If you’re dreaming of a spontaneous and romantic elopement, California is the perfect place to say “I do”—and it’s easier than ever to get legally married the same day you make the decision. Whether you’re a local couple, tourists in love, or an international pair ready to tie the knot, eloping in California can happen in just a few hours, no waiting period, no hassle.
In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to get a marriage license and have your ceremony performed the same day. From legal requirements to mobile officiants and breathtaking beach ceremonies, GetMarried.Today has you covered.
✅ Why Elope in California?
- No waiting period: You can get married the same day your license is issued.
- Stunning locations: Beaches, mountains, chapels, gardens, city views—California has it all.
- Simple requirements: Just valid ID and mutual consent.
- All-in-one service: Get your marriage license issued and ceremony performed in one appointment with GetMarried.Today.
📜 Step-by-Step: How to Elope in California in Just Hours
Step 1: Contact GetMarried.Today
We are licensed Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriage, authorized to issue your marriage license and perform your ceremony on the same day—often within an hour.
- 📞 Call or text: GetMarried.Today Contact Page
- 📍 Available throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
Step 2: Bring Valid ID
You’ll both need valid, government-issued photo identification such as:
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- State ID
No blood tests, no residency requirement, and no need to visit the county clerk—we handle everything.
Step 3: Choose Your Location
We offer:
- Private office weddings
- Beach elopements (Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Malibu)
- Backyard, hotel, or Airbnb ceremonies
- Mobile officiant anywhere in California
Step 4: Say “I Do”
After issuing your license, we’ll perform your legal wedding ceremony on the spot. You’ll sign the marriage license, and we file it with the county for you.
🌅 Popular Same-Day Elopement Locations in California
- Treasure Island Beach – Laguna Beach
- El Matador Beach – Malibu
- Anaheim Wedding Office – Steps from Disneyland
- Westwood Elopement Office – Los Angeles
- San Juan Capistrano Mission Garden Area
- Palm Springs desert view rentals
- Your home, hotel, hospital, or military base
🔗
- https://getmarried.today
- https://getmarried.today/contact/
- https://getmarried.today/product/same-day-marriage-license-and-ceremony/
- https://getmarried.today/product/beach-elopement-package/
- https://getmarried.today/product/mobile-marriage-officiant/
- https://getmarried.today/product/marriage-license-only/
- https://getmarried.today/product/hospital-wedding/
- https://getmarried.today/product/private-elopement-package/
- https://getmarried.today/product/military-marriage-and-benefits-guide/
- https://orangecountyapostille.org
- https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com
- https://getmarried.today/product/holiday-wedding-package/
- https://getmarried.today/product/disneyland-elopement/
- https://getmarried.today/product/sunset-beach-wedding/
- https://getmarried.today/product/laguna-beach-treasure-island/
- https://getmarried.today/product/anaheim-office-marriage/
- https://getmarried.today/product/newport-beach-marriage/
- https://getmarried.today/product/weekend-marriage/
- https://getmarried.today/product/international-marriage-apostille/
- https://getmarried.today/product/veterans-day-marriage/
💬 Top 15 FAQs About Eloping in California
1. Can we really get married today in California?
Yes! If you meet the basic ID requirements and are both present, you can get a same-day license and ceremony.
2. Who issues the marriage license?
We are legally authorized Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriage who can issue the license directly to you.
3. Do we need an appointment?
Appointments are recommended but we also accommodate walk-ins and emergency elopements.
4. What documents are required?
Just valid government-issued photo ID. No birth certificates or SSNs required for the license.
5. Can international couples elope in California?
Absolutely. Many of our couples are visiting from overseas and want a legal U.S. marriage.
6. How long does it take from start to finish?
The full process—license and ceremony—can be done in under an hour.
7. Is the California marriage recognized globally?
Yes. And we offer same-day apostille services for international use of your marriage certificate.
8. What if we want a private ceremony without guests?
We specialize in just-the-two-of-you elopements.
9. Can we get married at the beach?
Yes. Laguna Beach, Newport, and Malibu are popular locations we serve daily.
10. What if we only need the license?
We offer license-only services for couples using another officiant later.
11. What’s the cost of a same-day marriage license and ceremony?
Prices vary based on location and urgency. See full packages here: Same-Day Marriage Services
12. Can you perform weddings on holidays or weekends?
Yes. We are available 365 days a year, including holidays.
13. Do you offer Spanish-speaking officiants?
Sí. Tenemos oficiales que hablan español para matrimonios legales en el mismo día.
14. Can you file our license with the county?
Yes. We handle the filing and can assist with certified copy requests.
15. Do you offer rush services for marriage certificates?
Yes. We expedite the certified copy process and offer same-day apostille options as well.
💍 Start Your Elopement Now
Whether you’re eloping out of romance or convenience, we make the process fast, legal, and stress-free. From the license to the “I Do,” you can be married in just hours.
📲 Book your elopement now at GetMarried.Today