How Does a Same-Day Marriage Work? Are You Actually Legally Married? What Happens After Your Appointment?
Getting married should be fast, easy, and stress-free. With Get Married Today, we provide same-day marriage services, ensuring that you walk in as an engaged couple and walk out legally married—all in a single visit.
But how does a same-day marriage work? Is it legally recognized? And what do you need to do after the appointment? In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about getting married on the same day with Get Married Today.
📍 Ready to book your marriage appointment? Visit GetMarried.Today and make your marriage official today!
How Does a Same-Day Marriage Work?
A same-day marriage is a fast, simple, and legally binding process that allows couples to obtain a marriage license and have their wedding ceremony on the same day.
Unlike traditional courthouse weddings that require separate appointments for the marriage license and ceremony, Get Married Today provides a complete marriage solution in one visit.
Step-by-Step Process of a Same-Day Marriage
Step 1: Book Your Appointment
📅 Schedule your same-day marriage appointment at GetMarried.Today.
• Appointments available 24/7 (weekends & holidays included).
• No waiting period—you get legally married the same day!
• Perfect for elopements, immigration purposes, and military members.
Step 2: Obtain Your Marriage License
📜 Unlike traditional marriages where you need to visit a government office before the ceremony, Get Married Today issues your marriage license on-site.
• No separate trip to the courthouse required!
• Licensed officiants issue and sign your legal marriage license.
• Your marriage license is officially recorded with the state.
🔎 Learn more about California’s marriage license requirements at California Department of Public Health.
Step 3: Choose Your Ceremony Style
💍 Pick the type of ceremony you want:
• Basic Legal Ceremony – Fast, efficient, and legally binding.
• Personalized Vow Exchange – Make it intimate and meaningful.
• Small Private Ceremony – Bring a few guests for a cozy experience.
📍 Need wedding inspiration? Check out The Knot.
Step 4: Say “I Do”
🎤 A licensed officiant will conduct your legally binding wedding ceremony, ensuring that all state requirements are met.
📜 Once the ceremony is complete, you will sign your marriage license.
Step 5: Your Marriage Is Official & Recorded
📑 We file all paperwork with the appropriate government office, ensuring that your marriage is officially recorded.
💍 That’s it! You’re legally married in one visit.
Are You Actually Legally Married After a Same-Day Marriage?
YES! Same-day marriages are 100% legal and valid.
Once your marriage license is signed and recorded, you are legally recognized as a married couple, and your marriage certificate is proof of your legal union.
How Do You Know Your Marriage Is Legal?
1️⃣ Your marriage license is issued by an authorized officiant or county office.
2️⃣ You and your spouse sign the license, along with the officiant.
3️⃣ Your officiant submits the signed marriage license to the county recorder.
4️⃣ The county processes the marriage and issues an official marriage certificate.
📑 Learn more about marriage certificate processing at California Vital Records.
Is a Same-Day Marriage Recognized for Immigration & Legal Purposes?
YES! Same-day marriage certificates are legally valid for immigration, military benefits, and spousal rights.
📑 Learn more about how a legal marriage supports green card applications at USCIS.
What Do You Need to Do After Your Same-Day Marriage?
Once you’re legally married, there are a few important steps you may need to take.
1. Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
📜 You’ll need certified copies of your marriage certificate for:
• Immigration applications (K-1 visa, spousal green card)
• Name change requests (DMV, Social Security, Passport, Banks)
• Military spousal benefits (TRICARE, BAH)
• Health insurance & tax purposes
📑 Find out how to obtain a certified marriage certificate at VitalChek.
2. Change Your Last Name (If Desired)
📝 If you or your spouse are changing your name, you’ll need to:
• Update your Social Security Card at SSA.gov.
• Change your driver’s license at the DMV at DMV.ca.gov.
• Update your passport at Travel.State.Gov.
📍 Need a full name-change checklist? Check out The Knot Name Change Guide.
3. Notify Your Employer & Insurance Providers
🏥 If you’re adding your spouse to your health insurance or work benefits, notify your HR department with a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
📑 Learn more about spousal benefits and legal marriage at Nolo.
4. If You’re a Military Member – Register Your Spouse for Benefits
🎖 Military marriages qualify spouses for important benefits, including:
• TRICARE health insurance – Enroll at TRICARE.
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) – Find out BAH rates.
• Military Dependent ID Card – Apply at CAC.mil.
📍 For a full guide on military marriage benefits, visit Military.com.
Why Choose Get Married Today?
✔ Fastest way to legally marry—same-day weddings!
✔ No courthouse delays—just a fast, legal ceremony.
✔ Licensed officiants & marriage license issuance.
✔ Recognized for immigration, military, and legal benefits.
✔ LGBTQ+ friendly & inclusive for all couples.
What Our Happy Couples Say
🌟 “We needed a legal marriage for immigration, and Get Married Today made it happen in just hours!” – Maria & James
🌟 “They handled everything in one visit—license, ceremony, and paperwork. Highly recommended!” – Jenny & Mark
🌟 “As a military member, I needed a quick marriage before deployment. It was perfect!” – Lisa & John
Book Your Same-Day Marriage Today!
🚀 No waiting, no stress—just a fast, legal wedding!
📍 Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today and get married today!
💍 Your perfect legal marriage—made easy.
Additional Resources