Do Both Partners Need to Be Present to Get a Marriage License?
Getting legally married in the United States typically starts with one essential step: applying for a marriage license. But many couples find themselves asking a key question: Do both partners need to be present to get a marriage license? The answer depends on the state, the type of license, and even whether you’re using a public or confidential marriage license. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know and offer solutions if you can’t appear together.
At Get Married Today, we provide same-day marriage license issuance and legal wedding ceremonies in Southern California—including solutions for couples with unique circumstances such as immigration, military deployment, or long-distance relationships.
👉 Get your marriage license and ceremony today — no courthouse visit required!
Understanding the Marriage License Process
A marriage license is a legal document issued by the county that permits a couple to marry. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the county for official registration. Only then can you request certified copies of your marriage certificate, which is proof of your legal union.
Each state has its own rules about:
- How to apply
- Who must be present
- Identification required
- Waiting periods
- Residency requirements
In California, for instance, a couple can choose between a public and a confidential marriage license, and both parties typically must appear together in person—unless special accommodations are made.
When Both Partners Must Be Present
In most counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside, both parties must:
- Appear in person together
- Provide valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
- Sign the marriage license application
- Swear or affirm that the information provided is true
This applies to both public and confidential licenses. However, the confidential marriage license—which Get Married Today is authorized to issue—can sometimes offer more flexibility.
📌 California Department of Public Health – Marriage License Information
Exceptions and Workarounds: When One Party Can’t Be Present
Life isn’t always simple. One partner might be:
- Deployed in the military
- Out of the country
- Hospitalized
- Unable to travel due to immigration or legal issues
In these situations, certain accommodations may be made under California law, depending on the circumstances.
Military Deployment
If a member of the U.S. Armed Forces cannot appear in person, a Marriage by Proxy may be available—but only in limited states like Montana. California does not allow proxy marriages.
However, at Get Married Today, we frequently assist military couples stationed at Camp Pendleton, Fort Irwin, or Marine Corps Air Station Miramar by helping them meet in person with flexible 24/7 scheduling.
👉 Military marriages made simple — fast, flexible, and official.
Immigration and Long-Distance Couples
Sometimes, one partner is outside the U.S. and cannot enter on a tourist visa or hasn’t yet received their green card. In this case:
- A marriage license cannot be issued in California unless both parties are physically present.
- However, couples can get legally married as soon as they are both in California, often within the same day of arrival using our emergency marriage service.
We offer fast-track services that let couples book the license and officiant in one visit, with apostille services for international recognition.
👉 Need to marry for immigration purposes?
What If Only One Person Has Time Off?
Even if one partner is local and the other is busy or working long hours, it’s still required to appear together—unless you work with a licensed mobile marriage commissioner or notary like the team at Get Married Today. We meet couples at convenient times (even evenings, weekends, and holidays) to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Types of Marriage Licenses and Presence Requirements
1. Public Marriage License (California)
- Must appear together in person
- Two witnesses are required during the ceremony
- Becomes a public record
2. Confidential Marriage License (California)
- Must appear together in person
- No witnesses required
- Only the couple can obtain copies
- Offers more privacy and convenience
👉 See the difference between public and confidential marriage licenses
Get Married Today is authorized to issue confidential marriage licenses in California and perform legally binding ceremonies the same day.
Remote or Online Marriage Licenses
Some states like Utah offer virtual marriage licenses and ceremonies. California does not currently allow online marriage license applications unless it’s pre-registration followed by an in-person appearance.
For more information, see the Utah County Online Marriage License process.
If you’re considering traveling to California for marriage, we’ll help you handle everything in one visit—license, officiant, and legal filing.
What Happens If One Partner Can’t Be There?
If one partner is unavailable, here are a few things to consider:
- Reschedule for a time when both can appear
- Plan a quick trip to California for the license and ceremony in one visit
- Consult our team to see if expedited services can work around your situation
We have helped thousands of couples with complex scenarios still get married fast.
👉 Schedule your legal marriage today
Can I Apply for the Marriage License Alone?
In California, no. Both partners must:
- Present valid ID
- Swear under oath
- Sign the license application
You cannot pick up a license for someone else, nor can you sign on their behalf unless a state-specific proxy marriage is legally allowed—which California prohibits.
What Documents Are Required?
When both partners appear, you’ll need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Full legal names
- Place of birth (city/state/country)
- Parents’ full names, including maiden names
- If previously married, the exact date of divorce or death of the former spouse
📌 California Marriage License Requirements (LA County)
How Get Married Today Makes the Process Easy
We’re proud to offer couples:
✅ Marriage license issuance onsite (no waiting in line at the courthouse)
✅ Legal wedding ceremonies performed immediately after
✅ Notary and apostille services for international documentation
✅ Mobile service to your location—home, beach, park, hospital, or venue
✅ Military discounts and 24/7 availability
If you’re short on time, have an urgent immigration case, or just want privacy, we offer fully legal and private marriage services without ever stepping foot in a government office.
👉 Why couples love Get Married Today
When Are Appointments Available?
We offer appointments 7 days a week, including:
- Weekends
- Holidays (like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Christmas, and New Year’s)
- Evenings and early mornings
With flexible times and multiple locations, we work around your schedule.
👉 View upcoming availability and book
What If My Partner Only Speaks Another Language?
We can accommodate language differences by offering:
- Bilingual notaries
- Translation assistance
- Multilingual ceremonies
All marriage licenses must be signed by individuals who understand what they’re signing. We ensure that language is never a barrier to your union.
What If My Partner Is Undocumented?
Good news: you do not need legal immigration status to get married in California. You simply need:
- Valid government-issued ID (from any country)
- Be physically present
- Be of legal age (18+)
We’ve helped many couples marry to support immigration petitions, including I-130, fiancé visas, and adjustment of status.
👉 Marry today, begin your immigration case tomorrow
Can We Get a License and Ceremony the Same Day?
Yes! That’s what we do best. At Get Married Today, we provide:
- License issuance
- Official ceremony
- Immediate filing
- Proof of marriage
All in one visit.
Final Thoughts: Yes, Both Partners Must Be Present—But We’ll Make It Easy
While California law requires both parties to be physically present to obtain a marriage license, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult.
At Get Married Today, we simplify the process by:
- Meeting you at the time and place that works for you
- Issuing your license without visiting the courthouse
- Performing your legal ceremony immediately
- Helping with apostilles if your marriage certificate needs international use
- Ordering certified copies of your marriage certificate directly to your address
No waiting periods. No courthouse lines. No stress.
👉 Start your same-day legal marriage now
Helpful Resources and Government Backlinks
- California Marriage License Info – CDPH
- Los Angeles County Marriage License Info
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder Marriage Services
- Utah County Online Marriage Application
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – I-130 Petition
- San Diego County Marriage Services
- Riverside County Marriage Licenses
- Filing Marriage Records in California
- California Secretary of State – Apostille Info
- FAQs About California Confidential Marriage Licenses
Need help right now? Call us or book online at GetMarried.Today to have your license issued and marriage made legal—fast, private, and professional.