Celebrate a New Year’s wedding with Get Married Today. Same-day marriage licenses and ceremonies are available on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in California.

A New Year’s Wedding: Start the Year With Love

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of the most symbolic dates to get married. They represent new beginnings, fresh chapters, transformation, hope, and commitment—all powerful themes for a wedding day.

Whether you’re planning a romantic midnight ceremony, an intimate New Year’s Day elopement, or a celebration surrounded by friends and family, Get Married Today makes same-day New Year’s weddings legal and effortless.

Courthouses are closed and appointments are unavailable over the holiday, but our team of state-authorized Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages can issue marriage licenses and perform legal ceremonies on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.


Why New Year’s Is the Perfect Time to Say “I Do”

1. A Symbolic Fresh Start

A New Year’s wedding marks the beginning of a new life chapter—perfect for couples ready to make it official.

2. A Celebration Everyone Already Attends

Friends and family often gather for New Year’s festivities, making it easy to include loved ones.

3. A Romantic Midnight Moment

Many couples choose to exchange vows as the clock strikes midnight.

4. Courthouses Are Closed—But We Remain Available

We issue marriage licenses and perform ceremonies during the holiday without delay.

5. Ideal for Last-Minute or Spontaneous Weddings

Some couples decide on New Year’s Day they’re ready for a fresh start—and we make it legal immediately.


How Same-Day New Year’s Marriages Work

Step 1 — Bring Valid Identification

Both partners present ID for verification.

Step 2 — Marriage License Issued by Us

No courthouse or county clerk required—even during holidays.

Step 3 — Ceremony on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day

Choose a sunset ceremony, a home event, a private moment, or a midnight celebration.

Step 4 — Your Marriage Is Legally Recorded

Your New Year’s wedding becomes your official, recognized marriage date.


30 Resources

  1. getmarried.today
  2. getmarried.today/same-day-marriage
  3. getmarried.today/marriage-license
  4. getmarried.today/new-years-wedding
  5. getmarried.today/holiday-marriage
  6. getmarried.today/blog
  7. getmarried.today/wedding-requirements
  8. getmarried.today/mobile-officiant
  9. getmarried.today/elopement
  10. getmarried.today/private-ceremony
  11. yourlocalnotarypublic.com
  12. yourlocalnotarypublic.com/notary-services
  13. orangecountyapostille.org
  14. orangecountyapostille.org/marriage-certificate
  15. orangecountyapostille.org/document-services
  16. www.ca.gov
  17. www.sos.ca.gov
  18. www.cdph.ca.gov
  19. www.cdc.gov
  20. www.uscis.gov
  21. www.travel.state.gov
  22. www.oag.ca.gov
  23. www.lacounty.gov
  24. www.ocgov.com
  25. www.sandiegocounty.gov
  26. www.riversidecountyclerk.org
  27. www.usmarriagelaws.com
  28. www.courts.ca.gov
  29. www.ftb.ca.gov
  30. www.dol.gov

30 FAQs — New Year’s Same-Day Marriage Services

1. Can we legally get married on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day?

Yes, Get Married Today offers full same-day marriage services on both days.

2. Are courthouses open during New Year’s?

No, they are closed for the holiday—but we can issue the license ourselves.

3. Can we get the marriage license and ceremony the same day?

Yes, both are completed on the same day.

4. Is a New Year’s wedding legally valid?

Yes, the date is recognized just like any other.

5. Can we have a midnight ceremony?

Yes, couples often choose to marry at midnight.

6. Do we need witnesses?

Public licenses require a witness; confidential licenses do not.

7. Can family attend our New Year’s ceremony?

Yes, ceremonies can be private or include family and friends.

8. Can tourists get married on New Year’s Day?

Yes, any eligible couple in California can marry.

9. Can we personalize a New Year’s-themed ceremony?

Yes—vows and décor can reflect New Year’s themes.

10. Can we have an outdoor ceremony on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, weather permitting.

11. Will holiday closures affect certificate processing?

The marriage is immediate; certificate processing resumes when offices reopen.

12. Is a New Year’s marriage good for tax filing?

If married by December 31, it counts for the entire tax year.

13. Can we get a confidential license on New Year’s?

Yes, confidential licenses are available year-round.

14. Can same-sex couples marry on New Year’s?

Yes, all couples are welcome.

15. Can we get married at home on New Year’s?

Yes, mobile ceremonies are available.

16. Do we need an appointment?

Appointments help, but same-day availability exists.

17. Can we include children or family in the ceremony?

Yes, family participation is welcomed.

18. Can we get photos or videos of our New Year’s ceremony?

Yes, photographers and videographers are welcome.

19. Do we need to live in California?

No residency is required.

20. Do we need special documents because of the holiday?

No, the requirements remain the same.

21. Is a New Year’s marriage recognized nationally and internationally?

Yes, it is legally valid everywhere.

22. Can we get a certified copy after the holiday?

Yes, once county offices reopen.

23. Can we plan a surprise New Year’s wedding?

Yes, many couples do.

24. Is New Year’s a popular day to get married?

Yes, it’s one of the most requested holiday dates.

25. Can we blend holiday and wedding traditions?

Yes, New Year’s elements—sparklers, countdowns, champagne—are popular.

26. Can we marry in the evening or late at night?

Yes, flexible evening and late-night options are available.

27. Does the marriage become effective immediately?

Yes, once the ceremony is completed.

28. Can international couples marry on New Year’s?

Yes, legal marriages apply to all eligible couples.

29. Can we choose a scenic or iconic location?

Yes, beaches, parks, and city views are all popular.

30. Why do couples choose New Year’s to get married?

For symbolism, celebration, timing, convenience, and the magic of a fresh start.