Marriage License Requirements
To obtain a marriage license in California, the following items are required:
1. We require both partners to have a valid Identification Card. Either
- Drivers License
- State Issued ID
- Military Service Card
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card
- Matricula Consular Registration Card
- Consular Identification
2. If either partner has been married before, you must bring proof of:
- Divorce
- Death Certificate of previous spouse
- Annulment
- Dissolution of State Registered Domestic Partnership
3. Both partners will need to know their birth father and birth mother full names (First, Middle and Last).
4. Both partners must be living together or plan to live together.
5. Book an appointment and provide a deposit.
FAQ
Your questions answered about our services.
Yes, California allows couples to get married the same day they apply for a marriage license. At Get Married Today, we make this possible by issuing your marriage license and officiating your ceremony on the spot—no courthouse appointment required. Whether it’s an elopement, military urgency, or a last-minute celebration, we’re open 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Just bring valid, government-issued photo IDs, and you’re good to go. We handle everything legally and quickly, so you walk away married the same day.
We highly recommend booking online in advance at Get Married Today to ensure availability and speed up the process. Scheduling ahead helps us prepare your documents and avoid delays. Our team can issue your marriage license and perform your wedding in one seamless visit. We also offer mobile wedding services across Southern California if you prefer to get married at your location. We’re here for you 24/7—including holidays and evenings
All you need are valid, government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver’s license or passport, for both parties. No birth certificates or Social Security cards are required for a confidential marriage license. If either party was previously married, you must provide the exact date the marriage ended (divorce or death). For non-U.S. citizens, your marriage is still legal in California, and we offer apostille services for international recognition. Visit our Marriage License Requirements page for a complete checklist.
Yes, if you choose a confidential marriage license, no witness is required—just the couple and the officiant. This is ideal for private ceremonies or couples who don’t want to involve others. The ceremony can be held in our office or at your preferred location. We offer both public and confidential marriage licenses depending on your needs. Learn more about confidential licenses on the Los Angeles County Registrar site.
Yes, all marriages performed by Get Married Today are legally binding and recognized in all 50 states. If you’re getting married for immigration, military, or international purposes, we can also help you obtain an apostille certification to validate your marriage abroad. This is especially useful for couples from Hague Convention countries. Just let us know during booking if you need this service. For more info, see our page on Apostille Services.
Absolutely! We specialize in urgent military marriages, helping active-duty members and their partners get legally married the same day. Whether you’re preparing for deployment or need to file for BAH or spousal benefits, we streamline the process for you. Military ID is accepted as a valid form of identification, and we also offer military discounts. Our service is discreet, professional, and fast. Learn more about our military marriage services.
Yes, we proudly serve international and non-citizen couples! A U.S. Social Security number is not required for marriage in California. All you need are valid passports or government-issued IDs from your home country. We also provide apostille certification for international recognition, ensuring your marriage is valid in your home country. For details on international marriage documentation, see the California Secretary of State Apostille Information.
Yes! We offer mobile wedding services anywhere in Southern California, including beaches, hotels, parks, and private residences. Whether it’s a scenic elopement or a cozy backyard celebration, we bring the marriage license and officiant to you. Simply let us know the location during booking, and we’ll take care of the rest. Travel fees may apply depending on the distance. Start your custom ceremony at Get Married Today.
The whole process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. This includes issuing your marriage license, performing the ceremony, and filing your paperwork with the county. If you’ve pre-booked, everything will be ready upon arrival to save even more time. Whether you’re in a rush or planning a spontaneous celebration, we make it simple. We’re known for our fast, efficient, and legally-compliant service—visit our How It Works page to learn more.
No, your marriage certificate is mailed to you after the license has been officially recorded by the county. This usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the county’s processing time. If you need your certificate urgently—for immigration, name change, or military benefits—we can help you request expedited processing or obtain certified copies. Our team also offers apostille services for international use. Visit CDPH – Marriage Certificates for official timelines and info.
More Questions & Answers
1. Is it legal to get married the same day in California?
Yes, California law allows couples to marry the same day they obtain a marriage license. You do not need a waiting period or court appointment. At Get Married Today, we streamline the process so you can receive your license and have your ceremony in a single visit. Everything is legal and filed with the county.
📄 California Marriage Info – CDPH
2. What is the difference between a public and confidential marriage license?
A public license is searchable by anyone and requires at least one witness. A confidential license is not public record and requires no witnesses. Both are legally binding in California. Get Married Today offers both types depending on your needs.
📄 LA County – Marriage License Types
3. Can we get married on a holiday or weekend?
Yes! Get Married Today operates 24/7, including weekends and all holidays. We understand urgent needs, last-minute plans, and military deployments. Just book in advance online or call us directly for immediate service.
📄 California Marriage Requirements – CDPH
4. Can we get legally married without a witness?
Yes, if you choose a confidential marriage license. It allows you to be married without any witnesses present—just the couple and officiant. This is ideal for private, intimate weddings or elopements. Get Married Today specializes in confidential ceremonies.
