Marriage records in Kern County, California, are available through several channels. KernCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the relevant government agency — Kern County Clerk-Recorder — in person, by mail, or through California state online portals.
Kern Marriage Records Search
In California, marriage records are maintained at two levels. At the local level, the responsible agency is the Kern County Clerk-Recorder's office, which issues marriage licenses, registers returned certificates, and keeps original documents. At the state level, the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) maintains a centralized database of marriage records from all 58 counties.
The Kern County Clerk-Recorder collection includes:
- Issued marriage licenses (public and confidential)
- Registered marriage certificates returned by officiants
- Historical records maintained since the county's formation
Confidential marriage licenses have restricted access — they can only be obtained by one of the spouses or an authorized person.
If you need information about court cases related to marriage or divorce, use the online case search of the Kern County Superior Court. However, this tool does not replace the official civil status record.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kern
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the California Government Code and the fee schedule of the Kern County Clerk-Recorder. Below are the main rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy — first | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (in the same order) | $4 |
| Informational copy (informational / uncertified copy) | $15 (first), $4 (additional) |
A certified copy has legal force and is suitable for submission to government agencies, changing a surname, and processing immigration documents. An informational copy is marked with a watermark "INFORMATIONAL — NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" and is not accepted for official purposes.
Processing time depends on the method of request submission. In-person requests are usually processed on the day of the visit. Mail requests may take two to four weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kern
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate in Kern County.
Online
You can order a certified or informational copy through the CDPH-VR portal. The California Department of Public Health accepts online orders on the Vital Records page. Note: online orders through the state take longer to process than in-person requests at the county office.
In Person
Visit the Kern County Clerk-Recorder's office at:
You need to bring:
- A valid photo ID
- Payment in the form of cash, money order, or check payable to Kern County Clerk-Recorder
The copy is usually issued on the same day. If the record concerns a confidential marriage, additional proof of eligibility to obtain the document will be required.
By Mail
Send a request to:
Include in the letter:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests take approximately two to four weeks to process. To expedite the process, provide as accurate information as possible — full names, date, and place of marriage registration.
If you also need divorce documents, contact the Kern County Superior Court — the court keeps the divorce decrees. For divorce records from 1962–1984, copies are also available through CDPH-VR.