When the U.S. government faces a shutdown, many couples start to worry: Will this affect my ability to get legally married? The truth is, while some government services pause during a shutdown, you can still get legally married today in California without delays. At Get Married Today, we provide same-day marriage licenses and officiant services outside of government offices, so your wedding plans won’t be interrupted.
Below, we’ll explain how shutdowns affect marriages, why our services are different, and how you can walk away with a legally binding marriage certificate today.
Does a Government Shutdown Stop Marriages?
In many counties, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk-Recorder’s office, which is a local government agency. While not directly “federal,” shutdowns sometimes create bottlenecks:
- Reduced staffing at county offices.
- Delayed processing of certified copies.
- Confusion for couples who rely on in-person appointments.
But don’t worry—you are not limited to clerk offices. Through a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriage, licensed through the County, we can issue your license on the spot.
This means with Get Married Today, you can skip the lines, avoid closures, and legally marry even when offices are shut.
How Get Married Today Keeps Weddings Moving
At Get Married Today, we are authorized to issue same-day marriage licenses anywhere in California—whether at your home, the beach, a chapel, or a private location. Here’s how we simplify the process:
- Marriage License Issuance – We can issue the license directly, without requiring a visit to the County Clerk.
- Legal Ceremony – Our officiants perform weddings 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Immediate Proof of Marriage – You’ll walk away legally married with documents ready for authentication.
- Certified Copies & Apostille – If you need your marriage recognized internationally, we coordinate notarization and apostille with our partners at Your Local Notary Public and Orange County Apostille.
Why Couples Choose Same-Day Marriage During a Shutdown
Couples turn to Get Married Today for many reasons, but during uncertain times like a government shutdown, these benefits stand out:
- Certainty – No canceled county appointments.
- Speed – Get legally married the same day.
- Privacy – Ceremonies at your chosen location.
- International Recognition – With notarization and apostille services, your marriage certificate can be used worldwide.
Apostille & Notary Services for Shutdown-Proof Weddings
If you need your marriage certificate recognized abroad—for immigration, dual citizenship, or international legal purposes—we handle the entire process:
- Your Local Notary Public notarizes certified copies of your marriage certificate.
- Orange County Apostille secures apostilles through the California Secretary of State.
- Together, we provide one seamless service for couples who need both marriage and international validation.
Real-Life Example
Recently, during a federal shutdown, a couple contacted us worried that their County Clerk appointment might be canceled. They were planning a move abroad for work and needed their marriage certificate authenticated quickly.
We issued their marriage license the same day, officiated their ceremony in Newport Beach, and notarized copies of their certificate. Through Orange County Apostille, they had their apostilled marriage certificate in hand within a few days. Their plans continued without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get married if the County Clerk’s office is closed?
Yes. With Get Married Today, you can bypass the clerk entirely. We issue licenses directly and perform the ceremony.
2. Is the marriage legal if I don’t go to the Clerk’s office?
Absolutely. Our authority comes from the County, and your marriage is fully recognized under California law.
3. Can I get an apostille during a shutdown?
Yes. The California Secretary of State remains operational, and with Orange County Apostille, we process documents quickly.
4. Do you handle same-day marriages for international couples?
Yes, and we also provide notarization with Your Local Notary Public and apostille for global recognition.
5. Can I choose any location for my wedding?
Yes—you can marry at home, in a chapel, or even at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego or Laguna Beach.
Takeaway
A government shutdown does not have to stop your wedding. With Get Married Today, you can:
- Get your marriage license today.
- Hold your ceremony at your chosen location.
- Secure notarization and apostille for international use.
If you’re ready to move forward without delay, contact us today—your legal marriage can happen now, no matter what’s happening in Washington.
- Get Married Today – Official Site
- Same-Day Marriage Licenses in California
- Orange County Wedding Services
- Beach Weddings in California
- Private Elopement Packages
- 24/7 Marriage License Services
- Government Shutdown Wedding Options
- Get Married Without County Clerk
- Same-Day Legal Weddings
- California Wedding Officiants
11. Your Local Notary Public – Irvine Office
12. Mobile Notary for Marriage Certificates
13. Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates
14. Copy Certification by Document Custodian
15. Notary Services in Orange County
16. Traveling Notary for Weddings
17. Legal Document Notarization
18. Orange County Apostille – Official Site
19. Marriage Certificate Apostille Services
20. California Apostille for Marriage Documents
21. International Marriage Recognition
22. Fast Apostille in Orange County
23. Notarized Marriage Certificate Apostille
24. Same-Day Apostille Processing
25. Authenticate U.S. Marriage Certificate Abroad