Do Both Partners Need to Be Present to Get a Marriage License?
Getting married is a major milestone—but for couples planning a quick, stress-free, or same-day marriage, knowing the exact requirements to obtain a marriage license is crucial. One of the most common questions couples ask is: Do both partners need to be present to get a marriage license? In this in-depth guide, Get Married Today walks you through every angle of this question, including legal requirements, exceptions, alternatives, and how our team simplifies the process—especially for couples who need urgent official documentation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Marriage Licenses in the U.S.
- Do Both Partners Need to Be Present?
- Exceptions: Can One Person Apply Alone?
- Special Cases: Military, Incarcerated, and International Partners
- How California Handles Marriage License Applications
- What If You Can’t Be There in Person?
- Remote, Virtual, and Mobile Services
- Common Misunderstandings
- Same-Day Marriage Services: How We Help
- Proof of Identity: What You’ll Need
- What Happens After the License Is Issued?
- What If You Get Married Without a License?
- Apostille Services for International Marriages
- Special Support for Immigration and Visa Marriages
- Real-Life Scenarios
- FAQs About Marriage Licenses
- Why Couples Choose Get Married Today
- The Fastest Way to Get Married Without Going to Court
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
At Get Married Today, our clients come to us with one thing in mind—urgency, legality, and simplicity. Whether you’re eloping, planning a destination wedding, getting married for immigration purposes, or simply skipping the courthouse, knowing whether both parties need to be physically present for a marriage license is key.
2. Understanding Marriage Licenses in the U.S.
A marriage license is an official document issued by a government authority that grants a couple legal permission to get married. In most U.S. states, this document must be obtained before the ceremony, and it must be signed and filed with the county to make the marriage legally binding.
There are typically two types of marriage licenses:
- Public License: Filed with the county and available for public record.
- Confidential License: Available only to the couple and not searchable by the public. Popular in California.
3. Do Both Partners Need to Be Present?
In the vast majority of states, yes, both partners must be present in person to apply for a marriage license. This ensures that both individuals:
- Present valid identification
- Sign the license application
- Consent freely and legally to the marriage
However, there are notable exceptions and workarounds, especially in California.
4. Exceptions: Can One Person Apply Alone?
While most jurisdictions require both people to be there, some California counties allow one party to appear on behalf of the other—but only with a Notarized Affidavit of Absent Applicant.
This is helpful for:
- Deployed military personnel
- Incarcerated individuals
- Immigration-related time constraints
- Medical emergencies
At Get Married Today, we can help notarize and file this paperwork on your behalf.
👉 Learn how we handle emergency license issuance
5. Special Cases: Military, Incarcerated, and International Partners
Military Members:
If one partner is deployed or stationed far away (e.g., Camp Pendleton), California permits a confidential marriage license with only one party present, using proper notarized forms.
Incarcerated Individuals:
A proxy application is sometimes allowed with special court or facility permission.
International or Long-Distance:
If one partner is overseas, notarized consent forms may work—especially if Get Married Today is helping you file and complete the license process fast.
📌 Important: These cases are typically handled case-by-case and vary by county and state.
6. How California Handles Marriage License Applications
California is one of the most progressive states when it comes to marriage license access.
- No waiting period
- No blood tests
- Confidential licenses allow for one-person application with notarized consent
- Same-day issuance in most counties
- Get Married Today can issue licenses on weekends and holidays
7. What If You Can’t Be There in Person?
Life happens—whether it’s due to travel restrictions, work obligations, or health. If one partner can’t be present:
- Notarized Power of Attorney or Affidavit of Absent Applicant may be used.
- Must be approved in advance by the issuing county clerk.
- Some states do not allow any proxy application—always check with your officiant or service provider.
We handle all this for you. ✅
8. Remote, Virtual, and Mobile Services
Yes, you can:
- Get a marriage license at your home
- Have a mobile notary meet you at work or hospital
- Complete licensing and ceremony on the same day
With Get Married Today, we bring the clerk-style process to you. No court lines. No stress.
We offer:
- Mobile notary service
- In-person or virtual sworn statements
- Weekend and evening availability
- Military discounts
- Emergency same-day wedding appointments
Learn more about our traveling officiants and license team
9. Common Misunderstandings
Some couples mistakenly believe:
- They can apply online without ever meeting in person.
