So, You Wanna Tie the Knot in LA? Let's Talk Money
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| How Much Does Marriage License Cost In Los Angeles |
Love is Free, but That License Ain't
Ah, love. A beautiful, intoxicating emotion that can make you do crazy things. Like, say, get married in the City of Angels. It's a magical place, full of dreams and sunshine, and, unfortunately, also quite expensive. So, before you start planning that lavish wedding at the Beverly Hills Hotel, let's talk about the less glamorous, but equally important topic: the marriage license fee.
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Public vs. Private: It's Not Just About Your Relationship Status
You've got two main options when it comes to marriage licenses in LA: public and confidential. It's like choosing between a reality TV show and a top-secret mission.
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- Public License: This is the standard option. Everyone and their grandma can see your love story (well, at least the legal part of it). It’s like broadcasting your relationship status to the world. Expect to shell out around $91 for this one.
- Confidential License: If you prefer to keep your love life under wraps (or you're just really paranoid about identity theft), this is the way to go. It's like having a secret agent's cover story. But it'll cost you a bit more – around $85.
Extra Fees: Because Life Loves to Throw Curveballs
Just when you thought you had a handle on the situation, bam! Extra fees. It's like buying a car – you think you're getting a good deal, but then there's the dealer prep fee, the documentation fee, and the "we-know-you-need-this-stuff" fee. Okay, maybe not that bad, but there are a few extra costs to consider:
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- Civil Ceremony: Want to keep things simple and skip the whole "I do" extravaganza? You can opt for a civil ceremony. It's like a drive-thru wedding, but with less fast food and more paperwork. This will cost you an extra $35.
- Witness: If you're too shy to ask your friends or family to be your witnesses, you can hire one. Think of it as paying for a professional cheerleader for your love life. This will set you back about $20.
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So, How Much Will It Really Cost?
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Let's do some quick math. If you want a public marriage license and a civil ceremony with a provided witness, you're looking at a total of $146. Not too shabby, considering the alternative (a lifetime of loneliness and regret).
How to Save Money on Your Marriage License
- DIY Ceremony: Skip the civil ceremony fee by finding a friend or family member who can officiate your wedding.
- BYOW (Bring Your Own Witness): Recruit a friend or family member to be your witness and save the $20 witness fee.
- Shop Around: While the basic marriage license fee is set by the county, there might be slight variations in fees depending on where you get it.
FAQ
- How to get a marriage license in LA? Visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office or apply online.
- How to get a confidential marriage license? Select the confidential option when applying for your marriage license.
- How to schedule a civil ceremony? Contact the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office to schedule an appointment.
- How to find an officiant for your wedding? Check online directories, ask friends and family for recommendations, or contact religious institutions.
- How to save money on a wedding? Set a budget, prioritize your spending, and be creative with your decorations and entertainment.
Remember, while the cost of a marriage license might seem like a small price to pay for love, it's still money. So, plan wisely and enjoy your happily ever after!
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