Write it, Read it and Sign it: Contract Guidelines

Write it Down and Sign it!
Getting things in writing can make the difference between wedding dreams and total disasters. You’ll be working with many suppliers and vendors and the best way to make sure everyone understands each other is to have your plans in written contract form.

A good contract will specify exactly what your vendors are supposed to do and when they should do it. It will also detail your costs, delivery instructions, deposits and when balances will be due. Be
sure your contracts detail what will happen if you or your vendor cancels and how the timing of a cancellation affects your deposit (sometimes you can get a full refund). Every supplier and vendor you deal with should have a written contract.

Contract Checklist
Your contract should include:

• Company/Business name.
• Contact person and phone number.
• An itemized list of all services or items ordered including a complete details of all items or services ordered (like the number of bouquets or the number of wait staff, etc.).
• Date/time order was placed, when it is to be picked up, returned, etc.
• Location of your wedding and/or reception.
• Delivery time.
• Payment schedule.
• Cancellation and refund policy (with the latest date for cancellation and refund)
• For caterers, the date the final head count is due. If applicable, overtime costs (hourly or flat rate).
• Both parties signatures (If you do not completely understand everything about a contract, ask questions and if it is still not clear to you, don’t sign it).
• Signed copies for you and your vendor.

What Paperwork?
Before you can walk down the aisle, you'll need a license. Here's how to get yours quickly and easily.

There are two types of marriage licenses you can apply for: public or confidential.

Public License: The public marriage license is valid for 90 days and you maybe married anywhere in the State of California. A witness is required and the marriage becomes public record.

Confidential License: The confidential license also remains valid for 90 days, but you must marry in the county where the license is issued.

For example, if the license is issued in San Diego, the ceremony must take place in San Diego County. No witness is required. The parties must be at least 18 years of age and living together as husband and wife. Only the bride or groom may obtain a certified copy of the marriage license.

For either type of license, both of you need to go to the marriage license office with cash or a check (call issuing office for amount) and a government-issued valid photo identification including full legal name and birth date.

If a divorce has occurred within the last 90 days, the final divorce decree is required. You may also obtain a confidential license at many convenient wedding chapels.

After the Ceremony
After a San Diego ceremony, the person performing the ceremony needs to return the license to the County of San Diego, Commissioner of Civil Marriages, within ten days for recording. You may obtain a certified copy for a nominal fee.

In other counties, check with the County Clerk, whose number should be in your phone book.

Marriage License Offices

San Diego County
Hours of operation are 8am- 5pm, Monday-Friday. The Kearny Mesa office is also open on Saturdays from 9am-3pm.

San Diego, County
Administration Center,
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 273
(619) 237-0502

San Marcos
334 Via Vera Cruz
(760) 940-6858

Kearny Mesa
9225 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 3rd Floor
(858) 505-6226

El Cajon
200 S. Magnolia Ave.
(619) 401-5750

Chula Vista
590 Third Ave.,
(619) 498-2277
Persons under 18 must contact the marriage license clerk's office at 2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 (619) 694-4601.

Available in San Diego and Kearny Mesa locations only: Broadcast your wedding on the website for $25 at www.sdarcc.com.

According to the San Diego County Clerk's office, the marriage license application can be downloaded and printed from its web site at www.sdarcc.com. By completing the application in this way, couples will save time when they go to the county office to apply for a license.

Orange County

In Orange County, marriage licenses are issued at the following location:
Santa Ana
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.,
Room 2001,
(714) 834-2500
Hours of operation are 8am to 4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Riverside County

In Riverside County, marriage licenses are issued at the following locations:

Riverside
2724 Gateway Dr.
(909) 486-7000

Indio
45-116 Commerce St., #1
(760) 863-7490
Hours of operation are 8am to 4pm, Monday-Friday.