How to Get Married When the Courthouse Is Closed for the Holidays
Many couples believe that if the courthouse is closed for the holidays, getting legally married is impossible. This is one of the most common misconceptions about marriage in California. In reality, you can get married legally even when the courthouse is closed, including on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, weekends, and after-hours—when the process is handled correctly.
California law allows marriage to take place outside of courthouse hours through authorized professionals. This is why services such as Get Married Today exist: to help couples get married any day, any time, without relying on courthouse availability.
Why Courthouse Closures Do NOT Stop You From Getting Married
Courthouses primarily issue public marriage licenses, which require in-person appointments during business hours. However, California law also authorizes confidential marriage licenses, which may be issued by licensed marriage commissioners, notaries, and ordained ministers outside of courthouse settings.
According to the California Department of Public Health, a marriage license becomes valid immediately upon issuance. There is no waiting period, no residency requirement, and no restriction based on holidays or weekends. This legal framework makes holiday and after-hours marriage fully compliant with California law.
How Confidential Marriage Licenses Make Holiday Marriage Legal
A confidential marriage license is the legal key to getting married when the courthouse is closed. Unlike a public license, it does not require witnesses, is not publicly searchable, and can be issued anywhere in California by an authorized official.
This is why Orange County is one of the most popular regions for holiday and same-day marriages. Even when the Orange County Clerk-Recorder is closed, licensed professionals can still issue licenses, perform ceremonies, and submit completed records for official filing once offices reopen.
Couples searching for holiday elopement California, get married on Christmas, New Year’s Day wedding, or same-day marriage near me often choose this option.
Can You Get Married in Los Angeles When the Courthouse Is Closed?
Yes—but many couples legally marry through Orange County services and then hold their ceremony in Los Angeles. This is because Los Angeles County experiences longer closures and appointment delays, especially around holidays.
By avoiding the scheduling limitations of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, couples still receive a valid California marriage certificate while enjoying their preferred ceremony location.
What You Need to Get Married on a Holiday
To get married when the courthouse is closed, both parties must appear together with valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. California does not require blood tests, medical exams, or state residency.
Identity verification and compliance checks are commonly coordinated through professionals such as Your Local Notary Public to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.
Filing the Marriage License After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, the marriage license must be properly filed with the county recorder to finalize the marriage. This step is critical and is where many self-managed holiday weddings fail.
Professional same-day marriage services ensure that the license is securely submitted and tracked with the county. Once registered, certified copies can be ordered for legal use with agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and the California Employment Development Department.
Holiday Marriage for Immigration & International Use
Holiday marriages are especially common for couples facing immigration deadlines. A properly filed California marriage certificate is recognized by USCIS for marriage-based petitions.
If the marriage certificate will be used abroad, apostille authentication may be required under the Hague Convention. Apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State and are often coordinated through services such as Orange County Apostille and Federal Apostille.
Why Holiday Marriages Are Increasing in California
Modern couples increasingly choose to marry on holidays for convenience, symbolism, and simplicity. Industry data from The Knot, WeddingWire, and Brides confirms the continued rise of elopements and micro-weddings.
Southern California remains a year-round destination for intimate ceremonies, as highlighted by Visit California.
Final Answer: Yes, You Can Get Married When the Courthouse Is Closed
Courthouse closures do not prevent marriage in California. With confidential marriage licenses and authorized professionals, you can get married legally on holidays, weekends, and even late at night.
When handled correctly, holiday marriage is not a workaround—it is a lawful, recognized, and stress-free solution that allows couples to get married on their schedule, not the courthouse’s.