About an hour ago, I asked my boss if I could come in late on Friday so I could apply for the marriage license. Thankfully, he realized the necessity of the request and gave me the thumbs up. I don’t like that it is referred to as “applying” for a marriage certificate. Initially, we were told that you need to apply for the certificate in the county you are being married in—for us that is Amador County, and the fee is $65.

After some research, I learned you can “apply” with any county clerk within the state you are getting married. I then learned the county of Sacramento requires an appointment. It is also $82. Since Joe lives in Napa County, I looked into their fees and hours of operation. Napa charges $70. The price of marital bliss varies, depending on where you apply.

They all seem to suggest you need the optional “certified copy” of the marriage certificate. None of them list why you might need this, but at least they are all the same price: $14. Joe and I have a hot date Friday at 8 a.m. at the Napa County Clerk’s office. It’s a good thing I researched the fees—they take only cash and money orders.

I hope our application is in order and we’re accepted.