Southern California is home to some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world—crystal-blue waters, warm breezes, golden sunsets, and pristine sandy stretches that create the perfect backdrop for couples who want an unforgettable yet simple legal wedding. Whether you’re eloping, planning a micro-ceremony, or choosing an intimate moment just for the two of you, a legal beach wedding offers beauty, convenience, and complete flexibility.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in legal same-day marriage license issuance, personalized beachfront ceremonies, and complete filing of your marriage documents with the appropriate county clerk’s office. This means couples don’t have to handle complicated steps, navigate county calendars, or struggle with appointment shortages. Everything—from paperwork to officiating to filing—is handled in one streamlined process.
This article will serve as the ultimate guide to getting legally married at the beach in Southern California, covering every step:
✅ Obtaining your marriage license
✅ Conducting your legal ceremony
✅ Completing and filing the marriage certificate
…all without courthouse delays.
Why Choose a Beach Wedding for Your Legal Marriage?
A legal beach wedding combines romance and practicality. Couples choose this option for many reasons:
1. It’s Beautiful and Instantly Photogenic
Southern California beaches—Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Malibu, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, and more—are naturally stunning and require no décor to create magic.
2. It’s Private and Intimate
You can exchange vows at sunrise, midday, or during sunset with minimal crowds depending on your chosen beach.
3. It’s Fast, Easy, and Legally Valid
With Get Married Today, your marriage license, ceremony, and filing are handled in one complete service.
4. It Fits Any Couple’s Style
From barefoot on the sand to a styled micro-wedding setup, Southern California beaches offer every aesthetic.
5. It’s a Perfect Option for:
- International couples
- Military couples
- Eloping couples
- Couples on vacation
- Couples who want legal marriage now but a bigger celebration later
The Full Legal Marriage Process at the Beach
Getting married at a beach is not just beautiful—it’s completely legal when handled properly. Below is the exact process Get Married Today provides step-by-step.
STEP 1 — Issuing Your Legal Marriage License
Without a marriage license issued before the ceremony, your marriage cannot be legally recognized. Get Married Today is authorized to issue same-day California marriage licenses, allowing couples to bypass clerk-office delays and long appointment wait times.
What You Need for the Marriage License:
- Government-issued ID
- Be at least 18 years old
- Both partners present
Once issued, the license is valid immediately. No waiting period. No courthouse visits.
Where Can You Receive the License?
Get Married Today can meet you at:
- The beach
- Your hotel
- A scenic lookout
- One of our Orange County offices
- A location of your choosing
This flexibility is especially helpful for couples visiting California from out of state or internationally.
STEP 2 — Your Legal Beach Ceremony
Once your marriage license is issued, your officiant can perform the ceremony right at the beach.
Your ceremony can be:
- Simple and legal (civil wording only)
- Personalized with vows
- Religious or non-religious
- Romantic sunset ceremony
- Sunrise ceremony
- Micro-wedding setup with loved ones present
The officiant ensures everything follows California’s legal requirements while giving you a ceremony that fits your style and personality.
STEP 3 — Completing the Marriage License
After the ceremony, your officiant will:
- Complete all legal sections of the license
- Ensure all required fields are correct
- Add ceremony details
- Verify participant identification
- Double-check the document for county compliance
A correctly completed license ensures no delays or rejections from the county recorder.
STEP 4 — Filing Your Marriage License With the County Recorder
Filing is the final step to make your marriage legally recognized. Once filed, the county officially records your marriage, and it becomes part of public record (unless it’s a confidential marriage license, which is sealed).
Get Married Today handles:
- Document transport
- Professional submission
- County-compliant filing
- Follow-up for processing
- Timeline verification
You never need to visit a courthouse or wait in line.
The Best Beaches for a Legal Wedding in Southern California
Laguna Beach
Quiet coves, dramatic cliffs, hidden spots ideal for intimate ceremonies.
Huntington Beach
Wide open spaces, convenient parking, and easy access for family gatherings.
Newport Beach
Classic California beauty, harbor views, clean sandy shores.
Malibu
Luxury, privacy, and cinematic scenery for unforgettable photos.
Santa Monica & Venice
Iconic and accessible with long stretches of soft sand.
San Clemente & Dana Point
Peaceful, scenic, beach-town charm with stunning sunset backdrops.
Each location offers its own character, and Get Married Today can help you choose the perfect beach based on privacy level, accessibility, and ceremony style.
Beach Weddings for Every Couple
For Local Couples
Avoid courthouse delays and enjoy a beautiful ceremony close to home.
For International Couples
Receive full support for certified copies, apostille processing, and marriage documentation needed overseas.
For Military Couples
We frequently assist couples on tight timelines, before deployment or during leave.
For Tourists & Out-of-State Visitors
You can get legally married during your visit—no residency required.
For Couples Planning a Larger Wedding Later
Many couples complete their legal marriage now and host a big celebration in the future.
- https://getmarried.today/
- https://www.getmarried.today/
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/
- https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/
- https://www.sos.ca.gov/
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
- https://www.usps.com/
- https://www.cdc.gov/
- https://www.oceanside.ca.gov/
- https://www.cityoflagunabeach.com/
- https://www.newportbeachca.gov/
- https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/
- https://www.santa-monica.org/
- https://www.malibucity.org/
- https://www.danapoint.org/
- https://www.cityofsanclemente.org/
- https://travel.state.gov/
- https://www.uscis.gov/
- https://www.visitanaheim.org/
- https://www.visitcalifornia.com/
- https://www.nps.gov/
- https://www.lacounty.gov/
- https://www.ocgov.com/
- https://www.riversideca.gov/
- https://www.sbcounty.gov/
- https://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/
- https://www.ca.gov/
- https://www.californiabeaches.com/
- https://www.cityofirvine.org/
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/
30 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(All answers are 4–6 sentences each for SEO depth.)
