Not enough information here to judge. Was the marriage officiated by a qualified person? If so, it was that individual’s responsibility to file the certificate with the county. If they didn’t follow the rules, the couple is still married.

“California Family Code §306. Except as provided in Section 307, a marriage shall be licensed, solemnized, and authenticated, and the authenticated marriage license shall be returned to the county recorder of the county where the marriage license was issued, as provided in this part. Noncompliance with this part by a nonparty to the marriage does not invalidate the marriage.”

“California Family Code §359(e) The marriage license shall be returned by the person solemnizing the marriage to the county recorder of the county in which the license was issued within 10 days after the ceremony.”

Life is short. Do you really need to spend yours, dealing with people who play these games?