Want to get married? Be prepared to delve into your wallet as this could cost you more than $400 in licenses and fees to tie a knot in Los Angeles County.
On Tuesday, the board of supervisors voted to increase Marriage license fee Up to 160%. The county advertises civil weddings and witness services at higher prices and may also force couples to break open banks.
The cost increase will take effect on October 17.
According to a board letter signed by La County County Chortk Dean Logan, the cost of office services for all registry/county staff increased the decision to increase such costs. Logan said in the letter that the funds “no longer reflect the actual cost of performing these services, nor do they take into account inflationary factors or mandatory minimum wage increases.”
The county staff office that signed a marriage permit is also responsible for overseeing election management, voter document maintenance, real estate record records, and important record custody and maintenance. According to the agency’s budget, it serves elections for counties with more than one million registered voters. 2023-24 Accounting Year Budget. However, according to budget records, the agency has been in a deficit over the past few years.
As a result, county officials hope to collect more from possible newlyweds to help close the financial gap.
The public marriage license allows anyone to access your marriage record, which will increase from $91 to $176, a 93% increase. Currently, the confidential marriage license (currently $85) will jump to $220, about 160%. Now, the wedding ceremony will cost $44, increasing from $35, and witness service will rise from $20 to $26.
The total price of the public marriage permit and the total price of the county rift with the witness, totaling about $422, excluding other flowers, tuxedo and gowns. Nevertheless, the license and the fees are only Average $41,000 Wedding costs in California.
According to a board letter, the fee change is expected to generate more than $5 million in additional revenue. Los Angeles County officials defended the increase, noting that marriage fees are slightly higher in neighboring counties.
According to the Los Angeles County Secretary’s Office, the average cost of marriage permits in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Contra Costa, San Bernardino, San Francisco and Ventura counties is $100, while the average price of a confidential marriage permit in these counties is $107.
San Diego County charges the highest fee: $129 for public license and $144 for its confidential option. According to the Los Angeles County clerk’s office, the costs in Orange County are $61 and $66, respectively. According to county records, Riverside County’s licensing fee increased its licensing fee to $111 and $122.
According to Los Angeles County increased its marriage fee to $85 and $90 in 2009. 2010 press release. In 2004, the public and confidentiality fee was $70.
