Introduction: Marriage Has Changed — The Law Hasn’t
For decades, couples believed that getting legally married meant standing in line at a county clerk’s office or walking into a courthouse courtroom. That belief is no longer accurate.
Today, civil and legal marriages can be performed outside the courthouse, outside the county clerk’s building, and even the same day the license is issued — as long as California law is followed correctly.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in fully legal, government-recognized marriages that happen faster, more privately, and more conveniently than traditional courthouse weddings.
This guide explains everything couples need to know — legally, practically, and procedurally — about civil marriages performed outside government buildings, including how same-day marriage really works.
What Is a Civil Marriage in California?
A civil marriage is a legally binding marriage performed by an authorized officiant, following state law, using a valid marriage license.
Contrary to popular belief:
- A civil marriage does not require a courthouse
- It does not require a judge
- It does not require a religious ceremony
- It can happen anywhere in California with proper authorization
California law allows civil marriages to be performed:
- At private venues
- In chapels
- In homes
- Outdoors
- At offices
- Via mobile officiant services
This is why services like www.getmarried.today exist.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Ceremony: The Key Legal Distinction
Many couples confuse these two steps:
1. Marriage License
Issued by a county clerk and authorizes you to marry.
2. Marriage Ceremony
The act of being married by an authorized officiant.
They do NOT have to happen at the same place.
They do NOT have to happen on different days.
When coordinated correctly, both can happen the same day, even outside the county clerk office.
How Same-Day Marriage Works in California
Same-day marriage is legal in California when:
- A valid marriage license is issued
- A qualified officiant performs the ceremony
- The license is completed and returned correctly
Organizations like:
- https://24hourmarriages.com/
- https://marriedinla.com/
- https://samedaymarriage.net/
- http://same-day-marriages.com/
exist because California law explicitly allows this process.
Civil Marriage Outside the County Clerk Office: Is It Legal?
Yes — and it has been for decades.
California Family Code allows:
- Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriage
- Authorized officiants
- Clergy members
- Judges (active or retired)
to perform ceremonies anywhere within the state.
This includes mobile services offered through platforms like:
Government Authority & Legal Recognition
Once a marriage license is properly completed and returned:
- The marriage is recorded by the county
- The marriage is legally recognized by the State of California
- Certified copies become available through the county clerk
Government reference:
- California Department of Public Health – Vital Records https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Marriage rights apply immediately, including:
- Immigration eligibility
- Insurance coverage
- Tax filing status
- Military benefits
- Name change eligibility
Private & Confidential Marriage Options
California also allows confidential marriage licenses, which:
- Do not require witnesses
- Are not publicly searchable
- Are ideal for private or international couples
These licenses are frequently used through providers like www.getmarried.today and SAMESEXMARRIAGELICENSES.COM.
Same-Sex Marriage & Equality Under California Law
Same-sex marriages are fully legal and equal under California and federal law.
Services such as:
exist to ensure inclusive, respectful, and legally sound services for all couples.
International Couples & Immigration Considerations
A California civil marriage is:
- Valid nationwide
- Recognized internationally (with proper documentation)
- Eligible for apostille or authentication when required
International couples often work with:
for multilingual and cross-border support.
Why Couples Choose Mobile Marriage Services
Couples prefer mobile services because:
- No courthouse stress
- No waiting in line
- Flexible scheduling
- Privacy
- Same-day completion
- One-stop legal handling
This model is why Get Married Today and related platforms exist.
Common Myths About Civil Marriage
❌ Myth: You must marry at a courthouse
✅ Truth: Location is flexible under California law
❌ Myth: Same-day marriage is a loophole
✅ Truth: It is explicitly permitted
❌ Myth: Mobile marriages aren’t “real”
✅ Truth: They are legally identical
What Happens After the Ceremony?
After the ceremony:
- License is returned to the county
- Marriage is registered
- Certified copies are issued
- Legal benefits activate retroactively to marriage date
Frequently Asked Questions (25)
1. Is getting married outside the courthouse legal?
Yes. California law allows authorized officiants to perform civil marriages anywhere in the state.
2. Can I get married the same day I get my license?
Yes, if the license is issued and the ceremony is performed correctly.
3. Do we need witnesses?
Public licenses require one witness; confidential licenses do not.
4. Is a mobile officiant legally valid?
Yes, when properly authorized.
5. Is this recognized by immigration?
Yes. USCIS recognizes legally recorded California marriages.
6. Are same-sex marriages treated differently?
No. All marriages are equal under the law.
7. Can tourists get married in California?
Yes, citizenship is not required.
8. How long until certified copies are available?
Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on county.
9. Can we marry at night or weekends?
Yes, through private services.
10. Is a courthouse judge required?
No.
11. Is this faster than the county clerk?
Yes.
12. Can we marry at a hotel or Airbnb?
Yes, if permitted by the property.
13. Is this legally binding immediately?
Yes.
14. Can we apostille our marriage certificate later?
Yes.
15. Are confidential marriages public?
No.
16. Can divorced individuals remarry same day?
Yes, if divorce is finalized.
17. Are religious elements required?
No.
18. Can name changes be done afterward?
Yes.
19. Is this more expensive than a courthouse?
Not necessarily — value depends on convenience.
20. Can military couples use same-day marriage?
Yes.
21. Are minors allowed to marry?
Only with court approval.
22. Can we bring our own officiant?
Yes, if authorized.
23. What if our license has an error?
Corrections are handled through the county.
24. Can we marry in one county and record in another?
No, but services coordinate correctly.
25. Is Get Married Today a government office?
No — but it works directly within government law.
Final Thoughts: Legal, Real, and Recognized
Civil marriage outside the courthouse is not a shortcut — it is a lawful alternative built into California’s legal framework.
Platforms like:
- www.getmarried.today
- https://24hourmarriages.com/
- https://marriedinla.com/
- https://samedaymarriage.net/
exist because couples want clarity, speed, and legality — without bureaucracy.
If you want a real marriage, done right, today, and legally, this is how it works.