Elopement in California for International Couples | Get Married Today

ELOPEMENT FOR GLOBAL COUPLES Legal marriage + ceremony in one visit

Elopement in California for International Couples

Turn your trip to California into a fully legal elopement that is recognized around the world. Get Married Today issues your California marriage license, performs your civil ceremony, and prepares your documents for international use — all in a simple, guided process designed for couples visiting from abroad.

Same-day license & ceremony in Southern California
No California residency requirement for international couples
Apostille & notarization support for use in your home country

Perfect for: tourists, long-distance couples, K-1/immigration, destination weddings Based in: Southern California — beaches, chapels, hotels, & private venues

Why Eloping in California Works So Well for International Couples

California is one of the most flexible places in the world to get legally married. There is no residency requirement, no mandatory waiting period, and the process is very friendly to foreign passports and visitors on tourist visas.

Key legal advantages

No residency requirement. You do not have to live in California or in the United States to marry here. Official guidance is available through the California Department of Public Health .
No waiting period. You can receive a marriage license and hold your civil ceremony on the same day when you work with Get Married Today.
Foreign passports accepted. A valid government-issued ID or passport from your home country is usually sufficient for a California marriage license (additional documentation may be needed if previously married).
Public or confidential license options. Learn about privacy-focused licenses on our Confidential Marriage License page.
International recognition. Your California marriage certificate can be authenticated with an apostille or embassy legalization so it is valid in your home country.

Elopement-style experience, fully legal

Elopements with Get Married Today blend destination-style romance with strict legal compliance. Your experience can be as simple or as styled as you’d like:

Minimal, courthouse-style ceremonies in our partner offices
Sunset beach elopements along the Southern California coast
Hotel suite or balcony ceremonies with a city or ocean view
Discreet, private ceremonies using a confidential marriage license

Explore more about timing and logistics in our guides How Fast Can You Get a Marriage License and Steps to Getting Married in One Day .

How International Elopement With Get Married Today Works

Whether you are flying in from overseas or already in California on business or vacation, Get Married Today can complete your elopement in one coordinated visit.

Plan your trip & confirm eligibility

Review the basic requirements on our Marriage Requirements page and make sure both partners:

Are at least 18 years old (or have a court order if younger)
Have valid government-issued photo ID or passports
Know the exact date any previous marriage ended

Book your same-day elopement appointment

Choose a date that fits your flight or travel schedule and reserve a time using the Get Married Today booking options available through Schedule Your Same Day Marriage . You can select in-office elopement or have us travel to your hotel, beach, or private venue.

Meet us in Southern California

Bring your IDs and required details. During your appointment, we:

Prepare and issue your California marriage license
Guide you through all signatures and legal forms
Provide a civil ceremony customized to your preferences

Legal ceremony and license filing

Your ordained officiant performs the ceremony, signs the marriage license, and ensures it is properly filed with the county. Our team handles these details for you — similar to the process described on our page Same Day Marriage in California for International Couples .

Certified copies & apostille / legalization

After the license is recorded, you can request certified copies from the county clerk (for example via the Orange County Clerk-Recorder ). For international use, an apostille or embassy legalization is usually required, which is where Orange County Apostille can help.

Tip: For a deeper overview of the same-day process, read How Can I Get Married Today? and the main Frequently Asked Questions .

Documents International Couples Need for a Legal Elopement

The exact documentation can vary slightly by county and by your personal situation, but most international elopements in California follow a clear pattern.

Before your appointment

Valid passport for each partner. This is the most common ID used by international couples. Some counties also accept other government photo IDs.
Details of previous marriages. If either partner was previously married, you’ll need the exact date that marriage ended. Some counties may request supporting documents such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
Current address. You may use your home-country address. There is no California residency requirement.
Optional translations. If any supporting documents (such as foreign divorce judgments) are not in English, they may need a certified translation. Your Local Notary Public can help with notarized translations when needed.

After the ceremony: making it valid abroad

When your California elopement is complete, you will rely on certified copies of your marriage certificate and, in many countries, an apostille or consular legalization:

Certified copy of the marriage certificate from the county where you were married – see county resources such as Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder .
Apostille for Hague Convention countries. Requirements are outlined by the U.S. Department of State Apostille guidance and the California Secretary of State .
Embassy or consulate legalization for non-Hague countries, which may involve additional notarization and government stamps.

