Marriage records in El Dorado County, California, can be accessed through several channels. ElDoradoCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also contact the El Dorado County Clerk-Recorder's office directly, visit in person, or submit a request by mail. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains statewide vital records and can provide certified copies of marriage certificates for events recorded anywhere in the state.
El Dorado Marriage Records Search
In California, the county clerk issues marriage licenses and the county recorder files the completed marriage certificate once it is returned after the ceremony. In El Dorado County, both functions are handled by the El Dorado County Clerk-Recorder. This office maintains marriage licenses issued in the county, marriage certificates filed after solemnization, and confidential marriage records (with restricted access). Historical marriage records dating back to the county's early years are also part of the collection, though older documents may require additional processing time to locate.
The El Dorado County Clerk-Recorder operates from two locations:
Main Office (Placerville)
South Lake Tahoe Branch
For statewide marriage record searches or events that occurred outside El Dorado County, you can contact the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in El Dorado
Fees for marriage record services in El Dorado County are set by California statute and county fee schedules. Below are the standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $4 |
| Confidential marriage certificate – certified copy | $15 |
| Certified copy from CDPH (statewide) | $18 |
| Informational (uncertified) copy – CDPH | $18 |
Fees are established under California Health and Safety Code §103625 and Government Code §27361. The county clerk-recorder may update fees periodically, so confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
- Processing time (in person): Typically same-day at the clerk-recorder counter if the record is readily available.
- Processing time (by mail): Generally 2–4 weeks, depending on volume and whether additional research is needed.
- CDPH mail orders: Can take several weeks or longer; expedited processing is available for an additional fee through CDPH.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in El Dorado
Online
The El Dorado County Clerk-Recorder does not currently offer direct online ordering for marriage certificates through its own website. However, you can order certified or informational copies of California marriage records through the CDPH Vital Records online portal. Some third-party vendors authorized by the state may also process orders on behalf of CDPH.
In Person
Visit either the Placerville main office or the South Lake Tahoe branch during business hours. Walk-in requests are accepted at the clerk-recorder counter.
- Provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage.
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Pay the applicable fee (cash, check, or money order — confirm accepted payment methods with the office).
- Certified copies are generally available the same day if the record is on file.
By Mail
Send your request to the Placerville office:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A written request or completed application specifying the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the type of copy needed (certified or informational).
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID.
- A check or money order payable to "El Dorado County Clerk-Recorder" for the applicable fee.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
For confidential marriage certificates, access is restricted under California Family Code §511 to the parties named on the certificate or their authorized representative. You will need to demonstrate eligibility when requesting these records.
If you need help navigating court-related records in El Dorado County, the El Dorado County Superior Court online services page provides tools for case searches and record search requests. The El Dorado Superior Court public access portal also allows you to look up case index data. For general guidance on accessing California court records, the Judicial Branch of California public records page outlines statewide rules and procedures.