If you’re planning to get married in the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa, your timeline matters more than ever. From the moment your fiancé arrives in the country, a legal countdown begins—you have 90 days to get married, or they’ll be out of status. That’s why so many couples turn to Get Married Today for fast, legal, and seamless marriage services that meet immigration requirements and keep your love story on track.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire 90-day process, what documents you need, what pitfalls to avoid, and how Get Married Today can expedite your legal marriage—often in just one day.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the 90-Day Rule for Fiancé Visas
- K-1 Visa Basics: What You Need to Know
- Day 1–10: Arrival and Planning Your Legal Marriage
- Day 11–30: Scheduling Your Marriage License & Ceremony
- Day 31–60: Time to Finalize and Submit Documents
- Day 61–90: Last Chance to Marry Legally—Avoid Overstaying
- Why Timing Is Crucial for Adjustment of Status
- How Get Married Today Helps You Beat the Clock
- Required Documents for a Legal Marriage in California
- Can You Get Married the Same Day You Apply for a License?
- What Happens If You Don’t Get Married in 90 Days?
- Apostille Services for International Recognition
- Get Married Today: 24/7 Marriage Services for Fiancé Visa Holders
- Sample Timeline: A Real Couple’s 90-Day Marriage Story
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Book Your Appointment with Get Married Today
1. Understanding the 90-Day Rule for Fiancé Visas
The K-1 fiancé visa is a temporary visa issued to a foreign national who is engaged to a U.S. citizen. Once the foreign fiancé enters the United States, the couple has exactly 90 days to legally marry.
This requirement is strict. If the couple does not marry within the 90-day window:
- The foreign fiancé is no longer in legal status.
- They cannot apply for adjustment of status (green card).
- They must leave the U.S. immediately to avoid deportation.
The 90-day rule is not flexible. There are no extensions unless you leave and reapply. That’s why planning ahead and working with an experienced team like Get Married Today is essential.
2. K-1 Visa Basics: What You Need to Know
Before the 90-day countdown begins, here are key facts about the K-1 visa process:
- U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé).
- After USCIS approval, the fiancé applies for the visa through the U.S. embassy abroad.
- Upon entry into the U.S., the 90-day period begins immediately.
- Marriage must be legal and properly recorded within those 90 days.
- After marriage, the couple files Form I-485 (green card application).
The purpose of the K-1 visa is for marriage—not for travel, not for visits, not for work. The sole intent must be to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner and apply for a green card.
3. Day 1–10: Arrival and Planning Your Legal Marriage
The first 10 days are crucial for settling in and setting the foundation:
✅ Greet your fiancé at the airport.
✅ Confirm address for future USCIS documentation.
✅ Begin searching for marriage services.
Many couples make the mistake of waiting too long to start the marriage process. But you don’t need to wait for a fancy venue or an elaborate ceremony. What you need is a legal and official marriage license and ceremony, and Get Married Today specializes in this.
We offer:
- 24/7 appointments
- Legal marriage license issuance
- Officiated ceremonies
- Marriage certificate filing with the County Clerk
- Apostille services for use abroad
4. Day 11–30: Scheduling Your Marriage License & Ceremony
This is the ideal time to:
📍 Book your marriage license appointment
📍 Choose a location (home, beach, office, chapel)
📍 Review your documents (valid ID, visa, passport)
With Get Married Today, you don’t have to wait for the county clerk’s office. We are authorized to issue California marriage licenses ourselves and perform legally binding ceremonies on the same day.
Skip the courthouse. Skip the waiting room. Book online with us any time, including holidays and weekends.
Schedule your appointment today
5. Day 31–60: Time to Finalize and Submit Documents
By this point, you should already be married or in the final steps.
✅ Make sure your marriage certificate is recorded
✅ Order certified copies for immigration
✅ Prepare Form I-485 (adjustment of status)
This is also when you may need to notarize and apostille documents for international use, especially if you plan to show proof of marriage to consulates abroad.
Get Married Today offers apostille services, certified copies, and expedited mail delivery to support your visa or international documentation needs.
6. Day 61–90: Last Chance to Marry Legally—Avoid Overstaying
If you reach this point and are not yet married, it’s urgent.
⚠️ The marriage must occur before the 90th day
⚠️ The marriage license must be filed and registered
⚠️ Any delay can risk immigration violations
We’ve helped hundreds of couples who were days away from their deadline. Even if it’s a holiday or a Sunday, we will come to you and complete the legal marriage process.
Book a same-day wedding with us here.
90-Day Timeline for Getting Married for Fiancé Visas: How Get Married Today Helps You Stay on Track with Expedited Legal Marriage Services
7. Why Timing Is Crucial for Adjustment of Status
Getting married within the 90-day K-1 visa window is only the first step. Once married, your next priority is filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This process allows your foreign spouse to remain in the U.S. legally and eventually receive a green card.
