The holiday season is one of the most meaningful times of year to celebrate love, commitment, and new beginnings. For many couples, holidays bring families together, create rare moments of time off, and inspire milestone decisions—like getting legally married. Yet, the same season that feels perfect for saying “I do” is also notorious for limited courthouse hours, fully booked county clerk appointments, and unexpected closures.
That’s where Get Married Today steps in.
Get Married Today specializes in holiday marriage services across California, helping couples legally marry during times when traditional government offices are unavailable. Whether you’re planning a Christmas elopement, a New Year’s Eve wedding, a Thanksgiving ceremony, or a last-minute holiday marriage before the year ends, our services are designed to make the process smooth, private, and fully compliant with California law.
This comprehensive guide explains how holiday marriage services work, why couples choose to get married during holidays, and how Get Married Today supports couples every step of the way—without delays, confusion, or courthouse stress.
Why Couples Choose to Get Married During the Holidays
Holidays aren’t just about celebration—they’re about togetherness, reflection, and intention. Many couples find that the holiday season provides the emotional and logistical alignment needed to move forward with marriage.
1. Family Is Already Together
For couples with relatives traveling from out of town or overseas, the holidays may be the only time everyone is in one place. A legal holiday marriage allows families to witness the moment without planning a large traditional wedding.
2. Time Off From Work
Many couples have limited availability during the year. Holiday breaks offer flexibility that’s otherwise impossible, especially for professionals, military members, and international travelers.
3. Year-End Legal and Financial Planning
Marriage can affect taxes, insurance, benefits, immigration filings, and family planning. Couples often want their marriage legally finalized before the year ends.
4. Emotional Significance
Getting married during a holiday can add lifelong meaning. Anniversaries tied to special dates like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day become even more memorable.
The Challenge: Courthouses Close During Holidays
Despite the demand, county clerk offices and courthouses frequently close or operate on reduced schedules during holidays such as:
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- Thanksgiving and the day after
- Federal and state holidays
- Unexpected government shutdowns or staffing shortages
Appointments fill weeks—or even months—in advance. Couples who wait until the holidays often discover that traditional routes simply aren’t available.
How Get Married Today Solves the Holiday Marriage Problem
Get Married Today offers a full-service legal marriage solution designed specifically for holidays and after-hours needs.
What Makes Our Holiday Marriage Services Different?
- Legal marriage services available during holidays
- Private, non-courthouse ceremonies
- Same-day marriage license handling (when legally permitted)
- Licensed California officiants
- Accurate filing with the county recorder
- Support for domestic and international couples
Our approach removes the dependency on courthouse availability and replaces it with a streamlined, legally sound process.
Learn more about our services at:
- https://getmarried.today/
- https://getmarried.today/what-to-expect-before-your-marriage-appointment/
- https://getmarried.today/what-to-expect-after-your-marriage-appointment/
Holiday Elopements: Simple, Private, and Legal
Holiday elopements are increasingly popular for couples who value intimacy over spectacle. Instead of navigating crowded venues and complex planning, couples can focus on the legal and emotional core of marriage.
Get Married Today specializes in holiday elopements that are:
- Fully legal under California law
- Conducted by licensed officiants
- Private and personalized
- Filed correctly with the county
These ceremonies are ideal for couples who want to marry quietly during the holidays and celebrate later with family and friends.
Same-Day Marriage During the Holidays
One of the most common misconceptions is that same-day marriage isn’t possible during holidays. While courthouses may be closed, same-day legal marriage is still possible through proper authorization and licensed professionals.
Get Married Today helps couples complete:
- Marriage license issuance (where applicable)
- Ceremony and officiant services
- Legal documentation and filing
All without waiting for the courthouse to reopen.
For details on California marriage requirements, visit:
- https://getmarried.today/requirements-for-marriage/
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Marriage-License.aspx
Serving Local, Out-of-State, and International Couples
Holiday marriages often involve travel. Many couples visiting California for the holidays want to get married while they’re already here.
