Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office — Attraction in San Jose

I got married here, but it turned out to be a really awful memory. We had been waiting for a visa to get married in the United States for two years and were really looking forward to this day. I had just recently moved from Japan to America, and when it was time for me to say my vows to the judge (officiant), she told me that she couldn't continue the ceremony because I didn't understand some of the words. She asked me the same question twice, speaking very quickly and with a stern face, which was really intimidating. I was expecting a peaceful ceremony and she was so harsh that I became really scared to speak. I didn't know what was wrong. She didn't offer any hints either. She just said I didn't understand English! That was it. My husband and I speak English to each other every day. I also speak with my husband's friends and family many many times. I had never attended an American wedding before, so hearing the vows was a first for me.My Japanese friend who also lives in America got married in California, and when it was time for her to say her vows, she was told, 'The English used here is a bit formal, so if you just say "yes," it's okay.' Some friends were told beforehand to practice because they would be asked these questions. I ended up having my wedding here and it was really unlucky.We had to have a Japanese interpreter over the phone at the lobby counter while complete strangers watched as we got married. I was wearing my dress, and the volume of the Japanese interpreter was really loud, which was really embarrassing. Would it have been impossible to have the wedding with the interpreter's phone in hand inside the church? This was the first time in my life I've been so embarrassed. I had heard that there are many people in America who discriminate against others, but I never thought I would have such a terrible experience in a public facility.In the end, she apologized to my husband, but not to me. I can understand everyday English, so this was very rude. On the day of the wedding, I couldn't stop crying. I also made my mother, who lives in Japan, cry. I feel really sorry to my husband's family for not being able to understand English and for not being able to continue the ceremony.Anyone who gets married here must be able to speak English. I want to forget everything about my wedding here. I believe that weddings should be one of the happiest days in life. I want to vow my eternal love to my husband in a place where all languages and races are respected, by someone who...

I’m writing this review as a friend of the bride, who had a very disappointing and frustrating experience at the Santa Clara County Clerk’s Office on her wedding day.

She had carefully planned and booked both an express marriage license and a chapel photo session, paying in advance for the chapel. Before the appointment, she even called the office to confirm that it was doable to get the express license and then take photos in the chapel. She was told it was allowed.

However, on the day of the wedding, when we checked in at Window 7, she was suddenly informed that she had to choose only one — either the express license OR the chapel ceremony. They refused to let her take any photos inside the chapel, even though she had already paid for it and reserved a time slot.

Because they had to be legally married before 9am, she had no choice but to go with the express option and give up the chapel session — something she paid for. The staff refused to offer a refund, saying the 10am slot was non-refundable, even though no one else was using the chapel at that time. They simply canceled the reservation without offering any flexibility or solution.

This kind of inconsistent communication, disorganized management, and lack of empathy is unacceptable — especially on such an important and emotional day. It completely ruined the mood for the couple.

I believe they deserve a fair resolution, including a refund for the chapel time they weren’t allowed to use. I truly hope this office improves its processes and takes responsibility when their errors impact someone’s...

Lack of professionalism. I know these kinds of government jobs like the DMV for example can be stressful to work at so I always try to open up a phone call with a "Hi, how are you? I hope all is well" but sadly not even a friendly manner was enough to get through the miasma here. I got on the phone to ask if I am missing anything to help expedite my marriage certificate getting back to me after I mailed in my signed marriage license and application of a copy and check payable to clerk-recorder's office. Sometimes these things happen where an office won't get back to you about what you're missing so you just end up waiting on items to get back to you when it never will. Anyway, they responded rudely with "yeah the only thing we need from you is time which is 10 business days" which is fine with me but to never tell me I could've dropped off my paperwork in-person right after our marriage ceremony and then on top of that abruptly hanging up on me over the phone is just unprofessional. Im only asking questions about the process for the work you do. Don't work your job if you're not willing to serve. Either that, the office should hire more...