Marriage records in Imperial County, California, can be accessed through several channels. ImperialCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Imperial County Clerk-Recorder's Office, visit in person, or submit a mail request. For marriages recorded statewide, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records office maintains copies as well. The approach you choose depends on whether you need a certified copy, an informational copy, or simply want to verify that a record exists.
Imperial County Marriage Records Search
In California, the county clerk issues marriage licenses and, once the officiated license is returned, files the completed marriage certificate. The Imperial County Clerk-Recorder's Office is the local custodian of these records. The office maintains marriage licenses issued in Imperial County, marriage certificates filed after solemnization, and historical marriage records dating back to the county's establishment in 1907.
Because Imperial County is relatively small, most marriage-related vital records are handled at a single location in El Centro. If you need to confirm whether a marriage was recorded in the county, you can contact the office directly or visit during business hours.
The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records also maintains statewide marriage records and can issue certified copies for marriages that occurred anywhere in California.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Imperial County
Fees for marriage record copies in Imperial County follow California Health and Safety Code guidelines and the county's own fee schedule. Below are the standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (authorized copy) | $15 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $15 |
| Informational copy (not valid for legal identification) | $15 |
| CDPH certified copy (ordered through the state) | $18 |
Key distinctions:
- Authorized (certified) copies can only be issued to the registrant, a party named on the record, an authorized legal representative, or certain other eligible persons under California Health and Safety Code §103526.
- Informational copies are available to any member of the public. They are marked "INFORMATIONAL – NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" and cannot be used for legal identification purposes.
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the county office are typically handled the same day. Mail requests through the county generally take two to four weeks. Orders placed through the CDPH can take several weeks longer.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Imperial County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Imperial County:
Online
The Imperial County Clerk-Recorder does not currently offer a county-level online ordering portal for vital records. However, you can order certified or informational copies of California marriage records through the CDPH Vital Records online system. The state fee is $18 per copy, and processing typically takes several weeks.
In Person
Visit the Imperial County Clerk-Recorder's Office at the address listed above during regular business hours. Bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment (check with the office for accepted payment methods — cash, check, or money order are common)
- Information about the marriage: full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage
Same-day service is generally available for records on file with the county.
By Mail
Send your request to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A written request or completed California VS 111 application form specifying the names of both spouses and the approximate date and place of marriage
- A check or money order for $15 per copy, payable to the Imperial County Clerk-Recorder
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Your relationship to the registrant (required for authorized certified copies)
If you are not an eligible applicant under California law, you may still request an informational copy by indicating that on your application. Allow two to four weeks for processing by mail.
For questions about record availability or to check on a pending request, call the Clerk-Recorder's Office at (442) 265-1060. Court-related records such as annulments or dissolutions are handled separately through the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial, and can be researched using the court's online services portal.