Do I Need to Be a Resident of a State to Get Married There?

Short answer: No, you generally do not need to be a resident of a U.S. state to get married there. Most states, including California, allow non-residents and even international couples to legally marry within their jurisdiction. However, each state has its own marriage laws, procedures, and documentation requirements.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, eloping across state lines, or need to marry quickly for immigration, military, or legal reasons, this guide will break down everything you need to know—state by state—with a focus on how to get legally married today.


Table of Contents

  1. ✅ Quick Answer: No Residency Required
  2. 📍 States That Welcome Non-Residents for Marriage
  3. 📜 Legal Requirements for Non-Resident Marriages
  4. 🕒 What About Waiting Periods?
  5. 🔍 Documents You’ll Need (With or Without Residency)
  6. 📍 Spotlight on California: Same-Day Marriage Services
  7. 🌎 International Couples Marrying in the U.S.
  8. 👨‍👩‍👦 Military Personnel and Marriage by Proxy
  9. 💼 Immigration, Green Cards & Marriage Without Residency
  10. 💍 Wedding License vs. Wedding Ceremony: What Matters?
  11. 🔐 Confidential Marriage Licenses for Privacy
  12. ✈️ Eloping While Traveling: Legal and Fast
  13. 🏩 Where to File: County Clerk vs. Private Providers
  14. 📝 Apostille Certification for International Use
  15. 🚀 Get Married Today: How Our Same-Day Service Works
  16. 🧱 50-State Marriage License Rules for Non-Residents
  17. 📌 Frequently Asked Questions
  18. 📞 Contact Us: Book Your Legal Marriage Today

✅ Quick Answer: No Residency Required

You do not need to be a resident of the state in which you plan to marry. Most states have no residency requirement whatsoever. You simply need to apply for a marriage license in the state where the ceremony will take place and meet that state’s identification and legal requirements.

Example:

A couple from New York can legally travel to California, apply for a marriage license, and have a wedding on the same day—with no waiting period and no need to establish residency.


📍 States That Welcome Non-Residents for Marriage

Here’s a list of popular states that do not require residency to marry:

StateResidency Required?Waiting PeriodLicense Expiry
CaliforniaNoNone90 days
NevadaNoNone1 year
FloridaNo3 days (waived for out-of-state couples)60 days
TexasNo72 hours (can be waived)90 days
New YorkNo24 hours60 days
HawaiiNoNone30 days
ColoradoNoNone35 days
UtahNoNone30 days
WashingtonNo3 days60 days
IllinoisNo1 day60 days

Couples often travel for elopements or destination weddings in scenic places like California, Nevada, and Hawaii without being residents—and it’s perfectly legal.


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