SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, California will require couples to disclose if any part of their wedding speech was written with the help of artificial intelligence. The law, signed this week by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to promote transparency and trust between newlyweds.
Under the new regulation, couples must inform their spouse before or during the ceremony if AI tools such as ChatGPT or similar programs were used in writing their vows. State officials say the measure encourages honesty at the start of marriage.
The California Department of Public Health will oversee implementation and provide guidance to local county clerks. According to the agency, the disclosure can be made verbally or in writing during the ceremony.
Supporters argue the rule will help protect emotional authenticity in modern relationships. Critics, however, say the law adds unnecessary bureaucracy to personal matters.
Churches, event planners, and marriage officiants are being informed of the new requirement through official notices on ca.gov. The law follows a broader state initiative to increase AI transparency in daily life.
Officials say no penalties will apply for non-disclosure, but couples may face “symbolic consequences” under civil ceremony guidelines. The state plans to review the policy’s effectiveness after its first year.
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