1. Is a beach wedding in California legally valid?
Yes, a beach wedding in California is legally valid as long as a licensed officiant performs the ceremony after a legally issued marriage license has been obtained. Get Married Today issues legal California marriage licenses on the same day, making the process simple and fast. The ceremony must meet California civil marriage requirements, and the completed license must be submitted to the county for recording. Once filed, the marriage becomes officially recognized by the State of California.
2. Do we need a permit for a Southern California beach wedding?
Some beaches require permits depending on the size of your ceremony, decorations, or guest count. Small, simple elopements often do not require formal permits. It’s best to check with the local city for specific beach regulations. Get Married Today can help guide couples to beaches that are perfect for seamless, stress-free ceremonies.
3. Can we receive the marriage license on the beach?
Yes. Get Married Today can issue your legal California marriage license directly at the beach. This allows couples to complete everything in one location—the license issuance, ceremony, and post-ceremony document completion. It’s the easiest way to marry without visiting the courthouse.
4. Can we get married the same day we get the license?
Yes. California has no waiting period, so you may marry immediately after your license is issued. Many couples choose to have their marriage license issued and ceremony performed at the same time during their beach elopement. Everything is done efficiently and legally through Get Married Today.
5. Do we need witnesses for a beach wedding?
California requires one witness for a public marriage license ceremony, but no witnesses are required for a confidential marriage license. Couples may choose whichever option suits their needs. Get Married Today can provide witness guidance if needed.
6. What beaches are best for private elopements?
Laguna Beach coves, Dana Point overlooks, and Malibu hidden stretches are among the most private options. These areas offer natural privacy, scenic beauty, and softer crowds compared to major tourist beaches. Couples seeking intimacy find these locations perfect for small ceremonies.
7. Are sunrise weddings allowed?
Yes. Sunrise weddings are not only allowed but encouraged for incredible lighting and low foot traffic. Many couples prefer early-morning ceremonies for peace, solitude, and breathtaking coastal views. Get Married Today can coordinate officiants and license issuance at these early times.
8. Can international couples legally marry at a Southern California beach?
Absolutely. California does not require residency or citizenship to get married. International couples often choose the beach for a romantic experience while completing their legal marriage. Certified copies and apostilles are available through partner services.
9. How does the marriage license filing work?
After your ceremony, the officiant completes the license and submits it to the appropriate county clerk/recorder. Get Married Today handles this step for couples to ensure accuracy and prevent delays. Once recorded, the marriage becomes legally final.
10. How long does it take for the county to register the marriage?
Processing times vary by county but typically range from a few days to several weeks. Once registered, couples may request certified copies directly from the county. Get Married Today ensures proper filing to avoid delays.
11. Can we write our own vows for a beach wedding?
Yes. Couples may personalize their ceremony with their own vows. The officiant can help create a structure that blends legal wording with heartfelt personal vows.
12. What should we wear for a beach ceremony?
Couples usually choose comfortable, beach-friendly attire. Light fabrics, simple silhouettes, and non-slip shoes work best. Some couples choose barefoot ceremonies.
13. Can we marry with children present?
Yes. Children can participate or simply attend as guests. Many families create sweet moments involving their children during the ceremony.
14. Do we need decorations?
Not necessarily. The beach itself is a naturally beautiful setting. Some couples bring simple touches like flowers or a small arch.
15. Can we bring guests?
Yes. You may invite friends and family. Larger gatherings may require a permit depending on the beach.
16. Are dogs allowed at beach weddings?
Some beaches allow dogs; others have restrictions. Check the specific city’s policies. Many couples enjoy including their pets in the ceremony.
17. Can we have music at the beach?
Soft, portable music is allowed on many beaches. Large sound systems may require permits. Acoustic options are common.
18. Can we exchange rings at the ceremony?
Yes. Traditional ring exchanges are allowed and encouraged. The officiant will incorporate the ring exchange into your preferred ceremony style.
19. Can the officiant meet us at any beach?
Yes. Get Married Today officiants travel to beaches across Southern California. This includes Orange County, LA County, Riverside County coastal points, and more.
20. How long does the ceremony take?
Most ceremonies last 5–10 minutes. Couples may extend the ceremony with vows, readings, or special rituals.
21. Do we need separate photographers?
Photography is optional but often recommended for beach weddings. You may bring your own photographer or invite a family member to capture the moment.
22. Can we have a legal ceremony now and a big wedding later?
Yes. Many couples marry legally at the beach now and host a larger celebration later. The second ceremony can be symbolic or vow-renewal style.
23. Are beach weddings suitable for elopements?
Absolutely. Beach elopements are one of the most popular choices for couples seeking simplicity and elegance.
24. Can we get a marriage license on a weekend?
Yes. Get Married Today can issue same-day licenses seven days a week. Couples often choose weekends for convenience.
25. Do we have to appear in person together?
Yes. California requires both parties to be physically present to issue the marriage license.
26. Can we add special readings or rituals?
Yes. Unity rituals, prayers, poems, and traditions can be included at your request.
27. Can we choose a confidential marriage license?
Yes. Confidential marriage licenses offer privacy, as they are not part of public record. Many couples prefer this option.
28. Are beach weddings allowed year-round?
Yes. Southern California weather makes beach weddings possible all year long. Winters are mild, and summers offer beautiful sunsets.
29. Can we choose any time of day to marry?
Yes. Morning, afternoon, and evening ceremonies are all allowed. Sunset and sunrise weddings are especially popular.
30. Can we receive help with certified copies or apostilles after the marriage is filed?
Yes. Partner services like Orange County Apostille and Your Local Notary Public can assist with certified copies, notarization, and international use of your marriage documents.