How Do I Get an Official Marriage Certificate?
Your Complete Guide to Securing a Legally Recognized Proof of Marriage — Fast and Hassle-Free
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, handling immigration paperwork, or applying for spousal benefits, one essential document stands between you and full legal recognition of your marriage: the official marriage certificate.
This in-depth guide from Get Married Today will walk you through the exact steps required to obtain an official marriage certificate in the United States—especially for those seeking urgent documentation for legal, immigration, or international use.
We’ll also explain:
- The difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate
- Why the certificate matters for legal, tax, and immigration purposes
- How to get one fast—even on weekends or holidays
- How to get your certificate apostilled for international use
Let’s dive in.
What Is an Official Marriage Certificate?
An official marriage certificate is a government-issued document that proves you are legally married. It is issued after a marriage has been performed and the signed marriage license has been returned and processed by the appropriate government agency—usually the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office.
What It Looks Like:
- It will include your names, date of marriage, location, officiant name, and official seal.
- Certified copies often feature a watermark, raised seal, or red stamp.
Common Uses:
- Changing your last name with Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial institutions
- Immigration petitions (e.g., I-130 spousal visa)
- Applying for spousal health benefits or insurance
- Proving marital status in legal proceedings
- International recognition with apostille certification
Step 1: Understand the Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
Before you can get a marriage certificate, you need a marriage license. These terms are often confused:
| Document | When You Get It | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | Before the wedding | Grants legal permission to get married |
| Marriage Certificate | After the wedding | Official proof that you are legally married |
With Get Married Today, we issue your license, officiate your ceremony, and submit your documents to the County Clerk—all on the same day. You don’t need to visit the courthouse.
Step 2: Apply for a Marriage License First
How to Get a Marriage License in California:
To obtain a marriage certificate, you must first apply for and receive a valid marriage license from a recognized issuer, such as Get Married Today, which is authorized by the County Clerk’s Office.
Requirements:
- Both parties must be present (or meet the legal proxy exceptions)
- Valid government-issued IDs
- Must be at least 18 (or have court approval if younger)
- No blood test is required
- No residency or citizenship requirement in California
🕒 With us, you can get your license issued and ceremony done in as little as 30 minutes.
Step 3: Get Married by a Licensed Officiant
Once your license is in hand, you must be legally married by a recognized officiant. This can be:
- A civil celebrant (judge, commissioner)
- Religious leader (pastor, imam, rabbi)
- Private officiant (like the team at Get Married Today)
Same-Day Marriage:
Get Married Today offers 24/7 officiants available on holidays and weekends. We handle emergency elopements, military weddings, immigration needs, and hospital ceremonies with full legal compliance.
Step 4: Submit the Completed Marriage License
After your ceremony, the marriage license must be signed by your officiant and witnesses (if required) and filed with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office.
If you’re married through Get Married Today:
- 📝 We submit the license for you immediately.
- 🕒 It is usually processed within 7–10 business days.
- ✅ Once registered, you are officially married.
Step 5: Request an Official Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage license is filed and processed, your marriage certificate becomes available for order.
You can request a certified copy from the county where your marriage was filed.
Requesting Online, By Mail, or In Person:
- Online: Most counties offer certified copy requests online.
- By Mail: Download the form and include payment and a notarized sworn statement.
- In Person: Bring your valid ID and payment.
📍 For marriages handled by Get Married Today in Los Angeles County or Orange County, we provide a direct path to ordering your certified copy once your marriage is filed.
Fees for Marriage Certificates
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Marriage License (CA) | $85–105 |
| Certified Marriage Certificate Copy | $17–21 each |
| Notarization of Request (Mail-In) | $15–20 |
| Apostille (if needed) | $150+ |
💡 Get Married Today clients receive assistance with notarizing and submitting their certificate requests for fast turnaround.
What If You Need Your Certificate Urgently?
We understand that many of our clients are:
- Applying for green cards or adjustment of status
- On tight travel schedules
- Facing military deployments
- Finalizing insurance, housing, or benefits claims
That’s why we offer:
- Expedited submission
- Rush certified copies
- Apostille-ready services
- Real-time tracking and updates
Apostille Certification for International Use
If you’re sending your marriage certificate abroad—for dual citizenship, foreign registration, immigration, or visa applications—it must be apostilled.
Apostille Checklist:
✅ Certified copy of your marriage certificate
✅ Country must be a member of the Hague Apostille Convention
✅ State or federal authentication depending on document source
We partner with Orange County Apostille to handle:
- California Apostilles (Vital Records)
- U.S. Department of State Apostilles (Federal)
🌍 We help couples across borders: Mexico, Philippines, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Colombia, Korea, and beyond.
When Should You Order a Marriage Certificate?
You should request your official certificate as soon as your marriage is registered, especially if you:
- Need to change your name
- Need to travel
- Are applying for immigration
- Need to register your marriage overseas
🛑 Do NOT wait until you need the certificate urgently—processing can take time depending on the county.
How Many Copies Should You Get?
We recommend ordering at least 3–5 certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Here’s why:
- One for name change at the DMV
- One for your Social Security office
- One for immigration or embassy
- One for personal records
- One for insurance or tax filing
What If You Got Married Years Ago and Never Got the Certificate?
It’s not too late!
Contact the County Clerk’s Office where the marriage was filed or reach out to us. We’ll help locate your record and order the certificate—even from older marriages dating back decades.
You’ll need:
- Names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage occurred
- Sworn statement (for mailed requests)
What If You Lost Your Marriage Certificate?
You can order a replacement certified copy at any time. You do not need to get married again.
We help hundreds of couples retrieve lost or misplaced certificates—especially those needed for:
- Divorce proceedings
- Name restoration
- International applications
Need Help Getting Married Today and Getting a Certificate?
At Get Married Today, we simplify the entire process:
- Issue your license
- Perform your wedding
- File your paperwork
- Help you order certified copies
- Assist with name changes, apostilles, and more
We work 7 days a week—including holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get an official marriage certificate?
It usually takes 7–10 business days after the signed marriage license is submitted, but expedited options may be available through our services.
2. Can I get married and receive a certificate the same day?
Yes, we provide proof of marriage on the same day, and help you get the certified copy as soon as it becomes available.
3. Can I order my marriage certificate online?
Yes. Most counties offer an online request form. We can guide you through it or assist you directly.
4. Can you help with apostille services?
Absolutely. We provide apostille support through our Orange County Apostille partners, specializing in urgent international document processing.
5. What if I need my certificate for immigration?
We handle marriages specifically for USCIS marriage petitions. We expedite your certificate and provide guidance for immigration paperwork.
Get Legally Married Without the Courthouse
Skip the long waits, courthouse lines, and confusion. Get Married Today provides a seamless, legally binding experience—from your living room, beachside, or hospital bedside.
You’ll walk away with:
✅ A legally issued marriage license
✅ A legally conducted ceremony
✅ Immediate proof of marriage
✅ Full guidance on getting your official certificate
Final Thoughts
An official marriage certificate is more than a piece of paper—it’s your legal foundation for building a life together. Whether you’re securing immigration status, handling name changes, or registering your marriage overseas, it’s vital to get this document right.
At Get Married Today, we take care of everything for you—fast, private, and official. Let us help you secure your certificate, file your documents, and even apostille them for global use.
💍 Ready to get married and get your certificate?
Visit https://getmarried.today to book your same-day marriage license and ceremony. We’re open 24/7.