Do I Need to Be a Resident of a State to Get Married There?
Everything You Need to Know for a Fast, Legally Recognized Marriage
If you’re wondering whether you need to be a resident of a U.S. state to legally get married there, the short and simple answer is no—you do not need to be a resident to get married in most U.S. states, including California.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples from across the U.S. and around the world get legally married in California on the same day, with no residency requirement, no waiting period, and no stress.
We also assist with apostille certification of marriage certificates for international recognition under the Hague Apostille Convention—ideal for couples needing urgent, official documentation for immigration, visa applications, or foreign legal requirements.
📍 Book your appointment today at GetMarried.Today and get legally married without delay!
✅ Do You Need to Be a Resident to Get Married in a U.S. State?
In almost all U.S. states—including California, Nevada, New York, and Florida—residency is NOT a requirement to get married.
That means:
- You don’t need to live in the state where you’re getting married.
- You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- You can even be visiting from another country.
📍 Check residency requirements for each state at US Marriage Laws.
🏛 Why California Is One of the Best States to Get Married (Even If You’re Not a Resident)
California offers some of the most flexible and convenient marriage laws in the country, making it perfect for:
- Elopements
- Military marriages
- Immigration-related unions
- International couples
- Last-minute weddings
Here’s why California is so popular:
1. No Residency Requirement
💡 Anyone from any U.S. state or any country can legally marry in California.
- No California ID or address needed.
- No proof of U.S. residency required.
📍 Learn more at California Department of Public Health – Vital Records.
2. No Waiting Period
⏱ You can get married on the same day you apply for a license—no need to wait 1–3 days like in other states.
3. Easy Marriage License Process
📜 We can issue your marriage license directly, so you don’t even need to go to the courthouse.
📍 Learn about California marriage licenses at Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
4. No Blood Tests Required
🧪 Unlike in some countries and states, California does not require any medical tests.
5. International Recognition with Apostille Certification
🌍 If you’re from another country, we can help you apostille your marriage certificate for international recognition.
- Essential for immigration, visa processing, dual citizenship, or legal name changes abroad.
- We partner with Orange County Apostille for fast and reliable apostille services.
📍 Read about apostille legalization at The Hague Conference on Private International Law.
💒 How Our Same-Day Marriage Service Works (With No Residency Required)
Whether you’re from another state or another country, here’s how you can get married today with our service:
✅ Step 1: Book Your Appointment
📅 Schedule your same-day marriage appointment at GetMarried.Today.
✅ Step 2: Bring Valid ID
📄 All you need is valid photo identification, such as:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Military ID
No residency or visa is required to get married in California.
✅ Step 3: We Issue the Marriage License
📜 No courthouse visit needed! Our licensed Notary Public will issue your marriage license on-site.
✅ Step 4: Get Married!
🎤 One of our licensed officiants will perform your legal ceremony—anywhere you choose:
- Your home or Airbnb
- Beach or park
- Hotel or wedding venue
✅ Step 5: Receive Your Legal Marriage Certificate
📜 We handle the paperwork and file your marriage certificate with the state.
📍 You can request certified copies later at VitalChek.
🌐 Need to Use Your Marriage Certificate in Another Country?
If you’re from another country (such as the UK, Canada, Germany, Mexico, or Australia) and need your U.S. marriage certificate to be recognized in your home country, we can help.
✔ We Offer Apostille Certification Services
- Your California marriage certificate will be authenticated under the Hague Apostille Convention.
- Our partner Orange County Apostille ensures fast and secure apostille processing.
📍 List of Hague Apostille Convention countries: HCCH Apostille Members
❤️ Who Uses Our Services?
Our no-residency, same-day marriage services are perfect for:
💑 Eloping Couples
Don’t want a big wedding? Don’t want to wait? Eloping in California is the fastest, simplest way to get married.
🎖 Military Couples
Need to get married before a deployment? We work with service members who need quick, legal marriages for benefits and housing.
📍 Learn about military marriage benefits at Military.com.
🌍 International Couples
Visiting from another country? No problem! Get married here legally and apostille your certificate for use at home.
💼 Immigration Purposes
Marriage is often a key part of adjustment of status, fiancé visas (K-1), or spousal sponsorships.
📍 Learn more at USCIS.
🌅 Best Places to Get Married in California (No Residency Required!)
📍 Here are some of our favorite elopement and ceremony locations for locals and visitors alike:
1. Laguna Beach
🌊 Romantic ocean views, perfect at sunset.
📍 Visit Laguna Beach
2. Joshua Tree National Park
🌵 Unique desert vibes with natural beauty.
📍 Joshua Tree Wedding Info
3. Griffith Park – Los Angeles
🌆 City views with scenic green space.
📍 L.A. Parks
4. Santa Monica Pier
🎡 Fun, iconic, and oceanfront.
📍 Visit Santa Monica
5. Your Own Backyard or Hotel
🏡 We come to you for ultimate comfort and privacy.
🎯 Why Choose Get Married Today?
✔ No residency required
✔ Same-day license + ceremony
✔ 24/7 availability (yes—even holidays!)
✔ On-location ceremonies anywhere in California
✔ Optional apostille processing for international couples
🗣️ What Our Couples Say
“We flew in from London and got married the same day. No hassle and fully legal in the UK!” — Tom & Emma, UK
“I’m military and had to get married before deployment. They made it happen in under an hour!” — Ryan & Jessica, San Diego
“We needed an apostille to register our marriage in Germany. They took care of everything for us.” — Lukas & Sophia, Berlin
📞 Book Your Marriage Appointment Today
🎉 Whether you’re from another state, another country, or just around the corner, we’re here to make your wedding fast, legal, and unforgettable.
📍 Book your same-day marriage now at GetMarried.Today
📚 Helpful Resources & Backlinks
- California Marriage License Requirements
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder
- USCIS – Green Card Through Marriage
- US Marriage Laws by State
- The Hague Apostille Convention
- Orange County Apostille Services
- VitalChek – Order Marriage Certificate
- The Knot – Wedding Budget Guide
- Brides – Wedding Planning Ideas
- Zola – Stress-Free Wedding Guide
- Military.com – Marriage Benefits
- Wedding Spot – California Venues
- Visit California
- Visit Laguna Beach
- NPS – Joshua Tree
- Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
- L.A. Parks
- USCIS – Fiancé Visa (K-1)
- CDC Travel & Marriage Information
- U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad
- Name Change After Marriage – SSA
- California DMV – Name Change
- U.S. Passport Name Change
- Tricare for Spouses
- Defense Finance and Accounting Service – BAH
✨ Final Thoughts
Don’t let residency requirements, paperwork confusion, or travel stress get in the way of your big day. At Get Married Today, we make it easy to get legally married in California—regardless of where you live or where you’re from.
💍 We issue your license, perform your ceremony, and offer apostille services to make your marriage internationally recognized.
📍 Book your appointment today at GetMarried.Today and say “I do”—the easy way.