Rules & Laws of Same Day Marriage and Elopement

Same Day Marriage Service

Rules & Laws of Same Day Marriage and Elopement in California are designed to be straightforward and accessible, making it one of the easiest states for couples to legally wed quickly. California does not require a waiting period, which means you can apply for a marriage license and get married on the same day. Both parties must be present with valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and be at least 18 years old unless a court order is provided. There is no requirement for blood tests or medical exams. You can choose between a public marriage license, which is filed with the county and becomes a public record, or a confidential marriage license, which offers more privacy and is only accessible to the couple. An authorized officiant—such as a deputy marriage commissioner or notary public appointed for the day—must conduct the ceremony and sign the marriage license. Afterward, the license must be properly filed with the county recorder’s office for the marriage to be legally recognized. To learn more, visit California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses and explore Get Married Today to schedule your same-day legal marriage or elopement in California without needing a courthouse appointment.

In California, getting married on the same day or eloping involves following specific rules and procedures outlined by the state’s laws. Here’s an overview:

  • Obtaining a Marriage License:
    • Both parties must appear together in person at a county clerk’s office in California to apply for a marriage license.
    • The couple must provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
    • The marriage license fee must be paid (fees vary by county).
    • There is typically a waiting period of six days after obtaining the marriage license before the marriage ceremony can take place. However, this waiting period can be waived in certain circumstances
  • Same-Day Marriage:
    • In California, couples can marry on the same day they obtain their marriage license if they meet the following conditions:
      • They obtain a confidential marriage license, which does not require a waiting period.
      • They schedule a marriage ceremony with an authorized officiant on the same day they obtain the marriage license.
    • Confidential marriage licenses are available to couples who have been living together prior to marriage and do not require witnesses to the ceremony.
    • Couples must still meet all other requirements for obtaining a marriage license, including providing valid identification and paying the license fee.
  • Elopement:
    • Elopement typically refers to a marriage ceremony that takes place privately or with minimal advance notice.
    • Couples may choose to elope for various reasons, such as wanting an intimate ceremony or avoiding the stress and expense of a traditional wedding.
    • In California, couples can elope by obtaining a marriage license and scheduling a ceremony with an authorized officiant, either on the same day or at a later date.
    • Elopement ceremonies can take place at various locations, including courthouses, private residences, or scenic outdoor venues.
  • Legal Requirements:
    • Regardless of whether the marriage ceremony is a same-day marriage or an elopement, couples must ensure that the marriage ceremony is conducted by an authorized officiant who is registered with the state of California to perform marriages.
    • The marriage ceremony must comply with California’s legal requirements for marriage, including the exchange of vows and the signing of the marriage license by the couple and the officiant.
    • After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage license with the county clerk’s office to complete the marriage registration process.

It’s important for couples considering a same-day marriage or elopement in California to familiarize themselves with the state’s laws and regulations regarding marriage, as requirements may vary depending on the county and specific circumstances. Consulting with a legal professional or the county clerk’s office can provide further guidance on the process.

Same Day Marriage Services - Get Married Today

Get Married Today offers fast, legal, and stress-free same-day marriage services for couples who are ready to tie the knot without delay. Whether you’re planning an elopement, facing a military deployment, navigating immigration requirements, or simply don’t want to wait for a courthouse appointment, Get Married Today makes it easy. The team is authorized to issue official California marriage licenses and perform legally binding ceremonies on the spot—no waiting period or courthouse visit required. Open 24/7, including weekends and holidays, Get Married Today serves couples across Southern California, providing licensed officiants, private wedding spaces, and even apostille certification for international use. Book online, get married today, and walk away legally wed—all in one convenient visit.

