Can You Get Married Without a Wedding?
In today’s fast-paced world, many couples are reconsidering traditional weddings. Lavish ceremonies, big guest lists, and extensive planning are no longer a priority for everyone. Some just want to be legally married—without the stress or cost of a big celebration. This leads to a common question: Can you get married without a wedding? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, services like Get Married Today specialize in helping couples do just that.
This blog post will walk you through the possibilities, legality, process, and benefits of getting married without a traditional wedding. We’ll also explore real-life scenarios, answer FAQs, and explain how you can get legally married today with minimal hassle.
Table of Contents
- What Does It Mean to Get Married Without a Wedding?
- Is It Legal to Get Married Without a Wedding?
- Marriage License vs. Wedding Ceremony
- Civil Marriage and Confidential Marriage Options
- Who Might Choose to Marry Without a Wedding?
- The Get Married Today Process
- Benefits of Skipping the Wedding
- Common Myths and Misconceptions
- International Use: Apostilles for Marriage Certificates
- Real-Life Stories from Couples
- FAQs
- How to Get Started Today
- Final Thoughts
1. What Does It Mean to Get Married Without a Wedding?
Getting married without a wedding means that a couple completes the legal requirements for marriage but does not hold a traditional ceremony or reception. There may be no venue, no guests, no décor, and no elaborate attire. Instead, the focus is purely on the legal and emotional commitment between two people.
This type of marriage can be done at a courthouse, through a civil officiant, or via a private service like Get Married Today that issues the license and conducts the ceremony in one visit.
2. Is It Legal to Get Married Without a Wedding?
Yes, absolutely. In California and most states, the law requires a valid marriage license and a legally recognized officiant to perform a legal ceremony, but there is no requirement for a formal wedding. No guests, flowers, or party are necessary.
At Get Married Today, the officiant signs and files your license with the county, making your marriage legally binding—even if your ceremony is just a quick exchange of vows in a private office or your own home.
3. Marriage License vs. Wedding Ceremony
Let’s break this down:
- Marriage License: A legal document issued by the county that authorizes a couple to marry.
- Wedding Ceremony: A celebration or ritual that marks the occasion, which can be public or private, religious or secular.
You can get married legally with just a license and officiant. The ceremony doesn’t need to be a big event. With a confidential marriage license in California, you don’t even need witnesses.
4. Civil Marriage and Confidential Marriage Options
California offers:
- Public Marriage License: Requires one witness, and the record becomes part of public record.
- Confidential Marriage License: No witnesses required. The marriage record is sealed and only accessible by the couple.
Get Married Today is authorized to issue confidential marriage licenses, making the process even more discreet and efficient. You can be legally married today without ever stepping into a courthouse.
5. Who Might Choose to Marry Without a Wedding?
There are many reasons why couples might prefer to skip the traditional wedding:
- Military couples needing to secure benefits quickly
- Immigration-related marriages for spousal sponsorship
- Couples on a budget who want to avoid high wedding costs
- Elopers who want a private moment just for themselves
- Couples remarrying who want a low-key ceremony
- LGBTQ+ couples seeking privacy or discretion
- Busy professionals who want a fast, no-stress process
No matter the reason, the goal is the same: legal marriage without the fanfare.
6. The Get Married Today Process
Step 1: Book Your Appointment Visit https://getmarried.today to choose your date and location.
Step 2: Provide ID and Information Bring a valid government-issued ID. No birth certificate or social security number required.
Step 3: License Issued On-Site We issue a confidential marriage license during your appointment.
Step 4: Quick Legal Ceremony One of our licensed officiants performs a short legal ceremony—no guests required.
Step 5: We File Your Paperwork We file your signed marriage license with the county registrar.
Step 6: Certified Copies Available You can request certified copies for immigration, insurance, and name change purposes.
7. Benefits of Skipping the Wedding
- Cost Savings: Avoid tens of thousands in expenses.
- Time Efficiency: Get married same-day, no long planning.
- Privacy: Keep your relationship out of public view.
- Control: Focus on your commitment without outside pressure.
- Legal Clarity: Secure legal benefits immediately.
Many couples say skipping the wedding let them focus on what mattered: their love and legal unity.
8. Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: You must have a wedding to be married False. You only need a valid license and a legal officiant.
Myth 2: You have to go to the courthouse Not true. Get Married Today offers a courthouse alternative.
Myth 3: It’s not romantic Love doesn’t need an audience. Many couples cherish their private moment more than a big show.
Myth 4: It won’t be legally recognized abroad You can get an apostille for international recognition.
9. International Use: Apostilles for Marriage Certificates
If you need to use your marriage certificate in another country, we can help you get it apostilled. This is a legal authentication under the Hague Apostille Convention. It is often required for:
- Immigration abroad
- Dual citizenship applications
- Legal name changes overseas
- Spousal visa sponsorship
We offer same-day apostille support so your documents are valid globally.
10. Real-Life Stories from Couples
Military Couple in Camp Pendleton “We needed to be married ASAP for housing benefits. We were in and out within an hour.”
Immigration Couple in Anaheim “My fiancée was on a visa. We needed proof of marriage for her green card. We got it done fast.”
Eloping Couple in Beverly Hills “We didn’t want the fuss. A private ceremony in their office was perfect.”
LGBTQ+ Couple in West Hollywood “We wanted our marriage to be personal. Get Married Today made it happen with zero judgment.”
11. FAQs
Q: Do I need a witness?
A: Not if you choose a confidential marriage license.
Q: Can we get married today?
A: Yes. Same-day appointments are available.
Q: Is this legal?
A: 100% legal and recognized by all U.S. and international authorities (with apostille).
Q: Can I bring guests if I want?
A: Absolutely. You can choose to have a simple ceremony or bring family.
Q: What about name change?
A: We guide you through the process with your certified marriage certificate.
12. How to Get Started Today
Visit https://getmarried.today to:
- Book your appointment
- Choose your location (Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Westwood, more)
- Get legally married today—fast, easy, private
We’re open 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Emergency weddings, military support, and immigration documentation assistance available.
13. Final Thoughts
You absolutely can get married without a wedding. Whether you’re eloping, saving money, prioritizing privacy, or racing against a deadline, legal marriage can be quick and easy with Get Married Today. You don’t need a reception hall or 200 guests to make your union real. All you need is love, a license, and a legally recognized officiant.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help you get married—today.
Book your appointment now: https://getmarried.today