Get Married Today regularly assists:
- Out-of-state U.S. couples
- International couples visiting California
- Binational couples planning future immigration filings
For international use of marriage certificates, our partner services can assist with notarization and apostille support through:
Military Couples and Holiday Marriages
The holidays are especially important for military families. Leave schedules, deployments, and relocations often align with year-end breaks.
Get Married Today is experienced in assisting military couples who need a legally recognized marriage completed quickly and correctly, even during holiday closures.
Helpful resources include:
Legal Accuracy Matters—Especially During the Holidays
A holiday marriage must still meet all California legal requirements. Mistakes can cause delays, rejected filings, or problems later when requesting certified copies or apostilles.
Get Married Today ensures:
- Correct license type selection
- Proper officiant authorization
- Accurate signatures and dates
- Timely county filing
For official guidance, see:
What Happens After the Holiday Ceremony?
After your holiday marriage ceremony:
- Your marriage is officially filed with the county
- You can request certified copies
- Your marriage becomes legally recognized nationwide
- International couples may proceed with apostille or authentication
Post-marriage documentation support is available through:
30 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you legally get married on a holiday in California?
Yes, with proper authorization and licensed professionals, legal marriages can occur during holidays.
2. Do courthouses need to be open?
No. Holiday marriage services do not rely on courthouse availability.
3. Is a holiday elopement legally valid?
Yes, when conducted under California law.
4. Can we get married the same day during holidays?
In many cases, yes, depending on eligibility and documentation.
5. Are holiday marriages filed with the county?
Yes, all marriages are properly filed.
6. Can out-of-state couples get married in California during holidays?
Yes, residency is not required.
7. Are international couples eligible?
Yes, valid identification is required.
8. Is a witness required?
That depends on the license type.
9. Can we marry on Christmas Day?
Yes, holiday ceremonies are available.
10. Can we marry on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day?
Yes, when arranged properly.
11. Are holiday marriages private?
Yes, they are typically private ceremonies.
12. Can family attend?
Yes, depending on the ceremony arrangement.
13. Is the marriage recognized outside California?
Yes, California marriages are recognized nationwide.
14. Can we use the marriage for immigration?
Yes, with certified copies and proper filings.
15. Do you handle paperwork?
Yes, documentation is handled accurately.
16. Is this a civil marriage?
Yes, holiday marriages are civil and legal.
17. Can we upgrade services later?
Yes, additional documentation can be requested.
18. Are weekends treated like holidays?
Often yes, services are available beyond weekdays.
19. What identification is required?
Government-issued photo ID is required.
20. Can we marry during a government shutdown?
Yes, services are independent of courthouse operations.
21. Are holiday marriages rushed?
No, they are structured and legally sound.
22. Can we request certified copies later?
Yes, through the county recorder.
23. Do holidays affect filing times?
Filing is handled as soon as legally permitted.
24. Is an officiant included?
Yes, licensed officiants conduct ceremonies.
25. Can couples elope without guests?
Yes, private elopements are common.
26. Are holiday marriages expensive?
Pricing varies by service type and timing.
27. Can we marry before the year ends?
Yes, even at the last minute.
28. Is the marriage date the ceremony date?
Yes, the ceremony date is the legal marriage date.
29. Can we apostille the certificate later?
Yes, through apostille service providers.
30. Why choose Get Married Today?
Because reliability, legality, and experience matter—especially during holidays.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Love Without Delays
The holidays should be about joy—not stress over government closures or missed appointments. Get Married Today exists to ensure that couples can legally marry when it matters most, without waiting for the calendar to cooperate.
Whether you’re planning a quiet holiday elopement, a meaningful year-end marriage, or a same-day ceremony during a major holiday, the right support makes all the difference.
Explore more resources:
- https://getmarried.today/faq-2/
- https://getmarried.today/book-your-marriage/
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/
- https://yourlocalnotarypublic.com/
Love doesn’t take holidays off—and neither do we.