Can I Elope and Have a Wedding Later? Yes—And We Can Help You Get Married Fast, Privately, and Legally
When you think of a wedding, what comes to mind? A grand ceremony, months of planning, expensive venues, and hundreds of guests? Or do you imagine something simple, intimate, and meaningful—just you and your partner saying “I do”?
If you’re wondering, “Can I elope and still have a wedding later?” the answer is absolutely yes.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in making that possible with a fast, private, and legal marriage ceremony—perfect for couples who want to elope now and celebrate later. Whether it’s for immigration, military, insurance, or just love and timing, we help couples get legally married the same day with no courthouse delays.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know:
- What is eloping?
- Is it legal to elope and have a ceremony later?
- Why couples choose to elope first and party later
- How eloping helps with urgent documentation
- Why our service is different from a courthouse
- Real-life examples from our clients
- What your options are for a celebration after eloping
- How to plan a stress-free, legal elopement today
Let’s dive in.
What Does It Mean to Elope?
Traditionally, eloping meant running away to get married in secret—often without parental approval or formal arrangements.
Today, eloping has evolved. It now simply means having a private, intimate wedding—sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, and usually without the big reception or guest list.
Eloping focuses on the legal act of getting married without the fanfare.
You can:
- Get married with just an officiant and a witness
- Skip the ceremony or keep it minimal
- Choose any location: a beach, home, park, hotel room, or office
- Have a big celebration later when it’s right for you
Eloping is 100% legal and valid, and it offers a streamlined path to married life for couples who need speed, privacy, or simplicity.
Can I Elope Now and Have a Wedding Later?
Yes. Thousands of couples elope first—either for practical or personal reasons—and then plan a wedding celebration with friends and family down the line.
Here’s how it works:
- You get legally married now, with a confidential marriage license and a legally-binding ceremony (which we can provide the same day).
- You plan a public ceremony or celebration later, which may include a vow renewal, reception, or symbolic wedding.
This gives you the legal benefits of marriage—while preserving the joy and tradition of celebrating when you’re ready.
Why Do Couples Choose to Elope First?
Couples elope for a wide range of reasons. Whether it’s for practical needs, legal requirements, or emotional relief, elopement solves many common challenges. Here are the most popular reasons:
1. Urgency: Immigration, Military, or Insurance Benefits
If one partner is applying for a green card, stationed overseas, or needs spousal health benefits immediately—getting legally married today solves that.
We work with:
- Military couples needing urgent housing or spousal status
- Immigrant couples starting visa applications (Form I-130, I-485)
- Partners facing medical emergencies and needing next-of-kin legal rights
- Couples preparing for international travel or consular appointments
A legal marriage is a prerequisite for most benefits—and eloping takes care of it instantly.
2. Timing and Life Transitions
Many couples are in transitional stages: moving, starting a job, relocating abroad, or expecting a child. A traditional wedding might not fit into their current schedule.
Eloping offers freedom from pressure. You can marry today, and celebrate next year.
3. Budget Considerations
Weddings can be expensive. Eloping keeps costs low and meaningful. You can spend more on a honeymoon, home, or future plans.
Our ceremonies are affordable, starting as low as a few hundred dollars—including the license and officiant.
4. Privacy and Simplicity
Some couples just want their moment—without the noise, stress, or spotlight.
Eloping offers peace. No judgment. No production. Just love, legality, and the beginning of your life together.
Is an Elopement Legally Binding?
Yes—as long as the marriage is performed by a licensed officiant with a valid license and properly filed with the county.
At Get Married Today, we provide:
- The confidential California marriage license
- A legally binding ceremony (civil or religious)
- Immediate filing with the county registrar
- Optional apostille certification for international use
Your marriage is 100% real, official, and recognized in all U.S. states and under the Hague Apostille Convention if you need it abroad.
Why Not Just Go to the Courthouse?
Courthouse weddings have their own appeal—but they’re not always easy or fast. Here’s why couples choose us instead:
| Feature | Courthouse Wedding | Get Married Today |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited weekday hours | 24/7, even holidays |
| Waiting period | Sometimes required | None |
| Appointments | Often fully booked | Same-day, flexible |
| Privacy | Public courtroom | Private ceremony anywhere |
| License issuance | Separate visit required | We issue it on the spot |
| Language Options | English only | Spanish and multilingual officiants |
| Customization | Basic script only | Personalized ceremony options |
Real Couples, Real Stories
Vanessa & Diego – Immigration Deadline
Vanessa, a U.S. citizen, needed to file an I-130 for her fiancé Diego, a visitor from Colombia. They had just weeks before his visa expired. With our help, they got married on a Sunday afternoon, got their marriage certificate the next day, and filed their immigration paperwork in time.
