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Garden Grove, California Wedding Guide

Become a Wedding Officiant in Garden Grove as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in California, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.

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How to Officiate a Wedding in Garden Grove, California

Known as “The City of Youth and Ambition,” Garden Grove is a popular destination for adventure-seeking, fun-loving people, and an epic location to tie the knot. Whether you came here for the exciting rides at Disneyland Park or to get a tour of the Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village, you’re sure to have an exciting time. You’ll also like to know that Garden Grove has a wide variety of options for wedding venues and catering services. 

 

Whatever your plans, AMM’s job is to help you work through the legal aspects of your wedding. We’ll walk you through ordaining the minister of your choice and help you complete and sign the marriage license. So let’s get started!
 




California Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

 

California State law stipulates that, in addition to judges and a list of other government officials, the following people may solemnize marriage:
 
“A priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination who is 18 years of age or older…”

If you’ve been asked to perform a marriage ceremony but you don’t fall within any of these categories, no sweat! Ministers ordained by AMM meet California’s requirements and are legally allowed to perform weddings in the state.
 
Follow this link to get ordained with AMM. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.
 
The California government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you’re signed up with us, you’re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies in the state!


Step 2: Prepare for the Wedding Ceremony in Orange County


Now that the formal application process is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the more personal aspects of conducting the wedding ceremony. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but requires a bit of preparation. You may want to check out our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 
 
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.


Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License


It is the full responsibility of the couple to obtain and fill out the marriage license; however, as the officiant, you should make sure that the information is correct and complete before returning it to one of the Clerk-Recorder's locations in Orange County. Once you have signed and returned the marriage license, you have fulfilled all your duties as the officiant. 
 



California Wedding

How To Get Married in Garden Grove

For The
Couple

How to Get Married in Garden Grove
 
Now let’s take a look at the couple’s responsibilities. To apply for the marriage license, both members of the couple must go to a branch of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s offices. There are no branches directly in Garden Grove, but you’ll find locations in Fullerton, Santa-Anna, or Laguna Hills. You will need to bring valid state-issued identification with you, such as a driver's license or passport, as well as $61.50 cash to purchase the marriage license. Once you have received the marriage license, it will be valid for 90 days anywhere in the State of California.
 

Orange County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Garden Grove, California.

Issuance Office: 211 West Santa Ana Blvd
Fee: $61.50
Expiration: 90 days
Return: by Officiant
 

Garden Grove Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics


If you want to pull out all the stops when it comes to celebrating your big day, check out the Garden Room. This gorgeous white mansion is complete with a banquet hall chapel, plus an outdoor garden area and gazebo. You’ll also receive excellent catering services from fine dining to a broad selection of stunning wedding cakes. If you want your wedding to be close to all the fun and excitement at Disneyland, Hyatt Regency Orange County has all the amenities you’ll need such as large outdoor spaces and lavish dining halls. 


Transportation


The closest airport to Garden Grove is the John Wayne Airport. The LA International Airport is also not too far away. ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) is a large transportation center connecting bus and Amtrak routes from all over California. For getting in and around Garden Grove you can use the reliable OCTA bus services. Otherwise, rideshare and taxi services should also be available. 


Weather


Well, you’re in sunny California after all, so look forward to getting on that nice summer tan. Summer temperatures in Garden Grove average a high of around 82 degrees. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below the mid-forties. It only rains an average of 13 inches per year, and never snows. 
 




Garden Grove Officiant FAQ

Garden Grove Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


Do I have to wait for a marriage license in Orange County?
There is no waiting period and applications are processed same-day in Sacramento.
 
How much does a marriage license in Orange County cost?
Marriage Licenses issued by the Orange County Clerk cost $61.50. For a confidential marriage license, the fee is $66.25. 
 
How long are Marriage Licenses in Garden Grove valid?
Marriage Licenses issued in Orange County are valid for 90 Days. 
 
How soon after the wedding does the officiant have to return the Marriage License?
California State marriage law stipulates that the officiant must return the marriage license within 10 days from the wedding.
 

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter!

Checkout the AMM Blog

Stay up-to-date with the latest wedding industry trends.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Take Our Quiz

Test your understanding of California Marriage Laws.

GET ORDAINED
WITH AMM

Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!