Can You Get Married While Traveling?
Your Complete Guide to Saying “I Do” on the Go
Introduction: Yes, You Can Get Married While Traveling
Imagine exploring a new city, standing with the person you love, and saying “I do” — all while far from home. Whether you’re road-tripping through California, flying in from another country, or backpacking across the U.S., you absolutely can get married while traveling.
The key is knowing the legal requirements, logistics, and resources available to travelers — like same-day marriage services and mobile officiants who come to you.
At Get Married Today, we help couples from all over the world get legally married while they’re visiting California. From issuing marriage licenses on the spot to performing ceremonies in hotels, parks, beaches, and even airports, we make traveling weddings fast, stress-free, and 100% legal.
💍 Want to get married today while you travel?
👉 Book your appointment now
Table of Contents
- Can You Get Married While Traveling in the U.S.?
- How a Traveling Marriage Works (Step-by-Step)
- Legal Requirements by State
- What If You’re Traveling Internationally?
- Pop-Up Weddings: The Ultimate Travel-Friendly Option
- Getting Married in California While Traveling
- What Documents Do You Need to Marry on the Go?
- Do Both Partners Need to Be Present?
- Apostille Certification for Traveling Couples
- Real Stories: Couples Who Married While Traveling
- Marriage While Traveling for Immigration Purposes
- Military Couples on Leave: Get Married Fast
- Can You Get Married on a Plane, Boat, or Train?
- What Happens After You Say “I Do”?
- Why Get Married Today Is the #1 Choice for Traveling Couples
1. Can You Get Married While Traveling in the U.S.?
Yes! Whether you’re visiting from another state or another country, you can get legally married while traveling within the United States — as long as you follow the rules of the state where the marriage is performed.
In most U.S. states, you:
- Don’t need to be a resident to get a marriage license
- Can apply for a license and get married the same day (in select states like California, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah)
- Must bring valid government-issued ID
- Must use a licensed officiant
- Must follow state-specific requirements
📌 California is one of the most traveler-friendly states. At Get Married Today, you can get your marriage license and have your ceremony — all in one visit — without ever stepping foot in a courthouse.
💡 Learn more: Do I need to be a resident to get married in California?
2. How a Traveling Marriage Works (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how couples typically get married while traveling:
- Book an Appointment with a Licensed Provider
- Skip the courthouse by working with a private provider like Get Married Today.
- Choose your date and location.
- Bring the Required ID
- No birth certificate needed in California.
- Just bring a passport, driver’s license, or government ID.
- Get a Marriage License Issued
- If you’re in California, we issue confidential marriage licenses directly.
- You avoid waiting in long clerk lines or making court appointments.
- Have the Ceremony
- Your officiant meets you at the hotel, beach, or any preferred location.
- You say your vows — short or elaborate, your choice.
- File the License
- We file your signed license with the County Clerk.
- You receive certified copies (and apostilles if needed) afterward.
🎯 Want same-day service while traveling?
👉 Schedule your traveling wedding here
3. Legal Requirements by State
Each U.S. state has its own marriage license requirements. Some allow same-day weddings, while others require waiting periods or in-person applications at the courthouse.
Top states that allow quick weddings for travelers:
| State | Residency Required? | Waiting Period? | Same-Day Ceremony Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Nevada | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Colorado | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Utah | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Florida | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (3 days unless out-of-state) | ✅ Yes |
| New York | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (24 hours) | ✅ After 24h |
📎 For California-specific rules:
California Marriage License Requirements
4. What If You’re Traveling Internationally?
If you’re visiting the U.S. and want to get married during your trip, you can — even if you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident.
You’ll need:
- Valid ID or passport
- Possibly a visa (depending on your country of origin)
- An officiant legally recognized in the U.S.
- Apostille certification (if your home country requires proof of marriage)
🌍 Example: Couples from Mexico, France, India, and the Philippines frequently use our services while on vacation or during work trips in California. We help them get legally married and provide apostilled certificates recognized back home.
📎 Learn more about apostilles for international marriage certificates
5. Pop-Up Weddings: The Ultimate Travel-Friendly Option
A pop-up wedding is a fully prepared, legally valid wedding ceremony that’s fast, stylish, and minimal stress — perfect for couples traveling through a city.
With Get Married Today, you can:
- Get married at a beach, hotel, airport, park, or even parking lot
- Choose a basic or custom ceremony
- Add witnesses, photos, and same-day filing
- Travel without waiting or delay
Pop-up weddings are especially helpful for:
- Couples eloping while on vacation
- Military couples on leave
- Couples needing legal marriage for immigration paperwork
📸 Want a sunset pop-up wedding in Laguna Beach while you’re here?
👉 Book your mobile wedding now
Would you like me to continue with the next sections now? They include:
- Getting Married in California While Traveling
- What Documents Do You Need to Marry on the Go?
- Do Both Partners Need to Be Present?