The holidays are one of the most meaningful times of the year. They represent family, commitment, reflection, and new beginnings. For many couples, that makes the holiday season the perfect moment to get legally married. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or any special holiday that matters to you, getting married during the holidays can be intimate, symbolic, and surprisingly simple—if you know how to do it correctly.
This guide explains everything you need to know about getting married during the holidays, including legal requirements, common challenges, solutions when courthouses are closed, and why so many couples choose private, same-day marriage services instead of waiting months for government appointments.
This post is designed for couples who want clarity, flexibility, and peace of mind—without stress, delays, or unnecessary complications.
Why Holiday Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever
Holiday marriages have surged in popularity for several reasons:
- Families are already gathered
- Time off work is easier to arrange
- Emotional significance is higher
- Many couples want to start the new year legally married
- Immigration, military, tax, or benefits deadlines often align with year-end dates
Unlike traditional weddings, holiday marriages are often intentional and intimate. Many couples are not looking for large venues or long guest lists. Instead, they want a legally valid marriage, a meaningful moment, and the flexibility to celebrate on their own terms.
Can You Legally Get Married During the Holidays?
Yes—you can legally get married during the holidays, even when county clerk offices or courthouses are closed.
In California, marriage law allows couples to:
- Obtain a marriage license
- Have a ceremony performed
- Have the marriage legally registered
All of this does not require a courthouse ceremony, and it does not require a traditional venue.
This is why private, licensed marriage services have become essential—especially during holidays when government offices are closed, booked, or unavailable.
Common Holiday Marriage Challenges (and How Couples Solve Them)
1. Courthouses Are Closed or Fully Booked
Most county clerk offices close on:
- Federal holidays
- Weekends
- Reduced holiday hours
- Year-end shutdown periods
Solution: Use a licensed marriage service authorized to issue licenses and perform ceremonies outside the courthouse.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/requirements-for-marriage/
2. Short Timelines Before Year-End
Many couples decide late in the year that they need to be married:
- Before December 31 for tax reasons
- Before insurance open enrollment ends
- Before military deployment
- Before visa or immigration deadlines
Solution: Same-day marriage options that combine the license and ceremony in one appointment.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/
3. Family Is Only in Town Temporarily
The holidays may be the only time loved ones are physically present.
Solution: Mobile or private ceremonies at homes, hotels, hospitals, or vacation rentals.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/book-your-marriage/
4. Desire for Privacy and Simplicity
Many couples don’t want a courthouse setting or public waiting room.
Solution: Confidential or private marriage licenses with discreet ceremonies.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/faq-2/
Types of Holiday Marriages Couples Choose
Same-Day Legal Marriage
A same-day marriage allows you to:
- Obtain a valid California marriage license
- Complete the ceremony
- Have the marriage registered properly
All in one day.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/what-to-expect-before-your-marriage-appointment/
Holiday Elopements
Elopements during the holidays are often:
- Small
- Romantic
- Flexible
- Focused on meaning rather than logistics
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/what-to-expect-after-your-marriage-appointment/
Family-Centered Holiday Ceremonies
Some couples incorporate:
- Thanksgiving dinners
- Christmas gatherings
- New Year’s celebrations
- Cultural or religious traditions
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/faq-2/
Marriage Before a Larger Future Wedding
Many couples legally marry during the holidays and plan a larger celebration later.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/requirements-for-marriage/
Legal Requirements to Get Married in California (Holiday Edition)
Even during the holidays, California marriage law remains consistent.
You must:
- Be 18 or older (or meet minor requirements)
- Have valid government-issued photo ID
- Appear together in person
- Complete a marriage license
- Have a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant
There is no residency requirement, meaning tourists and international couples can marry legally in California.
Backlink: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Marriage-License.aspx
Confidential vs Public Marriage Licenses
Confidential Marriage License
- Not visible in public records
- Requires both parties to affirm cohabitation
- Ideal for privacy-focused couples
Public Marriage License
- Public record
- Available to all couples
Both are legally valid.
Backlink: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Confidential-Marriage.aspx
Popular Holidays for Same-Day Marriage
Thanksgiving
Perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Gratitude-centered ceremonies
- Long weekends
Christmas & Christmas Eve
Ideal for:
- Romantic elopements
- Private ceremonies
- Symbolic beginnings
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
One of the most popular times to get married legally.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/
Valentine’s Day
Romantic, symbolic, and popular for elopements.
Military & Federal Holidays
Critical for service members facing deployment.
Backlink: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/relationships/marriage-in-the-military/
Why Couples Choose Get Married Today During the Holidays
Couples choose Get Married Today because it provides:
- Legal marriages outside the courthouse
- Same-day marriage licenses and ceremonies
- Holiday and weekend availability
- Mobile and office-based options
- Support for international and military couples
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/
International Couples & Holiday Marriages
Many couples marry during the holidays to:
- Prepare immigration filings
- Apply for spousal visas
- Apostille marriage certificates
- Register marriages abroad
Backlink: https://orangecountyapostille.org/
Backlink: https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/
After the Holiday Wedding: What Comes Next
After your ceremony:
- The marriage is registered
- Certified copies can be requested
- Apostille services may be required for international use
- Name changes and benefits updates can begin
Backlink: https://www.vitalchek.com/
Frequently Asked Questions (30 FAQs)
1. Can we get married on a holiday when courthouses are closed?
Yes, through authorized private marriage services.
2. Is a holiday marriage legally valid?
Yes, if completed according to California law.
3. Can we get married the same day during the holidays?
Yes, same-day options are available.
4. Do we need witnesses?
Depends on the license type.
5. Can tourists get married during the holidays?
Yes.
6. Can international couples marry legally?
Yes.
7. Are holiday marriages confidential?
They can be.
8. Is a courthouse required?
No.
9. Can family attend?
Yes.
10. Can we choose the location?
Yes.
11. Are holiday weekends allowed?
Yes.
12. Can we marry before year-end for taxes?
Yes.
13. Can we marry before military deployment?
Yes.
14. Is ID required?
Yes.
15. Can we do a private ceremony?
Yes.
16. Is a religious ceremony required?
No.
17. Can we have a non-religious ceremony?
Yes.
18. Is the marriage recognized internationally?
Yes, with proper documentation.
19. Can we apostille our marriage certificate?
Yes.
20. Can we marry at a hospital?
Yes.
21. Can we marry at home?
Yes.
22. Are same-sex marriages allowed?
Yes.
23. Can previously married couples remarry each other?
Yes.
24. Can we marry without guests?
Yes.
25. Is the marriage registered with the state?
Yes.
26. Can we request certified copies later?
Yes.
27. Is there a waiting period?
No.
28. Can we marry late at night or early morning?
Yes, with private services.
29. Can we marry during holiday travel?
Yes.
30. Is the process complicated?
No—when handled correctly, it’s simple.
Final Thoughts: Make the Holidays Your Beginning
Getting married during the holidays is not only possible—it’s one of the most meaningful ways to start a new chapter. Whether you want a quiet moment, a family-centered celebration, or a legally binding marriage before a major life milestone, holiday marriages offer flexibility, symbolism, and emotional depth.
With the right guidance and legally authorized services, your holiday marriage can be seamless, valid, and unforgettable.
Backlink: https://getmarried.today/