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
- ✅ Quick Answer: No Residency Required
- 📍 States That Welcome Non-Residents for Marriage
- 📜 Legal Requirements for Non-Resident Marriages
- 🕒 What About Waiting Periods?
- 🔍 Documents You’ll Need (With or Without Residency)
- 📍 Spotlight on California: Same-Day Marriage Services
- 🌎 International Couples Marrying in the U.S.
- 👨👩👦 Military Personnel and Marriage by Proxy
- 💼 Immigration, Green Cards & Marriage Without Residency
- 💍 Wedding License vs. Wedding Ceremony: What Matters?
- 🔐 Confidential Marriage Licenses for Privacy
- ✈️ Eloping While Traveling: Legal and Fast
- 🏩 Where to File: County Clerk vs. Private Providers
- 📝 Apostille Certification for International Use
- 🚀 Get Married Today: How Our Same-Day Service Works
- 🧱 50-State Marriage License Rules for Non-Residents
- 📌 Frequently Asked Questions
- 📞 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:
| State | Residency Required? | Waiting Period | License Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | No | None | 90 days |
| Nevada | No | None | 1 year |
| Florida | No | 3 days (waived for out-of-state couples) | 60 days |
| Texas | No | 72 hours (can be waived) | 90 days |
| New York | No | 24 hours | 60 days |
| Hawaii | No | None | 30 days |
| Colorado | No | None | 35 days |
| Utah | No | None | 30 days |
| Washington | No | 3 days | 60 days |
| Illinois | No | 1 day | 60 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.