UncategorizedJune 13, 2025June 16, 2025Camden Alchanati

Can You Legally Marry Someone the Same Day You Apply for a Marriage License?

Yes, in California and several other states, you can legally marry someone on the same day you apply for a marriage license. There is no mandatory waiting period, which means you don’t have to delay your celebration or legal recognition of your relationship. At Get Married Today, we specialize in making that same-day marriage possible by issuing your license and performing the ceremony — all in one visit.

This blog post explores the legal background, state-specific rules, and how our service ensures your marriage is recognized immediately. Whether you’re in a rush, planning a romantic elopement, or navigating legal or immigration deadlines, our team is here to help you tie the knot with speed and confidence.

Understanding Marriage License Requirements in California

A marriage license is the legal document that authorizes you to marry. In California, you can obtain a license from a County Clerk’s office or an authorized private issuer, such as Get Married Today. Here’s what you’ll need:

Valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, state ID)
Both partners present
Full names of both parties, including parents’ names
No blood test or medical exam
No waiting period in California

Once the license is issued, you are legally allowed to marry immediately.

✅ Fact: California does not require a waiting period, meaning you can apply for and use the marriage license the same day.

States Where You Can Marry the Same Day You Get Your License

Every state sets its own marriage laws. Here are a few states where you can legally marry the same day the license is issued:

California – No waiting period
Nevada – Immediate use, ideal for Las Vegas weddings
Colorado – You can self-solemnize without an officiant
Texas – Typically a 72-hour wait, but waivers are available
Florida – No waiting period for out-of-state residents

Always check with the state’s marriage laws or work with a licensed provider like Get Married Today to avoid delays or errors.

Common Scenarios That Require Same-Day Marriages

Some couples choose same-day marriage services out of urgency or preference. These are common situations where same-day legal marriage is crucial:

1. Military Deployment

Couples facing imminent deployment often need to be legally married to qualify for military benefits such as housing allowance and spousal medical coverage.

2. Immigration Deadlines

Immigration status adjustments often depend on legal marriage. We assist clients preparing green card petitions, fiancé visas (K-1), or spousal visa applications.

3. Healthcare Emergencies

When a partner is hospitalized or critically ill, a legal marriage can provide next-of-kin status and medical decision-making rights.

4. Elopement or Surprise Weddings

Couples seeking a spontaneous or intimate moment often opt for a same-day wedding without months of planning or courthouse visits.

5. Legal and Financial Planning

Couples facing tax deadlines, insurance coverage changes, or estate planning decisions often need a marriage license immediately.

How Get Married Today Makes Same-Day Legal Marriages Possible

We streamline the entire process by offering:

Same-day marriage license issuance
Legally binding wedding ceremony on the spot
Proof of marriage documentation
Filing the license with the County Clerk
Certified copy ordering services
Optional apostille certification for international use

You never need to go to the courthouse or wait for a separate appointment. Everything is handled for you — same day, same location.

👉 Book your appointment now to get legally married today.

What to Bring for a Same-Day Marriage

To avoid delays, have the following ready:

Valid photo ID for both parties
Social Security Number (if applicable)
Payment for the license fee
Any divorce decree or documentation if previously married
Names of parents (including mother’s maiden name)

Our team will walk you through each step and ensure your paperwork is legally accurate.

Confidential vs. Public Marriage License in California

At Get Married Today, we offer confidential marriage licenses which are:

Only available to couples already living together
Not accessible to the public (no public record)
Issued without witnesses present
Valid immediately

For couples needing privacy or discretion, the confidential license is ideal and fully legal.

We also issue public marriage licenses that:

Require one witness at the ceremony
Are accessible as a public record
Also valid immediately

We’ll help you choose the one that’s best for your situation.

Legal Validity of Same-Day Marriages

Once the marriage license is issued and the ceremony is performed by a licensed officiant, your marriage is:

Legally binding
Recognized by the County and State
Eligible for federal benefits
Valid for visa or immigration filings

Get Married Today files the paperwork with the county for you, and we can even request certified copies and provide apostille services for international use.

How Fast Can I Get Proof of Marriage?

