Do I Need a Blood Test to Get Married?

Everything You Need to Know About Blood Tests, Marriage Laws, and Same-Day Marriage Services

For many years, the idea of getting married came with a long checklist: apply for a marriage license, wait a few days, gather documents, and yes — take a blood test. But in 2025, marriage laws have evolved. So, let’s get to the heart of the question: Do you need a blood test to get married?

Quick Answer

In most states — including California — no, you do not need a blood test to get married. Blood test requirements were once standard but have now been abolished in nearly every U.S. state.

At Get Married Today, we help couples skip the stress and get married quickly — often within hours. No courthouse visits, no waiting periods, and certainly no blood tests.

Visit https://getmarried.today to book your appointment.

Table of Contents

1. History of Blood Tests for Marriage
2. Why Were Blood Tests Required for Marriage?
3. Which States Require Blood Tests Today?
4. Marriage Laws in California — No Blood Test Required
5. How to Get Married Today Without a Blood Test
6. Why Blood Tests Were Phased Out
7. Common Myths About Blood Tests and Marriage
8. What Do You Need Instead of a Blood Test?
9. What If I’m Getting Married Abroad — Will I Need a Blood Test?
10. Marriage License Requirements in All 50 States
11. Do You Need a Medical Exam to Get Married?
12. How Get Married Today Makes It Easy
13. Military, Immigration, and Emergency Marriages
14. Confidential vs. Public Marriage License
15. Apostille for International Marriage Use
16. How to Book Your Same-Day Wedding Now
17. Conclusion: Blood Tests Are Out. Quick Marriages Are In.

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1. History of Blood Tests for Marriage

Throughout much of the 20th century, several U.S. states mandated blood tests as a condition for marriage. This practice began in the 1930s during a public health campaign to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially syphilis.

The intent was to:

• Protect partners from disease transmission
• Prevent the birth of children with congenital diseases
• Discourage hasty or unhealthy marriages

Blood tests were required to detect:

• Syphilis
• Rubella (German measles)
• HIV (in some later cases)

But by the early 2000s, nearly all states abolished this requirement. It became clear that the practice was outdated and unnecessary, especially with modern treatments and medical ethics in place.

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2. Why Were Blood Tests Required for Marriage?

The original purpose of premarital blood testing was rooted in public health concerns. Here’s why states required them:

• Prevent Congenital Disease: Rubella during pregnancy can cause birth defects.
• Reduce STDs: Particularly syphilis, which was prevalent and difficult to treat before antibiotics.
• Public Awareness: Some states used blood test mandates to promote general sexual health awareness.

However, these goals are now addressed through education and voluntary health screenings, not through mandatory blood tests.

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3. Which States Require Blood Tests Today?

As of 2025, no U.S. state requires a blood test to get married. The last few states — Montana and Mississippi — dropped the requirement years ago.

Still, it’s wise to check the laws of your local county or your destination state if you’re traveling for marriage. For your convenience, we’ll break it down:

• California? No blood test.
• Nevada? No blood test.
• New York? No blood test.
• Texas? No blood test.
• Florida? No blood test.

If you’re getting married through Get Married Today in Southern California — you’re in the clear.

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4. Marriage Laws in California — No Blood Test Required

In California, marriage license requirements are refreshingly simple:

✅ No blood test required
✅ No waiting period
✅ Both parties must be present
✅ Must be 18 or older (or have court approval)
✅ Valid photo ID is required

You can get legally married on the same day — and Get Married Today can issue your license and perform your ceremony without ever going to the courthouse.

Book your appointment now →

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5. How to Get Married Today Without a Blood Test

Here’s how Get Married Today makes it happen:

1. Book online at getmarried.today
2. Arrive with a valid photo ID
3. We issue your marriage license
4. A legal officiant marries you
5. We file your paperwork with the County
6. You receive your official certificate in the mail

No blood test, no court lines, no confusion.

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6. Why Blood Tests Were Phased Out

Medical professionals and legal experts agreed on several reasons for eliminating blood test mandates:

• Infringement on privacy
• Unreliable public health outcomes
• Low incidence of certain diseases
• High administrative costs

Health screenings are now handled through private healthcare — not the county clerk’s office.

