Can You Legally Marry Someone the Same Day You Apply for a Marriage License?
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to legally marry someone the same day you apply for a marriage license, the short answer is yes — in many states, including California, it is absolutely possible. In fact, with help from expert teams like ours at Get Married Today, you can not only apply for your marriage license but also get legally married on the same day — all without ever stepping foot inside a courthouse.
Whether you’re facing immigration deadlines, military housing requirements, or simply want to elope without delay, this blog will guide you step-by-step through the legal, logistical, and emotional journey of getting married on the same day you get your license.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Marriage Licenses
- Can You Marry the Same Day You Apply?
- States That Allow Same-Day Marriage
- Why California is Ideal for Same-Day Marriages
- Confidential vs. Public Marriage Licenses in California
- How Get Married Today Makes Same-Day Marriage Possible
- What Documents You Need
- Military Couples: Same-Day Marriage & Benefits
- Immigration & Urgent Marriage Needs
- Getting Married Without a Ceremony
- Can You Get Married at Night or on Weekends?
- How to Apostille Your Marriage Certificate for International Use
- Top FAQs About Same-Day Marriage
- Why Couples Choose Same-Day Marriage
- How to Book Your Marriage with Get Married Today
Understanding Marriage Licenses
A marriage license is a legal document issued by a government agency (typically the county clerk’s office) that authorizes two people to marry. It must be obtained before a legally binding ceremony takes place. Once you have the license, an officiant must conduct the ceremony, sign the license, and return it to the issuing office for it to become an official marriage certificate.
Key facts:
- A marriage license is not the same as a marriage certificate.
- Each state has its own laws regarding how soon you can use your license after applying.
- Some states have waiting periods, while others do not.
Can You Marry the Same Day You Apply?
Yes, in many states — including California — there is no waiting period, which means you can get married the same day you apply for a license.
In California:
- There is no waiting period after obtaining the license.
- The license is valid immediately upon issuance.
- A licensed officiant can perform your ceremony that same day.
States That Allow Same-Day Marriage
If you’re in a rush to tie the knot, it’s important to know where same-day marriage is legally allowed. Here are a few states with no waiting period:
- California
- Nevada
- Colorado
- Texas
- Utah
- Idaho
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina
In contrast, states like Florida (3-day wait unless pre-marital counseling is completed) or Illinois (1-day wait) require at least some delay between applying for and using the license.
Why California is Ideal for Same-Day Marriages
California is one of the most flexible states for couples who want to get married right away.
Benefits include:
- No waiting period
- License valid immediately
- No residency requirement
- Confidential licenses available
- Recognized globally with apostille support
Cities like Los Angeles, Irvine, Newport Beach, San Diego, and Riverside offer not just legal freedom, but also beautiful backdrops for your wedding — even if it’s a same-day elopement.
📍 Looking to elope today in Southern California? We’ve helped hundreds of couples say “I do” in less than 1 hour from booking to ceremony. Visit GetMarried.Today to schedule now.
Confidential vs. Public Marriage Licenses in California
California offers two types of marriage licenses:
| Feature | Confidential Marriage License | Public Marriage License |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Required? | Must live together | No |
| Public Record? | No | Yes |
| Witness Needed? | No | Yes |
| Can Be Used Same Day? | Yes | Yes |
| Apostille Eligible? | Yes | Yes |
Most of our clients choose the confidential license when they want complete privacy and a faster process.
How Get Married Today Makes Same-Day Marriage Possible
At Get Married Today, we streamline the process:
- We issue your marriage license (no courthouse needed)
- We provide a legally binding ceremony with a licensed officiant
- We file your marriage certificate with the county registrar
- We assist with apostille certification for international couples
- We offer 24/7 availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Why choose us?
- Mobile and in-office appointments
- No waiting in line at the county clerk
- Military and immigration urgency specialists
- Legal documents ready for travel, housing, or visa use
What Documents You Need
To apply for your marriage license and get married the same day, you will need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Proof of divorce if previously married
- Completed application form (we help with this)
- Cash or card for licensing fee
- No witnesses needed for confidential licenses
💡 Pro Tip: Bring your documents and we’ll handle the rest — including the officiant, license, and filing.
Military Couples: Same-Day Marriage & Benefits
We specialize in urgent marriages for military service members needing:
- Base housing access
- Spousal health and travel benefits
- Legal marriage for deployment
Whether stationed at Camp Pendleton, Twentynine Palms, or in the Los Angeles area, we can issue your license and perform the ceremony in one visit.
📞 Call us for military discounts and urgent same-day service.
Immigration & Urgent Marriage Needs
We assist many couples in immigration proceedings who need:
- Immediate proof of marriage
- Apostille certification for USCIS or consular processing
- Legal wedding without delay
Whether you’re facing a visa interview or applying for spousal adjustment of status, we can help you get legally married today.
Getting Married Without a Ceremony
Don’t want a big event? You don’t need one.
In California, you can legally get married without a traditional ceremony. Our officiants perform legal declarations of marriage with minimal formality.
✍️ All we need is:
- Your agreement to marry
- A valid license
- A brief legal pronouncement
- Our officiant’s signature
Simple. Fast. Legal.
Can You Get Married at Night or on Weekends?
Yes! That’s what makes Get Married Today different.
