Get Married Today
Marriage for Military in California
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Same Day Marriage in California


Legal Marriage for Military Members
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Military life often requires swift and flexible solutions, especially when legal marriage is tied to health benefits, PCS relocation orders, housing stipends, or spousal visa needs. Our service eliminates the need to navigate courthouse wait times, paperwork delays, or conflicting schedules. Get Married Today provides a private, efficient, and respectful path to legal marriage — perfect for military couples who need it done fast, correctly, and with dignity.
venues in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Whether you’re stationed at Camp Pendleton, March Air Reserve Base, or on leave in the area, our team comes to you with mobile service available 24/7. We can perform your ceremony and issue your legal marriage license at your home, on base (with permission), at the beach, or even in a hospital setting.
We offer same-day legal marriage services that include the issuance of your California marriage license, a legally binding wedding ceremony, and the minister’s signature — all without needing to visit the courthouse. We also handle your county filing and can order certified copies of your marriage certificate and provide expedited apostille certification for overseas military documentation. Everything is completed in one appointment, at your location, making the process fast and stress-free.
Get Married Today operates 24/7, 365 days a year — including weekends and federal holidays — to accommodate the demanding schedules of military personnel. Whether you’re heading out on deployment, have unexpected leave, or need to qualify for benefits quickly, we can schedule your legal marriage on the same day you contact us. Emergency requests and late-night appointments are welcome and available.
Military life often requires swift and flexible solutions, especially when legal marriage is tied to health benefits, PCS relocation orders, housing stipends, or spousal visa needs. Our service eliminates the need to navigate courthouse wait times, paperwork delays, or conflicting schedules. Get Married Today provides a private, efficient, and respectful path to legal marriage — perfect for military couples who need it done fast, correctly, and with dignity.
Everything Military Members Need to Know About Legal Marriage in California:
You do not need to be a California resident to marry in California.
There is no waiting period — you can marry the same day you get your license.
You do not need a blood test to get married in California.
Both parties must be at least 18 years old (or have court approval if younger).
You must present valid government-issued photo ID (military ID, passport, or driver’s license).
If previously married, bring divorce decree or death certificate.
A public or confidential marriage license is required.
A public license becomes part of public record; a confidential license does not.
You can get married anywhere in California with a public license.
Only in the county of issuance with a confidential license.
Only an authorized issuer (like Get Married Today) or the county clerk can issue the license.
You must be married by a legally authorized officiant.
Get Married Today provides a licensed officiant with every ceremony.
We handle the legal filing of your license with the county.
You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate after it is filed.
Get Married Today can order certified copies on your behalf.
We can also apostille your certificate for military or international use.
Military couples often use the marriage certificate for BAH or DEERS enrollment.
Marriage can also be a requirement for Command Sponsorship or spousal immigration visas.
We offer fast, private, mobile service to meet your schedule.
We serve all military bases in Southern California.
No need to appear in person at the courthouse.
No witnesses are required for confidential licenses.
For public licenses, one witness is required (we can provide one if needed).
You can customize your ceremony or keep it simple and quick.
We offer same-day appointments at your location or one of our chapels.
You can book your appointment online or by phone.
All documents are filed securely and legally with the county.
You’ll receive proof of marriage immediately after the ceremony.
Most couples receive their official certificate by mail within 5–8 weeks.
We help expedite the process for time-sensitive situations.
We provide services in English and Spanish.
You may marry in uniform or civilian clothes — your choice.
Military discounts are automatically applied.
We are LGBTQ+ inclusive and serve all couples.
Your information remains confidential, especially with confidential licenses.
You can combine our services with other providers (i.e., use our license, your officiant).
We offer short-notice and emergency appointments.
We are open on holidays and weekends.
We work with JAG officers if additional documentation is needed.
We can notarize additional military forms if requested.
We accept multiple forms of payment including military credit cards.
All documents are processed per California Family Code.
We provide post-marriage support with name changes and certificates.
We can issue licenses and perform ceremonies anywhere legal in California.
