How Much Does It Cost to Get Married Instantly?
In today’s fast-paced world, many couples are looking for a no-hassle, legally binding way to get married—instantly. Whether it’s for immigration reasons, military benefits, insurance, travel plans, or simply because love can’t wait, the demand for instant legal marriages has never been higher. But one common question always arises: how much does it cost to get married instantly?
At Get Married Today, we make the process easy and transparent by offering affordable, fast, and legal marriage services—available 24/7. In this blog, we’ll break down all the potential costs, explain optional add-ons, and help you understand what you’re really paying for when you say “I do” on the spot.
1. What Is an Instant Marriage?
Before we dive into costs, it’s important to define what an instant marriage actually means.
An “instant marriage” typically refers to the same-day issuance of a marriage license and the performance of a legal marriage ceremony, all in a single visit—without having to go to a courthouse.
At Get Married Today, couples can:
- Get their California marriage license
- Be legally married by a licensed officiant
- Have their paperwork filed with the county
- Request certified copies of the marriage certificate
- Request apostille services for international use
All of this can happen within an hour of your appointment.
2. Average Cost to Get Married Instantly in California
Let’s break down the core costs of an instant marriage in California:
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Marriage License (Public or Confidential) | $85 – $120 (varies by county) |
| Marriage Ceremony (Licensed Officiant) | $150 – $400 |
| Same-Day Service Fee (Rush Handling) | $100 – $300 |
| Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate | $17 – $25 (per copy) |
| Apostille (if needed for international use) | $175 – $350 (varies by country) |
Depending on the options you choose, an instant marriage in California can cost between $350 and $1,000.
💡 At Get Married Today, our streamlined packages bundle these services to reduce costs and save time.
3. Cost Comparison: Courthouse vs. Get Married Today
| Service Provider | Pros | Cons | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Courthouse | Government-issued license and officiant | Long wait times, no weekends, limited hours | $100 – $200 |
| Get Married Today (Private) | 24/7 availability, fast, mobile, full service | Slightly higher upfront cost | $350 – $750 (all inclusive) |
If you want flexibility, speed, and convenience—especially outside business hours—private providers like Get Married Today are the best option.
4. Key Factors That Influence the Cost
Several factors can affect the price of your instant marriage:
A. Location
Getting married at a beach in Malibu may cost more than at a home in Santa Ana. At Get Married Today, we offer location flexibility—from your home to scenic parks or even hospital bedside weddings.
B. Time of Day
Evening, late-night, or early-morning ceremonies can incur higher service fees. We offer 24/7 access, including holidays, for your convenience.
C. License Type
We issue confidential marriage licenses, which don’t require witnesses and offer more privacy. This convenience typically costs $10–$15 more than a public license.
D. Certified Copies & Apostille
Need a certified copy mailed to your home? Need it legalized for use in Mexico, France, or the Philippines? Add-on services like apostille certification and certified mailing have separate fees.
5. What’s Included in Our Instant Marriage Packages?
At Get Married Today, we offer flat-fee instant marriage packages starting at just $395. Our pricing is straightforward and includes:
- Marriage license issued on the spot
- Licensed officiant to perform your ceremony
- Marriage license filing with the county
- Proof of marriage immediately after
- Optional certified copies ordered on your behalf
- Discounts for military members
We also offer premium options that include:
- Mobile officiants at any Southern California location
- Beach or park ceremonies
- Apostille processing for international recognition
- Spanish-speaking officiants
- Same-day certified copy requests
6. Avoiding Hidden Fees
Some providers may advertise cheap weddings but tack on fees for:
- Witnesses
- Notary services
- Travel/mileage
- After-hours service
- Holiday/weekend ceremonies
- County filing
At Get Married Today, our pricing is upfront and transparent. What we quote is what you pay.