We’re open:
- Nights
- Weekends
- Holidays
- Evenings
- Mornings
We perform:
- Midnight weddings
- Sunset elopements
- Private ceremonies
- On-the-go mobile ceremonies
How to Apostille Your Marriage Certificate for International Use
If you need your marriage recognized in another country, we also handle:
- Official certified copies of your marriage certificate
- California Secretary of State apostille
- U.S. Department of State apostille (for federal marriage licenses)
- Embassy legalization for non-Hague countries
We offer rush options, with processing times as fast as 2–3 business days.
Top FAQs About Same-Day Marriage
1. Is it legal to marry someone the same day you apply for a marriage license?
Yes, in California and many other states. No waiting period required.
2. Can we skip the courthouse?
Yes. Our team issues the license and performs the ceremony — courthouse not needed.
3. Do we need a witness?
Not if you choose a confidential marriage license.
4. Is this valid for immigration or military benefits?
Yes. We specialize in urgent legal marriages and provide certified documentation for all official use.
5. Can we get married at night or during a holiday?
Yes. We’re open 24/7. Book your elopement or emergency marriage now at GetMarried.Today.
Why Couples Choose Same-Day Marriage
Here’s why couples from around the world choose to marry immediately:
- Immigration deadlines
- Military deployment or benefits
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Avoiding courthouse delays
- Quick elopement
- Spontaneity and romance
❤️ Whether it’s for love, logistics, or legal urgency — same-day marriage is more accessible than ever.
How to Book Your Marriage with Get Married Today
We make it fast, legal, and easy.
Here’s how:
- Visit GetMarried.Today
- Choose a time (available 24/7)
- Bring your ID
- Get your license + ceremony
- Walk away legally married
Ready to Get Married Today?
Don’t wait for the courthouse. Let us handle the paperwork, officiating, and filing in one convenient session — whether it’s at our private chapel or at your home, hotel, or scenic outdoor location.
📍 Serving all of Southern California, including:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- Riverside County
- Ventura County
🎖 Military discounts available
💼 Immigration specialists
🌎 Apostille support for international couples
💒 Chapel elopements + mobile services
👉 Book now at https://getmarried.today
📞 Or call us anytime for urgent requests
California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage Services
Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services
San Diego County – Marriage Licenses
Riverside County Clerk – Marriage License Info
Sacramento County Clerk – Marriage License Appointments
San Bernardino County Recorder – Marriage Services
City of Beverly Hills – Marriage Services
City of Newport Beach – Marriage License Information
City of Anaheim – City Clerk’s Marriage Page
U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad
California Courts – Marriage Overview
National Center for Health Statistics – Marriage & Divorce
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
California Legislative Information – Marriage Laws
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Marriage-Based Green Card
Los Angeles Times – Marriage Licenses Info
Visit California – Romantic Getaways
City of San Juan Capistrano – Marriage Services
City of Irvine – Marriage Info
California Department of Consumer Affairs – Marriage Officiants
County of Ventura – Marriage Services
City of West Hollywood – Marriage License Information
City of Long Beach – Marriage License
City of Santa Monica – Marriage Ceremonies
City of Pasadena – City Clerk Marriage Page
California Department of Social Services – Marriage Programs
U.S. Embassy – Marriage Requirements by Country
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Marriage Trends
California Association of Legal Document Assistants
City of Laguna Beach – Marriage Licensing
City of Huntington Beach – Marriage Services
City of Costa Mesa – Marriage Licensing
City of Fountain Valley – City Clerk Marriage
City of Santa Ana – Marriage License Services
California Secretary of State – Notary Public
City of Garden Grove – Marriage Information
City of Fullerton – Marriage Services
WeddingWire – Same Day Wedding Vendors
Martha Stewart Weddings – Wedding Planning Tools
Los Angeles Wedding Officiant Services
Offbeat Bride – Unique Elopement Ideas
Simply Eloped – California Packages
Forevermore Weddings California
Marriage License Fast Track – Orange County
Love Stream – Virtual Weddings
Los Angeles County – Confidential Marriage License
LA Wedding Woman – Same Day Services
Los Angeles Courthouse Weddings
Chapel of the Flowers – Vegas Elopements
City of Burbank – Marriage Services
City of Glendale Clerk Services
Oceanside City Clerk – Marriage
Carlsbad City Clerk – Marriage Info
San Clemente Marriage Licensing
City of Dana Point Clerk Services
Aliso Viejo Clerk – Marriage Info
California Notary Public Directory
State Bar of California – Legal Help
Better Business Bureau – Wedding Vendors
Yelp – Same Day Marriage Services
Wedding Spot – California Packages
Elopement Vendors – California
Pop the Knot – Pop-Up Weddings
Elopement Love – Southern California
Wedding Maps – Elopement Locations
U.S. Census Bureau – Marriage Data
California Legislative Analyst’s Office – Family Services
State of California – Online Services
Universal Life Church – Become an Officiant
Marriage License Lookup California
U.S. Government Services – Marriage Requirements
Marriage License Express Services
LegalZoom – Marriage License Overview
FindLaw – Marriage Law in California
AVVO – Marriage and Family Lawyers
Wedding Pro – Local Wedding Pros
Thumbtack – Local Wedding Officiants
Zankyou – Wedding Planning Tools