Does San Bernardino recognize same-sex marriages?

Yes. San Bernardino recognizes marriages that are valid under California law; the legal definition and authority are set by the California Family Code and recorded by the county clerk/recorder.

Where do I get a marriage license in San Bernardino?

You apply through the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder. The county publishes application steps, required identification, and fees; state vital records pages explain certified copies and statewide procedures.

What if a city office refuses recognition of my marriage?

If a municipal office refuses to treat a state-valid marriage as valid, contact the county clerk to confirm records, then raise the issue with the municipal department and preserve documentation; legal remedies may include administrative appeals or court actions, depending on the issue.

San Bernardino LGBTQ Marriage Recognition Rules

Civil Rights and Equity California 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

San Bernardino, California follows state law for marriage recognition and related procedures. This guide explains how same-sex and LGBTQ marriages are recognized for legal purposes in San Bernardino, who issues licenses and records them, and where to find official rules and forms. It summarizes the controlling state statute, practical steps to obtain a marriage license or record a marriage, enforcement and appeals pathways, and contact points at county and state offices. When municipal rules intersect with state family law — for example in nondiscrimination or local benefits administration — local departments act under state standards and county record practices.

San Bernardino relies on California law and county record practices to recognize marriages.

How recognition works

Marital status for couples in San Bernardino is determined under California Family Code and recorded by the county clerk/recorder. The city itself does not issue marriage licenses; the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder handles issuance and recording of licenses and certificates for marriages occurring in the county. For the controlling statutory definition and state-level rules, see the California Family Code section on marriage. ^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal-level penalties specifically for refusing to recognize a marriage that is valid under state law are not set out in a single San Bernardino city bylaw; enforcement of marriage recognition generally proceeds under state law and through the courts, and record-keeping issues are handled by the county clerk/recorder. Where a local department administers benefits or permits based on marital status, nondiscrimination obligations derive from state and federal law.

Fines or monetary penalties for refusal to recognize a valid state marriage: not specified on the cited page.
Enforcing authority for statutory marriage rules: California courts and state agencies; practical record enforcement by San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder.
Complaint or investigation route for local nondiscrimination issues: contact the city office listed in Help and Support / Resources below.
Escalation or repeat-offence penalties: not specified on the cited page.

If you believe a local office has refused to recognize a marriage, preserve records and contact the county clerk immediately.

Applications & Forms

Marriage license and certified copy applications are handled by the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder. The state department of public health provides guidance on vital records and certified copies; application details, fees, and submission methods are published by the county clerk/recorder and by state vital records pages. ^[2]

If a specific county form number is required, consult the county clerk/recorder website or office for the current form and fee schedule; some forms must be submitted in person, by mail, or online as specified by the county. If no county form number is published on the cited official pages, it is not specified on the cited page.

Common violations and typical outcomes

Refusal to record a valid marriage certificate: administrative complaint to county clerk; any monetary fines not specified on the cited page.
Incorrect name or gender marker on a recorded certificate: request correction via county procedures; fees or forms: check county clerk guidance.
Improper denial of spousal benefits by a municipal program: internal appeal with the municipal department, and potential state or court remedies.

Action steps

Apply for a marriage license at the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder before your ceremony.
Have the officiant return the signed license for recording immediately after the ceremony.
If a record is incorrect or withheld, contact the county clerk and preserve copies of communications.

Official county record steps and state law together control recognition and corrections.

FAQ

Does San Bernardino recognize same-sex marriages?: Yes. San Bernardino recognizes marriages that are valid under California law; the legal definition and authority are set by the California Family Code and recorded by the county clerk/recorder.^[1]
Where do I get a marriage license in San Bernardino?: You apply through the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder. The county publishes application steps, required identification, and fees; state vital records pages explain certified copies and statewide procedures.^[2]
What if a city office refuses recognition of my marriage?: If a municipal office refuses to treat a state-valid marriage as valid, contact the county clerk to confirm records, then raise the issue with the municipal department and preserve documentation; legal remedies may include administrative appeals or court actions, depending on the issue.

How-To

Confirm eligibility and ID requirements from the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder before applying.
Apply for and obtain a marriage license from the county clerk as instructed on the county website or office.
Have an authorized officiant sign and return the license to the county for recording within required timeframes printed on the license.
Order certified copies from the county or state vital records office if you need official proof for benefits or name changes.

Key Takeaways

San Bernardino follows California law for marriage recognition; the county handles licensing and records.
Contact the San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder for applications, corrections, and certified copies.