DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR A DAY

The Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder is designated as the Commissioner of Civil Marriages for Santa Barbara County. As the Commissioner of Civil Marriages, the Clerk-Recorder may appoint individuals as a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriage in order to marry specific couple on a designated day (pursuant to California Family Code Section 401(a) & (b) and County Code Section 2-10.7, pursuant to Government Code 26861). This means that your friend or family member may be appointed as a Deputy Commissioner for a Day and perform your marriage.

Applicants must complete an Application for Appointment of Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day and submit to the Clerk-Recorder's Office. After the process is completed, the applicant is able to marry the specific couple on the specific day indicated on the certificate as a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriage.

Applicant Requirements:

•  Be 18 years and older
•  Appear in person at one of the Clerk-Recorder locations for swearing in
• Show valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport which is required to verify age and identity
• Pay fee of $51.00

Additional Information:

• Marriage License must be issued before wedding ceremony occurs
• Applicants need not reside in Santa Barbara County
• Applicants need not be a legal resident or legal citizen, even though applicant for Commissioner must sign an oath supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California
• Ceremony may take place anywhere in the State of California
• Applicant may obtain Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day status from Santa Barbara County yet perform the ceremony in another County within the State of California