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7. Common Myths About Blood Tests and Marriage

Here are common misconceptions:

MYTH: “You need a blood test to get a marriage license.”
FACT: Not anymore — this law has been abolished nationwide.

MYTH: “Blood tests are required for immigration marriage cases.”
FACT: Immigration marriages require proof of the relationship, not medical tests.

MYTH: “You can’t get married same day without a blood test.”
FACT: You can — especially in California.

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8. What Do You Need Instead of a Blood Test?

In place of a blood test, here’s what you do need:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Proof of prior divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable)
• Consent (must not be under duress or fraud)
• Payment for the marriage license (varies by county)

Get Married Today handles all of this for you in one visit.

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9. What If I’m Getting Married Abroad — Will I Need a Blood Test?

In some countries, you might still need a blood test to marry a local citizen or register your U.S. marriage abroad.

Here are examples of countries that may still require one:

• Egypt
• Iran
• Honduras
• United Arab Emirates (for certain religious ceremonies)

Tip: If you’re marrying internationally or need your U.S. marriage recognized abroad, Get Married Today offers apostille certification for your marriage license — so it’s valid worldwide.

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10. Marriage License Requirements in All 50 States

Each state has its own marriage laws. While blood tests are no longer required, some states still have:

• Waiting periods
• Residency rules
• Witness requirements

California is among the most flexible. That’s why Get Married Today operates here — so couples can say “I do” instantly, no obstacles.

Explore local marriage laws:
National Conference of State Legislatures

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11. Do You Need a Medical Exam to Get Married?

Generally, no. U.S. marriage laws don’t require a medical exam unless:

• You’re applying for a marriage-based visa in another country.
• You’re following religious requirements (e.g., in some Orthodox faiths).

Again, no medical exams are needed in California.

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12. How Get Married Today Makes It Easy

Our service is simple, fast, and completely official:

• We issue your California marriage license.
• We perform a legal ceremony with a licensed officiant.
• We file your documents.
• We offer apostille services if you need recognition abroad.

We help couples every day, including those who:

• Need urgent marriage for immigration
• Are in the military
• Are planning to travel
• Want privacy and discretion

We also offer confidential marriage licenses, which are not part of public records.

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13. Military, Immigration, and Emergency Marriages

If you’re facing deployment or visa deadlines, Get Married Today provides:

• 24/7 services, including holidays and weekends
• Fast documentation
• Discounts for military couples
• Licensed officiants and notarized documents
• Filing with the County Clerk’s Office

We’ve helped hundreds of couples say “I do” — on their timeline.

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14. Confidential vs. Public Marriage License

Want to keep your marriage off public record?

In California, we offer:

• Public License (available to the public)
• Confidential License (sealed and private)

Confidential licenses do not require witnesses and are available only to couples living together.

Perfect for:

• Immigration-sensitive cases
• Religious reasons
• Private elopements

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15. Apostille for International Marriage Use

If you’re planning to use your marriage license abroad — for immigration, visa, or citizenship — you’ll need an apostille.

We offer:

• Same-day marriage and license issuance
• Apostille processing for international use
• Translations and notarized documents

This is essential for countries under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Learn more: U.S. Department of State – Apostille Info

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16. How to Book Your Same-Day Wedding Now

Skip the courthouse. Skip the blood test. Skip the waiting.

At Get Married Today, here’s how to book:

1. Visit https://getmarried.today
2. Choose your location — we serve Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and more
3. Select a time — we’re open 24/7
4. Bring your photo ID
5. Get married legally and easily

We’ll take care of the rest — including paperwork, certificates, and even apostilles.

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17. Conclusion: Blood Tests Are Out. Quick Marriages Are In.

Let’s put this myth to rest: You do not need a blood test to get married in California or anywhere in the U.S.

Whether you’re eloping, planning a quick immigration marriage, or need last-minute wedding documentation, Get Married Today is your solution.

• ✅ No blood test
• ✅ No waiting period
• ✅ No courthouse
• ✅ No stress

Just fast, professional, and legal marriage services — when you need them most.

Ready to skip the stress and say “I do”?
👉 Book your appointment now at Get Married Today