Delays in filing after marriage can lead to:
- Unlawful presence accrual
- Ineligibility for employment authorization
- Delayed ability to travel internationally
- Issues renewing driver’s licenses or accessing health services
Get Married Today speeds up the legal marriage process so that couples can quickly move forward with the immigration process.
8. How Get Married Today Helps You Beat the Clock
We understand the urgency for K-1 visa holders, which is why we offer:
- Same-day marriage license issuance
- Legally binding marriage ceremonies
- 24/7 availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Onsite services at homes, hotels, beaches, hospitals, or offices
- Filing with the County Clerk for you
- Certified copies ordered on your behalf
- Optional apostille certification for international use
We eliminate the hassle of booking a government appointment. We bring the service to you—legally, conveniently, and fast.
Book now to start your 90-day marriage timeline
9. Required Documents for a Legal Marriage in California
To legally marry in California, you need the following:
From the U.S. Citizen Petitioner:
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
From the K-1 Visa Holder:
- Valid unexpired passport
- K-1 Visa stamp
Other requirements:
- Both parties must be present (unless proxy marriage is applicable)
- Must be over age 18
- No waiting period
- No blood test required
Our team at Get Married Today helps you complete all required forms, confirm document eligibility, and ensure legal compliance.
10. Can You Get Married the Same Day You Apply for a License?
Yes, you can—in California, there is no waiting period between applying for a marriage license and having your ceremony.
Get Married Today is licensed to issue marriage licenses directly, which means:
- You don’t need to go to the County Clerk
- You can complete the entire process in one appointment
- You receive legal proof of marriage immediately
- We file your license for you
This is critical for K-1 couples on a tight timeline.
11. What Happens If You Don’t Get Married in 90 Days?
Failing to marry within the 90-day window has serious consequences:
- The foreign fiancé’s visa expires
- They must leave the U.S. immediately
- You cannot adjust status based on the original petition
- You may need to reapply for a new visa from scratch
Avoid this scenario by working with Get Married Today to secure your legal marriage within days—not weeks.
12. Apostille Services for International Recognition
For some couples, especially those from Hague Convention countries, proof of marriage may need to be authenticated for:
- Immigration sponsorship abroad
- Dual citizenship applications
- Updating marital status with a consulate
We offer apostille services for:
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Name change orders
We ensure the marriage documents we help you obtain are valid internationally.
Learn more about our apostille services
13. Get Married Today: 24/7 Marriage Services for Fiancé Visa Holders
Whether you live in:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Diego County
We can help you legally marry the same day you reach out.
Our services include:
- Traveling to your location (home, hotel, beach, office)
- Bringing the marriage license with us
- Performing the ceremony
- Filing your paperwork with the County
- Ordering certified copies
- Apostille support as needed
We are the one-stop solution for time-sensitive marriage needs.
14. Sample Timeline: A Real Couple’s 90-Day Marriage Story
Days 1–5
- Ana arrives in the U.S. on a K-1 visa from Spain
- She and her fiancé John contact Get Married Today
Day 6
- Appointment confirmed within 24 hours
- We meet them at their home in Anaheim
- License issued and ceremony completed the same day
Day 7
- Marriage license filed with Orange County Clerk
- Certified copies ordered and mailed to couple
- Apostille ordered for Spanish use
Day 15
- Couple files Form I-485 with USCIS
Day 45
- Receives employment authorization
Day 90
- They are already legally married, living together, and progressing with immigration
15. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we have to go to the courthouse?
A: No. Get Married Today is authorized to issue licenses and officiate weddings legally anywhere in California.
Q: What if we only have 1 week left in the 90-day window?
A: Call us immediately. We can issue your license and perform the ceremony the same day.
Q: Can you meet us at a hotel or private residence?
A: Yes. We offer mobile services and will come to your preferred location 24/7.
Q: Will our marriage be legal for immigration purposes?
A: Yes. We ensure all documentation is legal, registered, and valid for USCIS use.
Q: How soon can we get a certified copy of our marriage certificate?
A: Typically within 5–8 weeks from the County, but we handle the order and tracking for you.
Q: Do you help with apostilles?
A: Yes. We offer full apostille certification for international use.
16. Book Your Appointment with Get Married Today
Don’t wait until the final days of your 90-day K-1 visa period. Secure your legal marriage today with a trusted, fast, and professional service.
Visit https://getmarried.today to:
- Book an appointment online
- Choose your preferred ceremony date and location
- Add apostille or certified copy services
- Speak with our staff if you have urgent timing concerns
We are the leading provider of same-day legal marriage services in California, helping K-1 visa couples start their new chapter without delays.
Let us help you make your marriage official—on time, legally, and with love.
50 Backlink Resources for Fiancé Visa and Marriage Services
USCIS – K-1 Visa Information
Travel.State.Gov – K-1 Visa Overview
USCIS Form I-129F
USCIS Form I-485
USCIS Adjustment of Status Process
U.S. Embassy Interview Preparation
California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder
San Diego County Marriage License Info
California Courts – Self Help Marriage Info
[Apostille from California Secretary