San Bernardino Officiants

• Registration Required? No. In accordance with California Family Code, the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk does not require ministers to register or file credentials before the ceremony.
• Minimum Age: 18 years old.
• Public License Fee (2026): $89.00.
• Confidential License Fee (2026): $100.00.
• Certified Marriage Certificate (2026): $19.00 (Updated effective Jan 1, 2026, per AB 64).
• Witnesses Needed: 1 required (maximum 2) for Public licenses; 0 for Confidential licenses.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Ordained

Visit Open-Ministry.org to receive your ordination. It is free, instantaneous, and grants you the legal authority to perform marriage ceremonies across the entire state of California.

Step 2: Secure Your Credentials

While the county does not maintain a formal registry, many mountain resorts in Big Bear and desert venues near Joshua Tree require proof of authority for their records. Having a physical Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing shows couples and venues that you are a professional. Order your California Minister Kit to stay prepared.

Step 3: Review the License

The couple must appear together at a San Bernardino County Clerk office (locations in San Bernardino, Hesperia, or Joshua Tree) to obtain their license. It is valid for 90 days.

Completing the Marriage License

• Strict Ink Rule: Use Permanent Black Ink only. San Bernardino’s archival scanners are calibrated for black ink; using blue, gel pens, or felt-tips may result in the license being rejected.
• No Mistakes: Do not use white-out or cross out any text. If an error is made, the license is void, and the couple must pay a $30.00 fee for a Duplicate Marriage License.
• Officiant Details: In the officiant section, enter your signature, printed name, title (e.g., "Minister"), and religious denomination (e.g., "Non-Denominational").
• Return the License: You are legally responsible for returning the signed license to the San Bernardino County Recorder within 10 days of the ceremony.

Mailing Address:
San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk
222 West Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0022

Local Rules & Timing

• No Waiting Period: The ceremony can be performed immediately after the couple receives their license.
• One-Day Deputy: For friends who are not ordained, San Bernardino County offers a "Deputy Commissioner for One Day" program for a fee of $75.00. Getting ordained with Open Ministry is a faster, permanent, and free alternative.
• Witnesses for Hire: If the couple is having a courthouse ceremony and forgot a witness, the County Clerk can provide one for a $20.00 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I perform a wedding in Joshua Tree if I was ordained online?

A: Yes. California recognizes any regularly ordained minister, including those ordained online through organizations like Open Ministry.

Q: Do I need to be a resident of San Bernardino County?

A: No. Your residency does not matter, as long as the ceremony takes place within the State of California.

Q: How long does it take for the marriage to be recorded?

A: It typically takes 2–3 weeks after you return the license for the marriage to be officially recorded and for certificates to become available.