Your Marriage Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about getting a same-day marriage today.
Still have questions? Check out our resources page or feel free to contact us!
General Questions
How can I get married today?
With Get Married Today, you can get married today by booking an appointment. We provide both the marriage license and a legal wedding ceremony all on the same day — no courthouse visit required.
What are the first steps to getting married in one day?
First, schedule an appointment at one of our offices or at a location of your choice, and bring your ID. Next, complete and sign documents, including the marriage licenses. The Notary Public will then notarize the marriage licenses and Sworn Statement. After the process, you can customize the ceremony as much as you’d like before it commences. The Ordained Minister will sign the marriage licenses, and we will file all the documents and marriage licenses with the County. You will receive a Proof of Marriage, and we will order your official License and Certificate of Marriage, which will be mailed to your address from the County within 5-8 weeks.
Can you legally marry someone the same day you apply for a marriage license?
Yes, there is no waiting period in California, and Get Married Today is authorized to issue the license and perform the ceremony on the same day.
What is the fastest way to get legally married in the U.S.?
The fastest way is to use an authorized private service like Get Married Today. We streamline the entire process — license and ceremony in one sitting.
Where can I find a same-day wedding officiant?
Get Married Today provides licensed officiants and even a venue space for elopements and pop-up weddings.
Is it possible to skip the waiting period for a marriage license?
California doesn’t have a waiting period for a marriage license. Services like Get Married Today allow same-day weddings without delay.
How does a courthouse wedding work?
A courthouse wedding requires an appointment with the county clerk, a marriage license, and a civil ceremony with a government official. However, you can achieve the same legal outcome that is faster, easier, and more convenient with Get Married Today.
Can you get married instantly without a ceremony?
No. California law requires a ceremony, but it can be short and straightforward. Get Married Today can provide a quick legal ceremony that fulfills the requirement.
Are there online marriage services for same-day weddings?
Yes. Services like Get Married Today allow you to schedule online and then complete the marriage license and ceremony in person on the very same day.
How fast can you get a marriage license in California?
With Get Married Today, the license is issued on-site and during your appointment. There is no need for a separate visit to the county clerk.
Can I get married without a marriage license in California?
No, you are required to have a marriage license in California. However, with Get Married Today, the license is issued on the spot, so you don’t have to visit the county clerk separately.
What is a quickie wedding?
A quickie wedding is a fast and simple legal marriage. Get Married Today offers just that — a minimal ceremony without long planning and all the legal paperwork handled.
How much does it cost to get married instantly?
At Get Married Today, marriage license and ceremony packages start at as low as $350. Everything can be done at an affordable, bundled price.
What states allow instant marriages?
California allows same-day legal marriage with no waiting period. Other states with similar rules include Nevada, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, and more. Still, California has one of the most straightforward processes — especially with authorized services like Get Married Today.
Legal Requirements
What documents do I need to get married today?
You need a valid government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
Can I get married without my birth certificate?
Yes, birth certificates are not required to obtain a marriage license in California.
Do both partners need to be present to get a marriage license?
Yes, both partners must appear together in person to apply for the license.
Can you marry without an ID?
No. A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID is required for both parties.
What is the age requirement to get married?
You must be 18 years or older to marry without parental or court consent.
Can I get married with an expired passport?
No. You must have a valid and current photo ID. An expired passport will not be accepted.
What are the requirements for a courthouse wedding?
To have a courthouse wedding, you must have a marriage license, schedule a civil ceremony, appear with ID and a witness, and pay the ceremony fee. However, Get Married Today can handle everything without courthouse hassle.
Can I get married if I lose my ID?
No, you’ll need to replace your ID before getting married. California law requires valid identification at the time of marriage license issuance.
What's required for a proxy marriage?
California does not allow proxy marriages unless one person is actively serving in the U.S. military and can’t be present due to deployment. In that case, special procedures apply.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license gives you legal permission to marry while a marriage certificate is the official record proving you are legally married. Get Married Today will help you get the license and file for your certificate.
Do I need a blood test to get married?
Blood tests are not required in California for marriage.
Waiting Periods
Why do you have to wait three days to get married?
You don’t have to in California. While some states require a waiting period, California doesn’t, and you can marry immediately after getting your license.
Can I waive the waiting period for a marriage license?
There’s no waiting period to waive. California lets you marry the same day you get your license.
Do I need to be a resident of a state to get married there?
No, you do not need to be a California resident to marry in the state. Anyone can get married in California as long as they meet the legal requirements.
Can I marry on the same day if I'm divorced?
Yes, as long as your divorce is finalized and you have legal documentation, you can remarry immediately in California.
Why do some states require a waiting period for marriage?
Some states implement waiting periods to discourage impulsive marriages and give couples time to reconsider. However, California does not require a waiting period.
Can I get married if my fiancé is overseas?