Jasmine & Alex – Military Deployment
Alex, a Marine stationed in Camp Pendleton, was shipping out within days. They needed a legal marriage to apply for housing and spousal pay. We issued their license, performed their ceremony in our Orange County office, and filed everything the same day.
Mia & Sky – Eloped, Then Had a Big Wedding Later
Mia and Sky eloped in a private garden with our officiant in Irvine. They didn’t tell anyone. A year later, they held a full celebration in Malibu—with their original marriage date printed on the programs.
What Are the Steps to Elope?
We make it incredibly simple. Here’s what you need:
- Valid ID for both parties (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- No waiting period—you can marry today
- No witnesses required for confidential license
- No courthouse visit—we issue your marriage license and officiate the same day
Optional Add-Ons:
- Apostille certification if you’re marrying for international documentation
- Extra certified copies of your marriage certificate
- Venue recommendations (beach, garden, private chapel, home)
- Photo or video packages
What If I Want to Celebrate Later?
Many of our couples choose to throw a celebration weeks or months later. Here are common ways to do it:
1. Host a Vow Renewal
Your public “wedding” can be a symbolic vow renewal with guests, music, and decor. Since you’re already legally married, there’s no need to file anything new.
2. Have a Reception Only
Skip the ceremony and host a party with food, music, and your favorite people. Some couples even show a video or photos of their elopement.
3. Do a Destination Celebration
Elope legally here—then party in Mexico, Europe, or Hawaii later with a symbolic celebration. Many resorts offer special vow renewals or wedding blessings.
Can My Elopement Be Romantic?
Absolutely. Elopements are intimate, authentic, and often more emotional than traditional weddings. We’ve married couples:
- On the beach at sunrise
- In candle-lit Airbnb rentals
- Under a tree in a quiet park
- In our cozy private wedding room
We provide officiants who are warm, inclusive, and flexible. You can write vows or keep it simple. It’s your day—your way.
How Get Married Today Makes It Easy
We’re not just an officiant service—we’re your full-service legal marriage team. Here’s what we offer:
- Marriage license issued on-site (no court needed)
- Same-day weddings, 24/7
- Spanish-speaking staff available
- Discreet, confidential options
- Military and immigration support
- Apostille certification for international recognition
- Mobile services—we come to you
- Low-cost, flat fees
- Online booking with real-time availability
Legal Benefits of Eloping Now
Getting legally married today gives you immediate access to important legal and financial benefits:
- Immigration sponsorship eligibility
- Military housing and benefits
- Joint taxes and estate planning
- Health insurance coverage
- Hospital visitation and medical decisions
- Parental rights and surname changes
- Social Security and pension rights
These benefits are not available to unmarried couples. Eloping now ensures you’re protected legally while still planning your dream celebration later.
Should I Tell My Family I Eloped?
That’s completely up to you.
Some couples elope and surprise their family later with an announcement, a letter, or even a video of the day. Others invite a parent or friend to witness the elopement quietly.
Whether you tell them today or next year, your marriage is valid and real—and the love behind it is what truly matters.
FAQs About Eloping and Having a Wedding Later
Do I need a witness to elope?
Not in California if you use a confidential marriage license. We handle everything for you.
Can I get married today?
Yes! We offer same-day marriage services 24/7—even on holidays.
Can I get a marriage license and have the ceremony in one visit?
Yes. We issue the license and perform the ceremony during your appointment.
Can you file my marriage with the county?
Yes. We file your license for you so you don’t have to do anything afterward.
Can you help with international paperwork?
Yes. We provide apostille services for couples getting married for immigration, consular, or international documentation purposes.
Ready to Elope and Celebrate Later?
Eloping doesn’t mean you’re skipping the joy of a wedding—it means you’re taking control of your marriage timeline. Get legally married now. Celebrate when the time is right.
Whether you’re marrying for love, immigration, military, privacy, or practicality—we’re here to make it official today.
Contact Get Married Today
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