5. How quickly can I get my marriage certificate after the wedding?
Your official marriage certificate is mailed by the county after the license is recorded. This usually takes 6–8 weeks. If needed sooner, we can help you request certified copies. We also provide apostille services for international use.
📄 CDPH Marriage Certificate Info
6. Can I get married without being a California resident?
Yes, California does not have a residency requirement for marriage. Anyone from out-of-state or abroad can legally marry here. Get Married Today offers full same-day services regardless of your home state or country.
7. Can we use foreign passports as ID?
Yes, foreign passports are accepted as valid identification. If not in English, they must be translated and notarized. We help many international couples marry legally and quickly.
📄 Los Angeles County – Marriage License Requirements
8. Do you offer mobile wedding services?
Yes, we can come to your location—beach, park, hotel, or home. Just let us know the address and your preferred time. We bring the license, officiant, and file your paperwork afterward.
📄 San Diego County Marriage Info
9. Can military couples get married the same day?
Absolutely. We specialize in urgent weddings for active-duty military, especially those facing deployment. Bring your military ID and we’ll help expedite everything. Discounts available.
📄 Defense Department – BAH for Married Members
10. Can we get married if one person is undocumented?
Yes, California does not require proof of immigration status for marriage. Valid ID is still needed. We serve many couples in this situation and ensure your wedding is fully legal.
📄 CDPH – Marriage License Requirements
11. What languages do you offer ceremonies in?
We offer ceremonies in English and Spanish. If you need another language, let us know ahead of time. We work with multilingual officiants when available.
📄 California Secretary of State – Notary Translations
12. Can same-sex couples marry the same day?
Yes, same-sex marriage is fully legal in California. Our services are inclusive and available to all couples. We proudly support LGBTQ+ clients.
📄 State of California – LGBTQ+ Rights
13. Do we need a blood test to get married in California?
No, blood tests are not required in California. You simply need valid identification and basic personal information.
14. How do we prove we’re living together for a confidential license?
No documentation is required, but both partners must declare that they live together. This is part of the application process. Get Married Today can guide you through the steps.
📄 Los Angeles County – Confidential License Info
15. What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments. You can pay in advance when booking or on the day of service.
📄 [Your County Clerk Office Payment Policies – Check your local office]
16. Is our marriage valid outside of the U.S.?
Yes, but you may need an apostille for international use. We offer apostille services to validate your marriage abroad. Especially important for Hague Convention countries.
📄 CA Secretary of State – Apostille Info
17. Can we get married if one of us is under 18?
Minors need parental consent and a court order. We do not issue licenses to underage applicants without these documents. Please check with the county court before contacting us.
📄 CA Family Code – Marriage Age Laws
18. How do we change our name after marriage?
You’ll use your certified marriage certificate to update your name with Social Security, DMV, and banks. We can help you order copies.
📄 Social Security Name Change Info
19. Do you provide officiants for religious ceremonies?
We offer secular and spiritual ceremonies, but for specific religious rites, we recommend bringing your own officiant. We can still issue your license and file your paperwork.
📄 CA Marriage Laws – Officiants
20. What if we’ve been divorced—can we remarry the same day?
Yes, as long as the divorce is finalized and you know the date it was legally terminated. Bring the date of your divorce, no paperwork needed unless very recent.
📄 Family Law Resources – CA Courts
21. Can we book a romantic location for the ceremony through you?
Yes! We have access to select venues, beach spots, and private ceremony spaces. Let us know your vision and we’ll help coordinate.
📄 California State Parks Wedding Permits
22. What if we need an emergency marriage today?
We provide emergency same-day service, even within a few hours. Ideal for medical situations, deployments, or immigration deadlines. Call us directly for priority help.
📄 Emergency Marriage FAQ – Get Married Today
23. Can I bring my pet to the ceremony?
Absolutely! We love pet-friendly weddings and can accommodate outdoor locations. Just let us know so we can plan the right venue or mobile setup.
📄 California Pet-Friendly Parks & Beaches
24. Do you provide photography or video packages?
Yes, we work with local photographers and videographers. Ask us about affordable elopement packages that include media services.
📄 Get Married Today – Add-On Packages
25. What happens if we lose our marriage certificate?
You can request a replacement through the county where your license was filed. We can help you with certified copy requests or expedited services.
📄 Request Marriage Certificate – CDPH
Get Married Today Office Chapels
Canoga Park:
6603 Independence Ave
Unit A
Canoga Park, CA 91303
Costa Mesa:
555 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Anaheim/Orange:
333 City Blvd W
Suite 1700
Orange, CA 92868
Westwood:
2180 Westwood Blvd, Suite 2b
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Santa Monica:
2450 Colorado Ave
Suite 100E
Santa Monica, CA 90404
San Juan Capistrano:
27131 Calle Arroyo
Suite 1722
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675