After your wedding, Get Married Today will:

Submit your signed license to the County Clerk
Provide you with a “Proof of Marriage” document immediately
Place an order for certified copies mailed to your address (takes 6–8 weeks from most counties)
Offer expedited document processing where available
Provide apostille services if your marriage certificate needs to be used in another country under the Hague Apostille Convention

If you’re in a rush, just let us know — we specialize in urgent documentation.

International Couples: Can I Get Married Today and Use It Abroad?

Absolutely. If you are visiting California and need your marriage recognized in another country, we will:

Issue your license
Perform your ceremony
Provide the certified marriage certificate
Apostille your certificate for international use

Your legal marriage will be recognized globally under the Hague Apostille Convention if your country is a member. See full country list here.

Can I Skip the Courthouse Completely?

Yes! Our service eliminates the need for:

Booking a courthouse appointment
Waiting for a county clerk availability
Traveling to multiple locations
Filing paperwork yourself

Instead, you can:

Get your license
Have your ceremony
Sign and file your documents
All in one convenient, same-day appointment

Our ordained ministers and notaries are licensed to handle every step legally.

Does a Same-Day Wedding Cost More?

Same-day wedding services through Get Married Today include:

Marriage license issuance
Notary services
Legally binding ceremony
Proof of marriage documentation
Optional travel to your preferred location (home, beach, park, hospital)
Filing your paperwork with the County

Service fees vary depending on:

Location
Travel distance
Weekend or holiday bookings
Additional certified copies
Apostille services

👉 Contact us for a quote or see our pricing page.

Can I Get Married Today on a Holiday or Weekend?

Yes. Get Married Today operates 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Whether it’s Christmas, Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, or your anniversary, we are legally authorized to issue your license and perform the wedding.

We are often booked on:

Valentine’s Day
Christmas Eve
New Year’s Day
Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day

✨ Spots fill quickly on holidays. Reserve your same-day appointment early!

What If I’ve Been Divorced?

You can still get married the same day as long as:

Your divorce is finalized
You have proof of final judgment if recent
You’re not subject to any court-imposed waiting periods

We do not require you to bring your divorce paperwork unless the divorce occurred very recently and is not yet reflected in public records.

Real Stories: Couples Who Married the Same Day

👫 Ana & Luis – From Mexico

“We flew in from Mexico on a tourist visa and were able to get married legally the same day. The team at Get Married Today got our certificate apostilled so it would be accepted back home. Everything was fast and professional.”

👩‍❤️‍👨 Jenna & Marcus – Military Couple

“Marcus was deploying in 48 hours and we needed to get married to qualify for housing. They issued our license and married us in under two hours. Couldn’t be more grateful.”

👨‍❤️‍👨 Alex & Noah – Elopement

“We wanted to avoid a courthouse wedding. They married us at a private park near our Airbnb in Palm Springs. Totally stress-free and beautiful.”

Why Choose Get Married Today?

We’re not just fast — we’re licensed, legal, and compassionate. When you choose us, you get:

Licensed officiants and notaries
Same-day legal marriage license issuance
Flexible travel to your location
Optional apostille services
Weekend and holiday availability
Military and immigration-friendly support
Privacy and professionalism

Whether you’re planning or panicking, we’ll handle everything — just show up ready to say “I do.”

Book Your Same-Day Wedding Now

Don’t wait weeks or struggle with courthouse appointments. You can legally marry today.

👉 Book your same-day marriage license and ceremony here

Resources and Backlinks

Get Married Today – Book Now
California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses
Hague Apostille Convention Members
USCIS – Marriage-Based Immigration
Military Marriage Benefits – Military OneSource
Los Angeles County Registrar – Recorder/County Clerk
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Riverside County Marriage Services
Santa Barbara County Marriage License Info

Get Married Today proudly serves couples across California — including Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, and beyond — with fast, legal marriage services you can trust.

Ready to say “I do” right now?
👉 Schedule your same-day legal marriage today

California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage Services

Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

San Diego County – Marriage Licenses

Riverside County Clerk – Marriage License Info

Sacramento County Clerk – Marriage License Appointments

San Bernardino County Recorder – Marriage Services

City of Beverly Hills – Marriage Services

City of Newport Beach – Marriage License Information

City of Anaheim – City Clerk’s Marriage Page

U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad