Military Marriage
Military MarriageCamden Alchanati

Introduction

The Marine Corps Ball is one of the most iconic, historic, and celebrated traditions of the United States Marine Corps. Every year, thousands of Marines and their partners attend this formal event to honor the founding of the Corps on November 10, 1775, celebrate achievements, and uphold the values of tradition, pride, and unity. For many couples, the Marine Corps Ball is also a deeply meaningful time to reflect on their relationship—and in many cases, to take an exciting next step:

Getting legally married before or after the Marine Ball.

Whether you want to:

  • Make the Ball your first official event as a married couple,
  • Marry shortly after the celebration when families are still in town,
  • Secure legal marriage status for military benefits,
  • Elope privately before deployments, training cycles, or PCS orders, or
  • Plan a simple civil ceremony that aligns with your schedules

—Get Married Today makes the entire process fast, flexible, and fully legal the same day.

This comprehensive guide explains everything Marines and partners need to know about getting legally married around the Marine Corps Ball—including legal requirements, ceremony options, documentation, apostilles for international spouses, and how to complete the process in just one day, even if you’re in uniform.

Why Marines Choose to Get Married Before or After the Marine Corps Ball

The Marine Ball is more than a tradition—it’s an emotional and symbolic milestone. Many couples choose this season for one of the following reasons:

1. It’s the Most Romantic Time of the Marine Corps Year

With formal attire, honor traditions, speeches, and celebrations, the Ball becomes the perfect backdrop for a new beginning together.

2. Families Often Travel to Attend

If both families are already in Southern California for the Ball, it’s convenient to get married during the same week.

3. Many Couples Want to Be Married for Military Benefits

Couples may want to be legally married before:

  • Deployments
  • Training cycles
  • Overseas orders
  • Base housing applications
  • Tricare enrollment
  • DEERS/ID card updates

4. The Ball Is a Perfect Post-Ceremony Celebration

A private legal ceremony during the day, followed by a formal celebration that night, is a dream scenario for many service members.

5. It Solves Courthouse Scheduling Problems

Courthouses often:

  • Are booked months in advance
  • Are closed on weekends
  • Cannot issue same-day licenses
  • Have limited appointment availability during the holiday season

Get Married Today provides same-day marriage licenses and ceremonies, even during high-demand periods.

How Marines Can Get Legally Married in One Day in California

Here’s how the process works when using Get Married Today:

Step 1 — Choose Your Marriage Date

You can legally marry:

  • Before the Marine Ball (popular choice)
  • The morning of the Ball
  • After the Ball
  • During leave time
  • Any day of the week—even holidays

Step 2 — Arrive With Valid Identification

Marines and partners must bring:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • If previously married: proof that the marriage ended

California does not require:

  • Birth certificates
  • Residency documents
  • Immigration status
  • Proof of citizenship

Step 3 — Issue Your Marriage License (Same Day)

Get Married Today can issue your marriage license instantly, without needing to visit the courthouse.

This saves Marines from:

  • Driving long distances
  • Missing work
  • Requesting leave
  • Waiting for hearings
  • Dealing with courthouse cancellations

Step 4 — Participate in the Legal Ceremony

Ceremonies can be held:

  • In an office chapel
  • Outdoors
  • On base housing (if authorized)
  • At a hotel before the Ball
  • At the Ball venue (before festivities begin)
  • At your home
  • At a beach, park, or scenic overlook

Many Marines prefer:

  • Uniformed ceremonies
  • Sunset ceremonies
  • Quick civil ceremonies before the evening Ball

Step 5 — Your Marriage Is Filed the Same Day

Once the ceremony is complete, Get Married Today files your marriage license immediately so everything becomes official.

You can then request:

  • Certified copies
  • Apostilles for foreign spouses
  • Translations
  • Notarized statements

All in the same appointment if needed.

Why Marines Rely on Get Married Today

Military-Friendly Scheduling

We work around:

  • Duty schedules
  • Field exercises
  • Last-minute orders
  • Ball rehearsals
  • Liberty periods
  • Leave blocks
  • Holiday schedules

Same-Day Marriage Services

This includes:

  • Same-day marriage license issuance
  • Same-day ceremony
  • Same-day document filing
  • Same-day apostille services (via Orange County Apostille)
  • Same-day notarization (via Your Local Notary Public)

Ideal for Military Couples With Unique Needs

Including:

  • Overseas fiancés
  • Long-distance relationships
  • Immigration timelines
  • International families
  • Dual-citizenship spouses
  • Deployed partners needing document access

Discreet & Private Options

Some couples prefer a private legal ceremony, then a public wedding later.

Perfect for Ball Weekend

We handle high demand during:

  • USMC Ball week
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving week
  • December vacations
  • End-of-year leave

Best Places in California for Marines to Get Married Before or After the Ball

Since the Marine Corps has major bases across Southern California, couples often choose locations near:

  • Camp Pendleton
  • MCAS Miramar
  • MCLB Barstow
  • Twentynine Palms

Popular elopement spots include:

  • Mission Beach
  • Laguna Beach
  • Huntington Beach
  • Crystal Cove
  • Dana Point
  • Oceanside Pier
  • Balboa Park
  • Sunset Cliffs
  • Irvine outdoor chapels
  • Indoor private chapels near Anaheim & Costa Mesa

These locations work especially well for Marines still in uniform.

