How Fast Can You Get a Marriage License?

When love calls, waiting isn’t always an option. Whether you’re planning a last-minute elopement, need urgent marriage documentation for immigration, or simply want to skip the long wait at the courthouse, one question is top of mind: How fast can you get a marriage license?

The short answer? With Get Married Today, you can get your marriage license in just minutes—on the same day as your ceremony. No waiting period. No court lines. No hassle.

But how does it all work? What makes it possible to obtain a marriage license so quickly? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how fast you can get a marriage license, how to speed up the process, and how Get Married Today simplifies it all for you.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Marriage License and Why Do You Need One?
2. How Long Does It Normally Take to Get a Marriage License?
3. How Fast Can You Get a Marriage License in California?
4. Same-Day Marriage Licenses: Real or Myth?
5. How Get Married Today Issues Marriage Licenses Instantly
6. Documents Needed to Get a Marriage License Quickly
7. Who Can Get a Same-Day Marriage License?
8. No Waiting Period: What That Means for You
9. How to Get a Marriage License on a Weekend or Holiday
10. Mobile Marriage License Services in Southern California
11. Emergency Marriage Services for Military and Immigration
12. Top Benefits of Getting Your Marriage License Quickly
13. Real Couples, Real Stories: Same-Day Licenses in Action
14. What Happens After You Get the Marriage License?
15. How to Get Your Official Marriage Certificate Fast
16. Getting an Apostille for International Use
17. Why Couples Choose Get Married Today
18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
19. Book Your Same-Day Marriage License Now

1. What Is a Marriage License and Why Do You Need One?

A marriage license is a legal document issued by a government authority that gives a couple permission to marry. It must be obtained before a marriage ceremony takes place. Without it, your marriage is not legally recognized—no matter how beautiful the celebration.

It’s the first step in making your marriage official. After your ceremony, this license is signed by the officiant and witnesses (if applicable) and submitted to the county clerk. Only then does it become a marriage certificate, which is the proof you’ll need for legal matters such as:

• Changing your name
• Applying for a green card or spousal visa
• Qualifying for military spousal benefits
• Accessing spousal health insurance

2. How Long Does It Normally Take to Get a Marriage License?

In most counties in California and across the U.S., getting a marriage license takes 1–3 hours, including:

• Scheduling an appointment (which can take weeks)
• Waiting at the county clerk’s office
• Completing paperwork
• Providing identification

And in many states, there’s also a waiting period (anywhere from 1 to 5 days) before the marriage can legally occur.

But with Get Married Today, that timeline shrinks dramatically.

3. How Fast Can You Get a Marriage License in California?

In California, there is no mandatory waiting period, making it one of the fastest states to get legally married. Once you have your marriage license, you can get married immediately.

Here’s what makes California stand out:

• No blood test required
• No residency requirement
• No waiting period
• License valid immediately

And thanks to Get Married Today’s authorization, we can issue the marriage license immediately—often within minutes of your appointment.

4. Same-Day Marriage Licenses: Real or Myth?

Same-day marriage licenses are 100% real—especially in California.

With Get Married Today, you don’t need to visit the courthouse. Our team is authorized by the County Recorder’s Office to issue official marriage licenses directly to couples. We are also licensed to conduct legally binding marriage ceremonies immediately afterward.

You can walk in unmarried and walk out legally wed—with all your paperwork filed.

5. How Get Married Today Issues Marriage Licenses Instantly

We are legally authorized to issue marriage licenses and officiate weddings on the same day.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Book your appointment online at https://getmarried.today/
2. Show up with valid government ID
3. Complete your marriage license paperwork
4. Receive your official license in minutes
5. Customize and proceed with your ceremony
6. We file all documents for you

We also offer mobile marriage license services, meaning we can meet you at your home, hotel, courthouse, park, or any location of your choice.

6. Documents Needed to Get a Marriage License Quickly

To make the process as fast as possible, bring:

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID)
• If previously married, proof of divorce or death certificate
• No birth certificate or social security number required
• No witnesses required for confidential licenses

7. Who Can Get a Same-Day Marriage License?

Anyone over the age of 18 can obtain a same-day license in California, including:

• California residents
• Out-of-state visitors
• International couples
• Undocumented individuals
• Military personnel
• Couples seeking urgent documentation for immigration

We do not require California residency. If you’re traveling from another state or country, you’re still eligible.

