Can You Be Legally Married Without a Minister or Officiant?
Marriage is one of the most important and life-changing commitments two people can make. But when it comes to the legal side of tying the knot, many couples have questions—especially about who can legally perform the ceremony. One of the most frequently asked questions is:
Can you be legally married without a minister or officiant?
At Get Married Today, we specialize in fast, legal, and low-cost weddings across California, and we’re here to provide clear answers to help you make the best choice for your marriage. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about who can legally marry you, what your options are, and how to get married without the stress—including how we can help you get married today, even without a traditional minister.
📍 Ready to book your legal wedding today? Visit us at GetMarried.Today for same-day marriage services!
Short Answer: In Most Cases, You Need an Officiant to Be Legally Married
In the vast majority of U.S. states—including California—you cannot be legally married without a recognized officiant. That means someone authorized by law to solemnize marriages, such as:
- A judge or court official
- A religious minister, priest, rabbi, or imam
- A civil officiant (like a notary public in states that allow it)
- A Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages (like our team at Get Married Today)
📍 For more on California marriage law, visit California Department of Public Health
But What About Self-Solemnization?
There is one notable exception to the rule: some U.S. states allow “self-solemnization,” where you don’t need an officiant at all. The most well-known examples are:
- Colorado
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin (with certain limitations)
- District of Columbia
In these locations, couples can marry themselves, sign their marriage certificate, and file it with the state without a third-party officiant.
📍 Want to know which states allow self-solemnization? Check out U.S. Marriage Laws by State
However, California is NOT one of those states. So if you’re planning to get legally married in California, you’ll need an authorized officiant.
California Marriage Law: The Role of the Officiant
In California, a wedding is only legally binding if it is:
- Performed by a person who is legally authorized to officiate a wedding
- Witnessed (unless you’re using a Confidential Marriage License)
- Properly documented and filed with the county
📍 More info available at California Courts: Marriage License and Ceremony
Who Can Be an Officiant in California?
According to California law, the following people may perform a marriage:
- Clergy members of any religious denomination
- Judges and court commissioners
- Legislators and constitutional officers
- Notaries public (if authorized)
- Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages (like our Get Married Today officiants)
📍 Read the full legal requirements at California Family Code – Section 400-402
How Get Married Today Makes It Simple
At Get Married Today, we are licensed Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages in California. That means we are:
✅ Legally authorized to issue your marriage license
✅ Qualified to perform a valid and legally binding wedding ceremony
✅ Able to file all paperwork on your behalf
✅ Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays
You do not need to bring your own officiant—we provide everything for you in one fast, affordable, and convenient appointment.
📍 Book your same-day wedding with a licensed officiant now at GetMarried.Today
Can a Friend or Family Member Officiate Instead?
Yes—California allows friends and family to officiate, but they must be ordained or deputized.
Two Legal Options:
- Become Ordained Online
Organizations like Universal Life Church offer free ordination that allows someone to legally officiate a wedding. - Apply to Be a Deputy Commissioner for a Day
In California, someone can apply to become a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for a day through the local county clerk.
📍 Find more details at L.A. County Civil Marriage Deputy Program
⚠️ Keep in mind that either option may require paperwork, fees, and processing time—and you’ll still need to obtain a marriage license.
Common Misconceptions About Officiants & Legal Marriages
Let’s bust some myths:
❌ “We can just say vows to each other and be married, right?”
Wrong. While private vow exchanges are beautiful, they’re not legally binding without an authorized officiant and marriage license.
❌ “Can we just sign a paper ourselves?”
No. You need a legal officiant to complete and sign the marriage license unless you live in a self-solemnizing state (California is not one).
✅ “Can we get married legally in one day?”
Yes—if you use a service like Get Married Today!
📍 Explore more marriage FAQs at Nolo: Marriage Laws
Why Couples Choose Get Married Today
We take the guesswork out of getting married in California. Here’s what you get with our service:
✅ Marriage license issued on-site
✅ Licensed officiant included
✅ Ceremony anywhere: beach, home, hotel, or park
✅ Same-day service available 24/7
✅ Apostille services available for international use
✅ Perfect for elopements, military couples, and immigration needs
📍 Need an apostille for international use? We partner with Orange County Apostille to help you!
Who Can Benefit from Our Services?
✈️ International Couples
Get legally married in California and receive an apostille for use in the UK, Australia, Germany, or Mexico.
📍 Learn more about apostille requirements at The Hague Conference
🎖 Military Members
Marry fast to access spousal benefits like TRICARE, BAH, and military ID cards.
📍 Military marriage benefits guide available at Military.com
💑 Couples Eloping or on a Budget
Skip the expensive venue and ceremony costs. We make it simple and affordable.
📍 Find low-cost wedding ideas at Brides.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get legally married without an officiant in California?
No. California requires a licensed officiant for the marriage to be legally valid.
Can we be married the same day?
Yes! With Get Married Today, we issue your license and perform the ceremony the same day.
Is our marriage valid internationally?
Yes—especially with an apostille certificate. We can help you get one.
Do you provide officiants 24/7?
Yes! We’re available anytime—including nights, weekends, and holidays.
📍 Ready to book your marriage? Do it now at GetMarried.Today
Final Thoughts: Can You Be Legally Married Without a Minister or Officiant?
In California, you must have a legal officiant to be legally married—but that doesn’t mean you need to spend months planning or thousands of dollars. At Get Married Today, we simplify the entire process by offering:
✅ Licensed officiants
✅ On-site marriage license issuance
✅ Same-day weddings, 24/7
✅ Affordable, private, and stress-free ceremonies
📍 Book your legal wedding today at GetMarried.Today and let us help you get married—fast, easy, and legally!
Helpful Resources and References
- California Marriage Laws – CDPH
- US Marriage Laws by State
- Hague Apostille Convention
- Orange County Apostille Services
- Universal Life Church – Become an Officiant
- Los Angeles County Deputy Commissioner for a Day
- Military Marriage Benefits – Military.com
- Zola – Stress-Free Wedding Tips
- Brides.com – Wedding Vows & Ideas
- VitalChek – Marriage Certificate Request
- The Knot – How to Write Wedding Vows
- Nolo – Marriage Rights & Legal Benefits
- Wedding Spot – California Venues
- Visit California – Plan Your Trip
- Santa Monica Wedding Locations
- Griffith Park – LA Parks
- Laguna Beach Elopements
- Joshua Tree Weddings – NPS
- Napa Valley Wedding Spots
- Yosemite Elopements – NPS
- Social Security – Name Change After Marriage
- DMV California – Name Change
- U.S. Passport Services – Travel.gov
- USCIS – Marriage-Based Immigration
- Get Married Today – Book Now