  1. https://getmarried.today/
  2. https://getmarried.today/ceremony
  3. https://getmarried.today/marriage-license
  4. https://getmarried.today/same-day-marriage
  5. https://getmarried.today/military-weddings
  6. https://getmarried.today/elope
  7. https://getmarried.today/laguna-beach
  8. https://getmarried.today/orange-county
  9. https://getmarried.today/wedding-officiant
  10. https://getmarried.today/requirements
  11. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/
  12. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/mobile-notary
  13. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/notary-services
  14. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/hospitals
  15. https://orangecountyapostille.org/
  16. https://orangecountyapostille.org/services
  17. https://orangecountyapostille.org/marriage-certificate
  18. https://orangecountyapostille.org/federal
  19. https://orangecountyapostille.org/translation
  20. https://orangecountyapostille.org/international
  21. https://getmarried.today/private-ceremony
  22. https://getmarried.today/church-weddings
  23. https://getmarried.today/beach-weddings
  24. https://getmarried.today/elopement-locations
  25. https://getmarried.today/civil-wedding
  26. https://getmarried.today/couples
  27. https://getmarried.today/forms
  28. https://getmarried.today/faq
  29. https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/apostille
  30. https://orangecountyapostille.org/book-online

30 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Marines Getting Married Before or After the Marine Ball

1. Can Marines get legally married on the same day as the Marine Corps Ball?

Yes. Marines can legally marry the morning or afternoon before the Ball. Many couples prefer this timing because they can have a small, private ceremony, then attend the Ball as a newly married couple.

2. Do we need to visit the courthouse to get a marriage license?

No. Get Married Today can issue your marriage license directly, saving you the need for courthouse appointments or delays.

3. Can Marines get married in uniform?

Yes. Many Marines choose to wear their dress blues during the ceremony, especially if marrying on the day of the Ball.

4. What if one partner is not a U.S. citizen?

California allows all couples to marry regardless of immigration status. International spouses can also request apostilles and translations immediately.

5. Can we have a private marriage and a big wedding later?

Absolutely. Many Marines legally marry before deployment, PCS, or benefits processing, then plan a formal wedding at a later date.

6. Do we need witnesses?

California does not require witnesses for a confidential marriage license, which is often preferred by military couples.

7. How long does the marriage license take to issue?

It can be issued the same day, typically in under an hour.

8. Can we get married after the Ball instead of before?

Yes. Many couples marry the next morning or later in the week while family is still in town.

9. Does California require a waiting period?

No. You can marry immediately after the license is issued.

10. Can Get Married Today file the marriage license the same day?

Yes. Filing happens immediately after the ceremony.

11. Can we get married during a holiday weekend?

Yes. Services are available even on holidays.

12. Is the marriage valid for military benefits?

Yes. Once filed, the marriage is fully legal and can be used for DEERS enrollment, ID cards, and more.

13. Can we schedule a last-minute ceremony?

Yes. Marines frequently book same-day or next-day appointments.

14. Can foreign spouses request an apostille for the marriage certificate?

Yes. Orange County Apostille handles same-day and expedited apostille services.

15. Do we need to bring birth certificates?

No. Only a valid government-issued photo ID is required.

16. Can we get married off-base?

Yes. Offices, private chapels, outdoor locations, beaches, parks, and homes are all available.

17. What if I’m deploying soon?

Many Marines marry quickly to secure legal protections before deployment.

18. Can we get married if one of us is stationed out of state?

Yes. As long as both parties are physically present in California on the wedding day.

19. Can Marines marry international partners visiting on a tourist visa?

Yes. Tourist visas do not affect the marriage process.

20. Can Get Married Today help obtain certified copies of the marriage certificate?

Yes. Certified copies can be requested immediately after the ceremony.

21. What if our IDs are from different states?

That is completely allowed.

22. Is a witness required for a regular marriage license?

Yes. But Get Married Today can provide a witness if needed.

23. Can couples elope right before the Ball?

Yes. Many choose a fast, elegant elopement before the evening events.

24. Can we bring a photographer?

Yes. Photographers are welcome at both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

25. Can we schedule a ceremony near Camp Pendleton?

Yes. Many ceremony locations are within minutes of the base.

26. Are same-sex military marriages fully legal?

Yes. All marriages are treated equally under California law.

27. Can we choose between private and public marriage records?

Yes. You can choose a confidential or public license.

28. Can we get married even if we lost our courthouse appointment?

Yes. Get Married Today is the ideal backup solution.

29. Can we get married early in the morning before the Marine Ball?

Yes. Early-morning appointments are available.

30. What if we need documents notarized for marriage benefits?

Your Local Notary Public can notarize all related forms the same day.

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