- One person can just “bring in the other’s ID.”
- The officiant can “handle the license” without signatures.
⚠️ These are incorrect and can invalidate your marriage.
Always check local law—or work with a trusted provider like Get Married Today.
10. Same-Day Marriage Services: How We Help
We specialize in:
- Issuing legal California marriage licenses
- Performing legally binding ceremonies
- Filing your license with the county
- Ordering your official marriage certificate
- Apostilling your marriage for international use
All in one appointment, with or without both partners physically present (if legally allowed).
We even help couples:
- Married abroad who need to validate their marriage
- Getting married urgently for immigration or insurance
- Who want to avoid the county clerk
11. Proof of Identity: What You’ll Need
When applying for a license:
- Both partners (or the proxy) must present valid government-issued ID
- Acceptable forms: Passport, Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID
- Must be in English or accompanied by certified translation
- If previously married, you may need divorce or death certificates
📁 We provide you a checklist upon booking.
12. What Happens After the License Is Issued?
Once issued:
- You must marry within 90 days
- A licensed officiant must conduct the ceremony
- The officiant completes and signs the license
- The license is returned and filed with the county
- You receive the official marriage certificate in 4–8 weeks (or sooner with rush options)
📬 Need it faster? We expedite apostilles too!
13. What If You Get Married Without a License?
Without a valid license, your marriage is not recognized by:
- The state
- Immigration authorities
- Foreign governments
This could jeopardize:
- Green card applications
- Joint bank accounts
- Spousal health insurance
- Tax benefits
- Military housing and pay
Let us help you avoid legal complications.
14. Apostille Services for International Marriages
Marrying someone from another country? You may need:
- A Hague Apostille
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Translation services
We offer:
- Apostille for Hague Convention countries
- Authentication for non-Hague countries
- Federal and state-level processing
📌 Learn more about apostille certification
15. Special Support for Immigration and Visa Marriages
Our marriage licenses and ceremonies are:
- 100% legal for immigration purposes
- Ideal for same-day green card or fiancé visa applications
- Recognized by USCIS and embassies
We can coordinate with your immigration attorney for smooth documentation.
16. Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Military Deployment
Jason and Maria needed to get married before Jason’s deployment. She visited us with a notarized affidavit, and we issued their confidential license and performed the ceremony in one day.
Scenario 2: Immigration Deadline
Lina needed proof of legal marriage before her visa expired. We processed her license and ceremony the same day—and mailed her apostilled certificate abroad in 4 business days.
Scenario 3: Medical Emergency
Jake was hospitalized. We arranged for our mobile officiant and notary to marry him and his partner bedside, with the county license issued within hours.
17. FAQs About Marriage Licenses
Q: Can I apply for a marriage license online?
A: In some counties, yes—but both parties usually still need to appear in person to finalize it unless applying with a notarized affidavit.
Q: What if my partner is overseas?
A: We may be able to assist with a notarized proxy license—contact us directly for help.
Q: How soon can I get legally married after applying?
A: Instantly—with Get Married Today. No waiting period in California.
Q: What counties do you serve?
A: All of Southern California—Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County.
Q: Do you offer services in Spanish?
A: Yes. Our staff is bilingual and can assist with documentation and ceremonies.
18. Why Couples Choose Get Married Today
- Same-day legal weddings
- In-office or on-location service
- Emergency, weekend, and holiday availability
- Notarized affidavits and proxy forms accepted
- Apostille services for international use
- 24/7 phone and online support
- Military and immigration experience
See why we’re the highest-rated service in California
19. The Fastest Way to Get Married Without Going to Court
Don’t wait in lines. Don’t wait weeks.
We offer:
- Marriage license issuance
- Officiant services
- Marriage certificate ordering
- Apostille and international certification
- At-home, in-office, or travel locations
✅ One visit
✅ One flat fee
✅ One perfect memory
Book now at https://getmarried.today/
20. Conclusion
So, do both partners need to be present to get a marriage license? In most cases, yes—but in California, thanks to confidential licenses and proper notarized affidavits, only one partner may be required if legal procedures are followed correctly.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples navigate these exceptions. Whether you’re dealing with time sensitivity, distance, legal restrictions, or international requirements—we’ve got you covered.
Reach out today to get legally married in one day—with or without both partners physically present.
🔗 Get started now or call us 24/7 for support.