Can I Elope and Have a Wedding Later? Yes! Here’s Why It’s the Smartest Move for Couples Needing Urgent Legal Documentation
Planning a wedding is one of life’s most joyful experiences—but it can also be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. Maybe you’re facing immigration deadlines, preparing for military deployment, or simply want to make your marriage legal before hosting a big celebration later. If you’re asking yourself:
👉 “Can I elope and still have a wedding later?”
The answer is: Yes, absolutely!
At Get Married Today, we specialize in low-cost, same-day elopement services that allow you to get legally married today and celebrate however you want later. Plus, if you’re an international couple, we ensure your marriage is recognized globally, offering apostille certification of your marriage certificate for use under the Hague Apostille Convention.
📍 Need to get married fast? Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today and let us help you elope today and celebrate tomorrow!
🥂 Why Couples Choose to Elope First and Celebrate Later
You’re not alone. Thousands of couples decide to legally elope first and host a wedding celebration later—sometimes months or even years afterward. Why?
✅ 1. Legal Necessity Comes First
Life doesn’t wait. If you’re applying for a green card, spousal visa, or preparing for a military move, you need a legally binding marriage certificate, fast.
📍 Learn how marriage affects immigration status at USCIS.gov.
✅ 2. Elopement = Simplicity and Speed
Eloping means skipping the months of stress, vendor hunting, and budget spreadsheets. With Get Married Today, you can:
- Get married the same day
- Have a licensed officiant issue your license and perform your ceremony
- Receive a legally valid marriage certificate
- Add apostille certification for international use
✅ 3. Host Your Dream Wedding Later—Without the Pressure
Once the legalities are taken care of, you’re free to plan your dream wedding later—on your terms, without the stress of looming deadlines.
💍 How Does a Same-Day Elopement Work?
Getting legally married through Get Married Today is fast, legal, and easy. Here’s what to expect:
📅 Step 1: Book Your Appointment
Use our website to schedule your same-day or future appointment at GetMarried.Today. We offer:
- 24/7 availability
- Weekend and holiday services
- Mobile officiants who come to your home, hotel, beach, park, or venue
📍 Need inspiration? Check out locations at Visit California.
📝 Step 2: Get Your Marriage License
Unlike the courthouse, we can issue your marriage license on-site, saving you time and paperwork.
📍 Learn about California’s marriage laws at CDPH Marriage License Info.
💒 Step 3: Say “I Do”
Our licensed officiant will conduct a legal and intimate wedding ceremony—quick and meaningful.
📜 Step 4: Receive Your Marriage Certificate
We file your marriage license and issue your official California marriage certificate.
🌍 Need Global Recognition? Apostille Certification Is the Key
If you or your partner is from outside the U.S., you may need your marriage certificate to be valid internationally. That’s where apostille certification comes in.
🌐 What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of international authentication accepted by over 120 countries under the Hague Apostille Convention. It certifies the authenticity of your marriage certificate.
🔒 Why You Need It
It’s essential for:
- Immigration in your home country
- Spousal visas
- Name changes
- Insurance and legal documentation abroad
🤝 How We Help
We work with Orange County Apostille to expedite your apostille process, so your marriage certificate is internationally valid—fast.
🇺🇸 Perfect for Immigration, Military, and More
📌 Immigration Marriages
- Green card application? ✅
- Fiance(e) visa deadline? ✅
- Adjustment of status? ✅
Get Married Today ensures quick legal marriages for USCIS applications.
📍 For marriage-based green cards, visit Boundless Immigration.
📌 Military Marriages
Military couples often face deployment or PCS moves. We offer:
- Same-day weddings
- Legal documentation
- Rapid scheduling
📍 For military spousal benefits, visit Military.com.
👰 Can We Still Have a Traditional Wedding Later?
Absolutely! Many couples treat their elopement as the legal step, and then later plan a ceremonial wedding for family and friends. You can even:
- Renew your vows
- Host a symbolic ceremony
- Plan a destination celebration later
📍 Find planning tips at The Knot.
💡 10 Reasons to Elope Now and Celebrate Later
- ✅ Legal deadlines (immigration, military, etc.)
- ✅ Avoid stress & high wedding costs
- ✅ Focus on your relationship
- ✅ Private, meaningful experience
- ✅ Complete control over timing
- ✅ Less pressure from others
- ✅ Flexibility to plan later
- ✅ Easier budgeting
- ✅ Global recognition via apostille
- ✅ You’re just ready to be married!
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Elope with Get Married Today?
Our services are designed to be affordable and transparent:
| Service | Description | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License + Ceremony | Same-day issuance & officiation | $350 |
| Apostille Processing | Via orangecountyapostille.org | Varies by country |
| Traveling Officiant | We come to your location | Included |
| Urgent Weekend/Holiday Service | 24/7 availability | Included |
📍 See cost-saving tips for weddings at Brides.
💬 What Couples Say About Us
“We got married in one day and saved thousands. Planning our big wedding later!” – Sarah & Miguel (Mexico)
“Perfect for our green card application. The apostille was handled right away.” – Emma & Tom (UK)
“A military move was looming—we got married the same day and submitted documents next week.” – Alex & Jordan (Camp Pendleton)
📞 Ready to Elope and Get Married Today?
Don’t wait. Make your marriage legal now, and plan your wedding celebration later. Whether you’re facing a legal deadline or just want to skip the stress, Get Married Today is here to help.
📍 Book your marriage appointment now at GetMarried.Today
📍 Need an apostille? Visit Orange County Apostille
📚 Additional Resources
- Marriage Certificate Request – VitalChek
- USCIS Marriage Requirements
- California Marriage Laws – CDPH
- Wedding Budgeting Tips – The Knot
- International Marriage Validity – Hague Apostille Convention
- Green Card After Marriage – Boundless
- How to Change Your Name After Marriage – SSA.gov
- Military Spouse Benefits – Tricare
- Wedding Venues in California – Wedding Spot
- Stress-Free Wedding Planning – Zola
✅ Final Thoughts
Yes, you can elope now and have a wedding later—and it’s the best of both worlds. You get the legal benefits, the personal peace of mind, and the flexibility to celebrate your way, on your timeline.
Get Married Today is here to help you:
✅ Get married fast and affordably
✅ Make it legal and valid worldwide
✅ Prepare for your future with apostille-certified marriage documentation
📍 Start your marriage journey today—book now at GetMarried.Today
💍 Love shouldn’t wait. Let us help you make it official.