8. No Waiting Period: What That Means for You

With no waiting period, there’s no need to delay your ceremony. Whether it’s for:

• Immigration interviews
• Last-minute elopements
• Military leave windows
• Urgent medical needs

You can get married as soon as you receive the license. At Get Married Today, that means same day—even within the hour.

9. How to Get a Marriage License on a Weekend or Holiday

Courthouses are closed on weekends and holidays, but we’re not.

We offer 24/7 availability, including:

• Saturdays and Sundays
• Federal and state holidays
• Late-night appointments

Our services are perfect for:

• Couples with tight travel schedules
• Those seeking private ceremonies away from crowds
• Urgent cases that cannot wait until Monday

10. Mobile Marriage License Services in Southern California

Our mobile team travels across Southern California, including:

• Los Angeles County
• Orange County
• San Diego County
• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County

We can meet you at:

• Your home
• Hotel or Airbnb
• Camp Pendleton (military base)
• Immigration attorney’s office
• Parks, beaches, or any scenic location

11. Emergency Marriage Services for Military and Immigration

Urgent needs require urgent services. We specialize in:

Military Marriages

• Ensure you’re legally married before deployment
• Qualify for housing and spousal benefits
• Serve Camp Pendleton, San Diego, L.A., and beyond

Immigration Needs

• Marry before your USCIS interview
• Show proof of legal marriage
• Support for K-1 visa conversions, adjustment of status, and more

12. Top Benefits of Getting Your Marriage License Quickly

✅ No courthouse appointment
✅ No lines or delays
✅ Legal marriage certificate issued quickly
✅ Private, customized ceremony
✅ Faster access to immigration/military/spousal benefits
✅ Apostille support for international use
✅ Available 24/7—even holidays
✅ Everything done in one visit

13. Real Couples, Real Stories: Same-Day Licenses in Action

Maria & Diego – Got married before their USCIS green card interview
Jessica & Bryan – Tied the knot on a beach in Malibu with our mobile officiant
Sgt. Ramirez & Emily – Needed proof of marriage before shipping out
Sara & Linda – Eloped on Valentine’s Day at 11 p.m. in West Hollywood

Every love story is different. We make sure it’s official—fast.

14. What Happens After You Get the Marriage License?

After your wedding ceremony, we:

• Ensure your license is properly signed
• File your license with the County Recorder
• Provide a Proof of Marriage document
• Order your official License and Certificate of Marriage

You’ll receive your official copy by mail within 5–8 weeks, depending on the county.

Need it faster? We offer rush processing and pickup options.

15. How to Get Your Official Marriage Certificate Fast

Need your marriage certificate for immigration, insurance, or a name change?

You can:

• Order expedited copies through our team
• Pick up the certificate from the county (we can assist)
• Request overnight delivery

We also provide notarized copies and apostilles for international

16. Getting an Apostille for International Use

If your marriage certificate needs to be used in another country (for immigration, dual citizenship, residency), we provide apostille services under the Hague Apostille Convention.

This ensures your certificate is legally recognized abroad.

We handle:

• California Apostille
• Federal Apostille (Washington, D.C.)
• Spanish, French, and international translations

17. Why Couples Choose Get Married Today

✔️ Legally authorized to issue licenses
✔️ Licensed officiants available 24/7
✔️ Weekend and holiday availability
✔️ Mobile service to any location
✔️ Apostille support for international marriages
✔️ LGBTQ+ friendly
✔️ Military discounts
✔️ Transparent pricing
✔️ Bilingual service (English & Spanish)
✔️ Private, professional,

18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How fast can I get a marriage license?
With us—immediately. Appointments are available 24/7.

Can I get married on the same day?
Yes. We issue the license and perform the ceremony in one visit.

Is there a waiting period?
No waiting period in California.

What ID is required?
Valid government-issued photo ID.

Do I need to be a California resident?
No. Anyone can marry in California.

Do you offer Spanish-speaking services?
Yes. Our staff is bilingual.

Can you come to our home or hotel?
Yes, we offer mobile services throughout Southern California.

How soon will I get my marriage certificate?
5–8 weeks by mail, or sooner with rush

19. Book Your Same-Day Marriage License Now

Ready to get married today?

Visit https://getmarried.today to schedule your appointment.

We’re open 24/7—including weekends and holidays—and can meet you anywhere in Southern California.

Let us help you start your forever—today.