Tying the Knot in LA: How Much Will It Cost to Officially Become a We?
So, you've found your lobster, your soulmate, your person who (hopefully) won't steal your fries. Congratulations! Now comes the official bit: saying "I do" and making it legal. But before the confetti flies and the awkward uncle dancing commences, there's a little hurdle to jump - the marriage license.
Fear not, lovebirds! This guide will break down the cost of this essential piece of paper in the City of Angels (or should we say City of Newlyweds?).
The Great License Showdown: Public vs. Confidential
In LA, you have two options when it comes to your marriage license, each with its own price tag:
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The Public License: A Showmance for Your Love ($91) This is your classic, all-American license. For ninety-one dollars, your names will be proudly displayed on the public record, a testament to your love for all eternity (or at least until someone digs through dusty archives). Think of it as a permanent announcement in the newspaper of love, except way less creepy.
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The Confidential License: Keeping It Under Wraps ($85) Maybe you're a celebrity dodging paparazzi, or perhaps you just crave a bit of privacy. The confidential license, priced at a slightly more budget-friendly eighty-five dollars, keeps your information shielded from prying eyes. It's like getting married in a room with soundproof walls...except hopefully with better lighting.
Here's the clincher though: to qualify for the confidential license, you lovebirds gotta be living together under the same roof. So, if your idea of romance is separate apartments and Netflix marathons every other weekend, this option might not be for you.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Apparently Getting Married Costs Money)
The license fee might be the main event, but it's not the only cost to consider. If you're planning on having a civil ceremony at the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office (think less Vegas Elvis, more government chic), tack on an additional thirty-five dollars. They can even provide a witness for a cool twenty bucks, in case your best friend is mysteriously busy that day (or hiding from an overenthusiastic bouquet toss).
The Bottom Line: How Much Will It Cost?
So, how much are we looking at for this whole marriage license thing? Well, it depends on how public you want your love affair to be and whether your BFF is available to hold your bouquet. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Public License + No Witness + No Ceremony = $91 (Just the license, like a lone wolf howling at the moon)
- Confidential License + No Witness + No Ceremony = $85 (Love under wraps, and slightly cheaper)
- Public License + Witness + Civil Ceremony = $146 (The full package, with a possible side of awkward small talk with the government official)
Final Thoughts: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Especially When It Comes to License Fees)
Look, getting married is a beautiful thing (hopefully). The cost of the license is just a tiny blip on the radar compared to the lifetime of happiness (and potential arguments about whose turn it is to do the dishes) that awaits you. So focus on the love, the laughter, and maybe picking out some awesome wedding cake. This license thing? We got you covered.