Not in person. Both parties must be physically present to get a marriage license and complete the ceremony in California. Remote or proxy marriage is prohibited unless one party is in the U.S. military under exceptional circumstances.
How can I legally marry someone who lives in another country?
You can have them travel to California and marry in person (services, like Get Married Today, can handle the process same-day), or consider applying for a fiance visa if you plan on bringing them to the U.S. to marry.
Elopement and Destination Weddings
What is an elopement wedding?
An elopement is a small, simple, and often spontaneous wedding. Elopements usually include just the couple, an officiant, and maybe a witness. With Get Married Today, you can elope legally and quickly in a private setting without the stress of planning a big event.
How does a pop-up wedding work?
A pop-up wedding is a styled mini-ceremony set up temporarily at a location such as a park, beach, or venue. Some elopement services in California offer pop-up elopements where everything is set up for you — just show up, get married, and go celebrate.
Can you elope without anyone knowing?
Yes. If you get a confidential marriage license in California, your marriage is not part of the public record, and no witness is required. It’s ideal for private elopements.
Can you get married while traveling?
Yes, you don’t need to be a California resident to marry here. Many couples from out of state or country travel to California to elope. Just bring a valid ID and book an appointment.
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is a small-scale ceremony with a limited guest list. It’s more intimate than a traditional wedding while still including some planning and structure.
How does a Vegas wedding work?
In Las Vegas, you can walk into the Marriage License Bureau, get a license, and be married within minutes at one of many wedding chapels. California offers a similar experience through private services like Get Married Today.
What's the difference between eloping and a courthouse wedding?
Eloping is more private, flexible, and can be done anywhere, whereas a courthouse wedding happens at the government office and follows more formal procedures. Get Married Today offers the legal benefits of a courthouse wedding with the flexibility and privacy of an elopement.
Can I elope and have a wedding later?
Absolutely. Many couples elope first, then have a ceremony later with family and friends. Your elopement is legally binding, and you can celebrate again whenever you’re ready.
Marriage and Ceremonies
Can you get married without a wedding?
Yes. You can have a legal marriage without a traditional wedding. Get Married Today offers a simple ceremony with no required guests, planning, or reception — only the legal essentials.
Can you be legally married without a minister or officiant?
Not in most cases. California requires a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. Get Married Today can provide one for you.
Can I get married by signing a paper?
Not in California. You must have a legal ceremony with an officiant and a signed marriage license. Signing the license without ceremony is not valid under California law.
What is a civil marriage?
A civil marriage is a non-religious, legal marriage performed by an authorized officiant. Get Married Today provides civil-style weddings that are quick, legal, and non-religious.
What happens if we just sign a marriage license?
In California, you must also have a ceremony where you declare your intent to marry before an officiant. Just signing the marriage license won’t make the marriage legal.
Do we have to exchange vows to be legally married?
Only a minimal declaration of intent is required, such as saying “I do.” Exchanging personal vows is not required, but you can if you want to.
Documentation and Proof
What is a proof of marriage letter?
A proof of marriage letter is a document confirming that you are legally married. The official proof in California is your certified marriage certificate issued by the country after your marriage license is filed.
How do I get an official marriage certificate?
Once you’re married, your officiant sends the signed license to the county. After it’s processed, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk’s office. Get Married Today will handle filing for you and order your official License and Certificate of Marriage, which will be mailed to your address.
Do I need to change my last name after marriage?
No, it is not required to change your last name after marriage. However, if you want to take your spouse’s last name, you can write your new name on the marriage license. After marriage, you must update your ID, Social Security, etc.
How long does it take to receive a marriage certificate?
The County Clerk typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to process your license and make the marriage certificate available. You must request and pay for a certified copy — it’s not automatically mailed to you. For more information, check out this article.
Can I get a copy of my marriage certificate online?
You can submit a request online via your county’s website, but the actual certificate must be mailed or picked up in person.
How can I prove I'm married without a marriage certificate?
The certified marriage certificate is legal proof. Until then, you can use the filed license, but it is not official proof. Get Married Today will file your license immediately to get your certificate as soon as possible.
Do I need to register my marriage after the wedding?
You don’t personally need to register it. Your officiant (or Get Married Today) will return your signed license to the County Clerk. Once filed, your marriage becomes official and recorded.
How do I update my name after getting married?
Once you have your certified marriage certificate, you can update your name with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, the Passport agency, and any Banks, insurance, employer, etc.
What are common mistakes that can make a marriage invalid?
Common mistakes include not getting a valid marriage license, not having an authorized officiant, not completing the ceremony, and not filing the license to the county. Get Married Today will help prevent these errors from occurring.
What happens if you lose your marriage certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the County Clerk’s office where your license was filed. You’ll need to have proof of identity, complete a request form, and pay a fee.