Military couples stationed overseas can marry during leave in California.
We can file proof of marriage documentation for use with Tricare or DFAS.
We can help couples who married informally but need legal recognition.
Your legal California marriage is recognized by the military and federal government.
Get Married Today is a military-trusted service provider.
Gather Required Identification Documents
Before marriage, both partners will need: Valid government-issued photo ID ▸ Examples: Military ID, U.S. passport, state-issued driver’s license If previously married: ▸ Certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate Note: You do not need to be a California resident, and no blood test is required.
Choose a Public or Confidential Marriage License
You must obtain either a: Public Marriage License (recommended for military use) ▸ Becomes public record and usable in all legal and military filings Confidential Marriage License (only if you’re living together, not ideal for military filings) Issued by: County Clerk’s Office OR Authorized Private Marriage License Issuer like Get Married Today (we come to you and provide same-day license and ceremony)
Book a Same-Day Marriage Service Appointment (Optional but Faster)
If you need to get married urgently or on short notice: Schedule an appointment with Get Married Today We issue the license, perform the ceremony, file the paperwork, and order certified copies We’re mobile: We meet you at home, military base, hotel, or chapel
Complete the Marriage License Application
At your appointment or at the County Clerk’s Office, you’ll: Fill out the marriage license application Present your IDs Sign in front of the license issuer Pay the fee (varies by county, usually $85–$105) No witnesses required for confidential licenses 1 witness required for public licenses (we can provide one if needed)
Get Legally Married and Have the License Signed
A legally authorized officiant must perform the ceremony Get Married Today provides a licensed minister for every appointment After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license with required witness(es) You will receive a Proof of Marriage immediately after
Submit Your Marriage License for Recording
After the ceremony: Public Marriage License: Must be submitted to the County Clerk/Recorder in the county where it was issued Confidential License: Filed directly by the officiant or issuer If using Get Married Today, we handle the submission for you. You’ll receive a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate within 5–8 weeks by mail.
Update Your Military Records & Enroll Your Spouse
Now that you are legally married, you must notify the military
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENROLL SPOUSE & RECEIVE BENEFITS:
DOCUMENT | PURPOSE |
---|---|
✅ Certified Marriage Certificate | Required for all military benefit filings |
✅ DD Form 1172-2 | DEERS Enrollment for spouse |
✅ Servicemember’s Orders | For BAH/PCS updates |
✅ Spouse’s Photo ID & SSN | Required for DEERS & Tricare |
✅ NAVPERS 1070/602 (Page 2) or equivalent | Update Emergency Contact/Dependent Info |
✅ SGLI Beneficiary Update | Optional – Update life insurance |
✅ DA Form 5960 or branch-specific housing form | Start or modify BAH based on marital status |
Go to DEERS Office for Enrollment
- Bring:
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Spouse’s ID and SSN
- Completed DD 1172-2
- Your military ID
Visit your base’s ID Card/DEERS Office (usually at the Personnel Support Detachment or Pass & ID Office)
Search locations:
🔗 https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/
Submit Housing & Pay Forms for BAH
Submit the appropriate BAH form for your branch:
- Army: DA Form 5960
- Navy/Marine Corps: Dependency Application via NSIPS
- Air Force/Space Force: AF Form 594
- Coast Guard: CG-4170A
Include:
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Spouse’s ID
- Orders if applicable
Submit to:
- Finance Office or
- Admin/Personnel Office (PSD, S1, etc.)
Update Tricare & Dental Plans
Once DEERS is updated:
- Enroll your spouse in Tricare Prime or Select
- Enroll in Tricare Dental Plan (TDP) if desired
Visit:
Consider Optional Legal Updates
- Update SGLI Beneficiaries: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/
- Add Spouse to Emergency Contact (Record of Emergency Data)
- Update Service Record (Page 2 / RED)
- Start Command Sponsorship paperwork (for overseas assignments)
- Start Immigration process (if spouse is not a U.S. citizen)
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