24/7 Marriage Service
Marriage License + Ceremony
1-Hour Appointment
Serving All of California
{"cpt":"product","style":"1","columns":"3","show":"6","order":"DESC","orderby":"none"}

Marriage Services

1. California Department of Public Health – Marriage License Information

Comprehensive guide on obtaining a marriage license in California, including requirements and procedures.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Marriage-License-Information.aspx

2. California Legislative Information – Family Code Section 400-425

Official legal text outlining the state’s marriage laws, including who may solemnize marriages and license validity.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=3.&chapter=2.&lawCode=FAM

3. Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

Details on obtaining a marriage license and scheduling a civil ceremony in Orange County.

https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services

4. Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage License Information

Information on marriage license applications and civil ceremonies in Los Angeles County.

https://www.lavote.net/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/general-info

5. San Diego County Clerk – Marriage Services

Guidelines for obtaining a marriage license and arranging a ceremony in San Diego County.

https://arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov/Pages/marriage-licenses.aspx

6. San Francisco County Clerk – Marriage License and Ceremony Information

Procedures for acquiring a marriage license and scheduling ceremonies in San Francisco.

https://sfgov.org/countyclerk/marriage

7. Kern County Clerk – Marriage License Information

Offers same-day marriage license issuance and ceremonies; no appointment necessary.

https://www.kerncounty.com/government/county-administrative-office/cao-divisions/clerk-of-the-board/marriage-license

8. Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

Instructions on obtaining a marriage license and scheduling ceremonies in Riverside County.

https://www.asrclkrec.com/Clerk/Marriage

9. Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage License Information

Details on how to apply for a marriage license and arrange a ceremony in Sacramento County.

https://ccr.saccounty.gov/Pages/MarriageLicenses.aspx

10. Alameda County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

Information on marriage licenses and ceremonies in Alameda County.

https://acgov.org/auditor/clerk/marriage.htm

11. San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk – Marriage Services

Guidelines for obtaining a marriage license and scheduling ceremonies in San Bernardino County.

https://arc.sbcounty.gov/marriage-services/

12. Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage License Information

Procedures for acquiring a marriage license and arranging a ceremony in Contra Costa County.

https://www.contracostacore.us/marriage

13. Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

Details on marriage licenses and ceremonies in Santa Clara County.

https://clerkrecorder.sccgov.org/marriage

14. San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Information

Information on obtaining a marriage license and scheduling ceremonies in San Mateo County.

https://www.smcacre.org/marriage

15. Ventura County Clerk and Recorder – Marriage Services

Guidelines for marriage licenses and ceremonies in Ventura County.

https://recorder.countyofventura.org/county-clerk/marriage/

16. Instant Marriage LA

Offers same-day marriage licenses and ceremonies in Los Angeles, serving multiple counties.

https://www.instantmarriagela.com/

17. Get Married Today – Same-Day Marriage Services

Provides same-day legal marriages, including license issuance and ceremonies across California.

https://getmarried.today/

18. Tie The Knot California – Same Day Marriages

Offers information on same-day marriage services, including obtaining licenses and ceremonies.

https://tietheknotca.com/same-day-marriages/

19. Same Day Marriage – Los Angeles

Provides same-day marriage services, including license issuance and ceremonies in Los Angeles.

https://www.samedaymarriage.com/

20. Today We Become One – Same-Day Weddings and Marriage Licensing

Offers same-day marriage licenses and ceremonies in Palm Springs, California.

https://www.todaywebecomeone.com/same-day-weddings-and-marriage-licensing

21.**California Courts

Office Locations

Same Day Marriage Locations

Canoga Park:
6603 Independence Ave
Unit A
Canoga Park, CA 91303

Irvine:
17875 Von Karman Ave
Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92614

Costa Mesa:
555 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Anaheim/Orange:
333 City Blvd W
Suite 1700
Orange, CA 92868

Century City:
2029 Century Park E
Los Angeles, CA 90067

Santa Monica:
2450 Colorado Ave
Suite 100E
Santa Monica, CA 90404

San Juan Capistrano:
27131 Calle Arroyo
Suite 1722
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Laws Of Same Day Marriage