Marriage on Holidays
Want to get legally married on a holiday when county clerk offices and courthouses are closed? Get Married Today offers same-day marriage license and ceremony options designed for holiday schedules—office-based or mobile—so you can complete your legal marriage without relying on courthouse availability.
Related: Get Legally Married on Holidays • Same Day Marriage in Irvine • Same Day Marriage at Your Location
Choose a time slot that fits holiday travel plans, family visits, and courthouse closures.
Many couples prefer a calm, private legal ceremony instead of a crowded government setting.
Home, beach, venue, and some care settings—ideal for holiday gatherings and limited transportation.
Holiday Marriage Service Overview
Holiday marriage appointments are built around the same core workflow used throughout Get Married Today: confirm requirements, choose the right service, complete legal signing, and ensure correct handling of your paperwork.
TITLE: Marriage on Holidays
SUMMARY:
- A holiday-friendly path to a legal marriage when county clerk offices are closed.
- Options include office-based services and mobile services at your location.
- Designed for couples with urgent timelines (travel, deployment, immigration, benefits, end-of-year deadlines).
ELIGIBILITY (REQUIRED):
- Both parties must have valid government-issued photo ID.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand the process, answer questions, and freely consent.
- If either party cannot consent at the appointment time, the service cannot proceed.
SERVICE TYPES (CHOOSE ONE):
- License issuance services for couples who need a legally issued license without a county clerk visit.
- Ceremony-only services for couples who already have a license and need an officiant.
- Combined license + ceremony services for couples who want everything completed in one appointment.
HOLIDAY NOTES:
- Holiday time slots can be limited due to increased demand.
- Plan early if your holiday involves travel, family gatherings, or urgent paperwork deadlines.
- Mobile service may be ideal when transportation is difficult or privacy is preferred.
LOCATIONS:
- Office appointments: private, streamlined, and designed for same-day legal completion.
- Mobile appointments: residence, beach, venue, or other private location (where permitted).
Who Holiday Marriage Services Are For
Holiday marriage services are popular with couples who need speed, privacy, or flexibility beyond courthouse schedules.
Military Couples
- Deployment or leave windows
- Benefits deadlines
- Time-sensitive paperwork
Links: Get Married – Military • Military Resources
International & Immigration Couples
- Visa timelines and travel schedules
- Need legal proof of marriage quickly
- Planning for apostille/legalization later
Links: Immigration • K-1 Visa • International Couples
Elopements & Private Ceremonies
- Skip the courthouse atmosphere
- Keep it small and meaningful
- Holiday travel + romance combined
Link: Irvine Same-Day
Same-Sex Couples
- Fully legal, confidential services
- Office or mobile options
- Holiday-friendly scheduling
Link: Marriage Requirements
Employer Benefits or End-of-Year Timelines
- Open enrollment deadlines
- End-of-year tax planning
- Proof of marriage needs
Links: Proof of Marriage • One-Day Steps
Couples Who Want to Marry at Their Location
- Home ceremony during family holidays
- Beach elopements
- Private venues and retreats
Link: At Your Location
What to Expect on a Holiday Marriage Appointment
Holiday appointments are designed to be simple and efficient while still feeling special. The details vary by service type, but the structure below is typical.
Step 2 — Verify Requirements
- Valid ID for both partners
- Both partners coherent enough to consent
- Any prior marriage(s) properly ended, if applicable
Link: Requirements
Step 3 — Complete & Confirm
- Legal signing and ceremony completion
- Paperwork handled properly
- Guidance on proof of marriage and next steps
Link: Proof of Marriage
For couples who need documentation for use abroad after the holiday, many coordinate apostille services separately: Orange County Apostille.
Helpful Resources
Use these resources to understand holiday marriage logistics, requirements, proof, and international document workflows.
Marriage on Holidays FAQs (20)
Holiday marriage planning questions answered—focused on requirements, timing, locations, and what to expect.
1) Can we get legally married on a holiday?＋
Yes. Many couples use Get Married Today specifically because courthouses and county offices may be closed on holidays.
2) Do we need to go to the county clerk on the holiday?＋
Typically no—Get Married Today services are designed so you don’t depend on a courthouse appointment for your legal marriage workflow.
3) What documents do we need?＋
Both parties must bring valid government-issued photo ID. Additional documents may be required depending on your situation.
4) Do we have to be “coherent enough” to marry?＋
Yes. Both parties must be able to understand the process, answer questions, and freely consent at the time of signing/ceremony.
5) Can we get married at our home on a holiday?＋
Often yes. Mobile service is designed for private residences and other locations where permitted.
6) Can we get married at a hotel or venue during the holidays?＋
Yes, many couples choose mobile service for venues, hotels, and scenic spots—subject to location access and rules.
7) Is a small elopement possible on a holiday?＋
Yes. Holiday elopements are common—especially for couples traveling or visiting family.
8) Can international couples marry on a holiday?＋
Yes. Many international couples use a holiday visit to complete a legal California marriage efficiently.
9) What about immigration timelines?＋
Holiday appointments are often chosen for urgent immigration timelines. Plan early and confirm requirements to avoid delays.
10) Are same-sex couples served on holidays?＋
Yes. Same-day and holiday services are available to same-sex couples.
11) Can we do a ceremony-only appointment on a holiday?＋
Yes, if you already have a valid marriage license, you can often schedule a ceremony-only service.
12) Can we complete the license and ceremony in one holiday appointment?＋
Yes—many couples choose combined services to complete everything in one visit.
13) How far in advance should we plan a holiday marriage?＋
Earlier is better. Holiday time slots can fill quickly due to travel and courthouse closures.
14) Can we include family members visiting for the holidays?＋
Often yes—guest capacity depends on the package or location you select (office vs. mobile vs. specialty settings).
15) Can we choose a beach location on a holiday?＋
Many couples do. Confirm access, parking, and timing during holidays, and consider privacy and weather.
16) Can you come to a hospital on a holiday?＋
In urgent scenarios and where permitted by facility rules, mobile service may be available. ID and coherent consent are still required.
17) What if our holiday plans change?＋
Policies vary by booking terms. If you anticipate changing dates, plan early and keep your schedule flexible.
18) Do we need witnesses?＋
Witness requirements depend on the type of license and service. Many confidential workflows do not require a witness.
19) How do we use proof of marriage after a holiday ceremony?＋
Proof requirements vary by purpose (benefits, immigration, travel). See the Proof of Marriage page for guidance.
20) What if we need our marriage certificate used internationally after the holiday?＋
You may need certified copies and an apostille/legalization depending on the destination country. Many couples coordinate that separately through Orange County Apostille.