7. Common Scenarios and Pricing Examples
Scenario 1: Local Elopement in Irvine
- License + Ceremony + Filing = $395
- One Certified Copy = $20
- Total: $415
Scenario 2: Wedding at a Beach in Newport
- On-location service = $550
- Includes license, ceremony, travel, and certified copy
- Total: $550
Scenario 3: International Couple Needing Apostille for Mexico
- License, Ceremony, and Filing = $395
- Apostille + Translation + Certified Copy = $300
- Total: $695
Scenario 4: Military Couple in Camp Pendleton
- 24/7 Mobile Service = $495 (includes military discount)
- Express certified copy = $25
- Total: $520
8. Are There Cheaper Alternatives?
If cost is your top concern, you may consider:
- Courthouse weddings (limited hours/dates)
- Civil ceremonies with the county (must wait for appointments)
- Asking a friend or family member to become an officiant (takes time)
However, these options can come with long wait times, legal risks, and delays in documentation.
💡 Only licensed marriage services like ours can issue the marriage license AND legally perform the ceremony same day.
9. Why Couples Choose Instant Marriage Services
Here are the most common reasons couples want to get married instantly:
- Immigration benefits: Spousal visa processing starts only after legal marriage
- Military deployment: Immediate marriage ensures housing and benefits
- Insurance and taxes: Need legal marriage for joint filing or enrollment
- Emergency travel: Need legal spouse status before leaving the U.S.
- Avoid courthouse delays: Save time, avoid bureaucracy
- Privacy: Confidential license means your marriage is not public record
For these reasons, thousands of couples choose Get Married Today to get legally married with no stress, no courthouse, and no delay.
10. Getting the Most Value for Your Budget
Here’s how to make your instant wedding cost-effective:
- Bundle services: Marriage license, officiant, and filing in one place
- Go mobile: We can come to your home—save on venue fees
- Choose a weekday: Weekend and holiday pricing may be higher
- Get certified copies through us: We order and deliver so you don’t have to
- Ask for discounts: We offer military, student, and first responder discounts
11. Apostille Services for International Use
If your marriage certificate needs to be used in another country, you may need an apostille—a form of international certification that proves your marriage is legal in participating countries.
At Get Married Today, we offer:
- Same-day apostille processing
- Certified translations
- Courier shipping
Typical apostille fees range from $175–$350 depending on the destination country.
🔗 Learn more about apostilles here
12. Booking Your Instant Wedding Appointment
Booking your instant marriage appointment is easy:
- Visit https://getmarried.today
- Choose your location, date, and time
- Upload your photo IDs and fill out a short form
- Pay securely online
- Show up and get legally married in minutes!
Need help? Call or text us anytime—we are open 24/7.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an appointment for same-day marriage?
A: Yes. Walk-ins are not accepted, but we offer instant appointments 24/7.
Q: Is the marriage legal right away?
A: Yes. Your marriage is immediately valid under California law once the license is signed by our officiant.
Q: Can you marry us at our home or hospital?
A: Yes! We specialize in mobile weddings, even at hospitals and rehab centers.
Q: Can we get married in Spanish?
A: Absolutely. We offer Spanish-speaking officiants at no additional charge.
Q: How soon can I get a certified copy?
A: We typically order certified copies on your behalf. Counties mail them within 5–8 weeks, but rush orders may be available.
14. Real Couple Testimonials
“We called Get Married Today at 10 PM on a Saturday and were legally married by midnight! It was seamless, private, and so affordable.” — Emily & Rafael
“As a Marine, I had only 48 hours before deployment. They handled everything: license, ceremony, and filing. Total lifesaver.” — Jason & Claire
“We needed to marry quickly for immigration reasons and Get Married Today made it happen. We even got our apostille the same week.” — Maria & David
15. Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to get married instantly?
💍 Between $350 and $750 for a full, legal, and private marriage experience—license included, ceremony done, and filed with the county.
At Get Married Today, we believe love shouldn’t wait, and neither should your paperwork. Whether you’re getting married on a lunch break, before deployment, or on the beach at sunset, we are here to help make it happen—fast, affordable, and legally binding.
Book Now and Get Married Today
✨ Don’t wait weeks for the courthouse. Let us take care of everything in one visit.
📍 Book Now
📞 Call or Text: (Open 24/7)
🔗 https://getmarried.today