Professional apostille assistance from Orange County Apostille can save time and avoid rejection by foreign authorities.

Elopement, Immigration, and Visa Considerations

Many international couples elope in California not only for romance, but also for immigration timelines, relocation, or long-term planning. While Get Married Today does not provide legal immigration advice, we design your elopement process to generate the documentation commonly requested in immigration and consular filings.

For future U.S. immigration filings

A properly issued California marriage certificate may be used as part of marriage-based immigration petitions, such as those described by USCIS family green card processes . Many couples also review Get Married Today’s page on Marriage for Immigration Purposes (if applicable on the live site).

Tourist visa & ESTA visitors

Most tourists can legally marry in California while visiting, as long as they comply with U.S. entry conditions. Your wedding does not change your visa status by itself, but it gives you a valid marriage for future legal uses. Always consult a qualified immigration professional if you have questions about status or intent.

Couples planning a celebration abroad

Many international couples choose to complete the legal marriage in California, then hold a symbolic or religious ceremony in their home country later. For planning ideas, browse the Get Married Today blog, including articles like What Paperwork Is Needed for a Legal Marriage and Can You Get Married Without a Wedding? .

Sample Elopement Timelines for International Couples

Every couple’s travel schedule is different, but these sample itineraries show how efficiently your California elopement can be planned with Get Married Today.

Option 1

24-Hour Express Elopement

Arrive in Southern California in the morning or early afternoon.
Meet Get Married Today for your appointment: license issuance + ceremony.
Take photos at a nearby beach, park, or city backdrop.
Leave your appointment with legal proof of marriage and clear instructions on ordering certified copies and apostille.

Option 2

Three-Day Romantic Getaway

Day 1: Check in to your hotel and enjoy the local area.
Day 2: Same-day license and ceremony with Get Married Today; sunset elopement photos.
Day 3: Relax, celebrate, and plan your celebration back home using resources from the Get Married Today blog.

Option 3

Elopement + Holiday or Weekend

Schedule your elopement on a special date such as a weekend or holiday.
Read more about special-date weddings on Get Legally Married on Holidays .
Enjoy the flexibility of 24/7 marriage services even when courthouses are closed.

Where International Couples Love to Elope in California

Get Married Today serves couples throughout Southern California, with flexible elopement options at offices, partner locations, and mobile destinations.

Intimate office & chapel-style spaces

If you prefer a courthouse-style experience without the lines, you can choose a quiet office or chapel-style setting. These locations are perfect for couples who want a fast, private ceremony that still feels special and elegant.

For a broader overview of locations, visit the main Get Married Today site and explore the Locations section.

Beaches, parks, and scenic spots

Many international couples dream of saying “I do” with the Pacific Ocean in the background. We can travel to nearby beaches, coastal overlooks, and parks that allow small ceremonies. Always confirm local permitting rules for public spaces, which may be published by city or county authorities.

Hotels, balconies, and private venues

If you’re staying in a hotel or rental property, your elopement can take place right where you are. Balcony views, rooftop terraces, and private gardens are common choices for couples visiting from abroad.

Same-day marriage licenses Mobile officiants Confidential ceremonies Apostille-ready documents

Is a California Elopement Right for Your International Relationship?

Elopement is ideal for couples who want a streamlined legal marriage without the complexity of a large event — especially when partners live in different countries or travel frequently.

Elopement is a strong fit if you:

Want a fully legal marriage certificate as soon as possible
Prefer an intimate ceremony with few or no guests
Are visiting California on vacation, business, or to see family
Plan to hold a larger celebration later in your home country
Need apostille / legalization for use abroad
Are navigating immigration timelines and want clear documentation

Things to confirm before you book

That your passports will be valid on your elopement date
Whether your home country requires an apostille or embassy legalization
Processing times for certified copies in the county where you plan to marry
Any visa or travel limitations that affect your stay in the United States
Whether you prefer a public or confidential marriage license
How your local registry or consulate will register your California marriage

Helpful Resources for International Elopements in California

Use these official resources and internal guides to plan every step of your international elopement, from the marriage license to apostille and future immigration filings.

Elopement for International Couples