Marriage Ceremony Only
Need an officiant to perform your ceremony, but you already have (or will obtain) your marriage license elsewhere? “Marriage Ceremony Only” is a streamlined officiant service from Get Married Today that focuses on the ceremony itself—civil, simple, and legally compliant—so you can complete the signing correctly and move forward with confidence.
Service Overview
What “Marriage Ceremony Only” Means
This service provides the officiant and ceremony experience. You bring your marriage license (or you obtain it through your county clerk). The officiant performs the ceremony, ensures required declarations are included, and guides correct signing.
- Best for couples who already have a license or will get one from their county.
- Perfect when the courthouse is booked but you still need a legal ceremony.
- Works well for private elopements, small gatherings, or simple sign-and-go ceremonies.
If you also need a same-day license issued by Get Married Today, explore options in the main shop and licensing pages linked below.
Legal Readiness Requirements
To perform a compliant ceremony and complete signing properly, couples must meet basic readiness requirements.
- Valid government-issued photo ID available for identity confirmation if requested or needed for the setting.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand the ceremony and provide voluntary consent.
- Any prior marriages must be legally ended before the ceremony date.
- Marriage license must be valid, properly issued, and within its valid period.
Typical Ceremony Style
A short, respectful ceremony with required legal declarations, with optional personalization (rings, brief vows, a reading).
Signing & Completion
The officiant ensures signatures are placed in the correct sections and helps prevent common errors that cause rejections.
Where It Happens
Ceremony-only services can be scheduled in a suitable location depending on the package you select within the officiant category.
Everything You Need to Know
What You Must Bring
To complete a “ceremony only” appointment smoothly, arrive with the essentials ready.
- Your marriage license (issued by your county clerk or authorized provider) — bring the original document.
- Valid photo ID for both parties (recommended in all settings; required in some venues).
- Witnesses if your license type requires them (public licenses typically require at least one witness; rules vary by county and license type).
- Correct legal names exactly as they appear on your license/IDs.
- Any optional ceremony items: rings, vow cards, bouquet, small reading, etc.
What the Officiant Does
The officiant focuses on the ceremony and correct legal execution.
- Confirms the couple is ready, coherent, and consenting.
- Performs the ceremony with legally required declarations.
- Directs signing (couple, witnesses if applicable, officiant signature).
- Helps reduce common mistakes (wrong dates, wrong section, missing signatures).
Common Issues That Delay Completion
Avoid these pitfalls so your marriage record processes smoothly.
- Forgetting the license or bringing a photocopy instead of the original.
- Using names or spellings that don’t match the license.
- Missing witness signatures when your license requires witnesses.
- Trying to sign outside the correct date/time window.
- One party not coherent enough to consent at time of signing.
How to Choose the Right “Ceremony Only” Option
Get Married Today offers multiple officiant options under the officiant category. Select the one that matches your location preference, timing, and ceremony style.
- Start here: Officiant Category (Marriage Ceremony Options)
- If you need a same-day license + ceremony, explore: Shop (Same-Day Marriage Options)
- For a popular chapel-style flow in Irvine: Same Day Marriage in Irvine, California
- For ceremonies at your location: Same Day Marriage at Your Location
How the Ceremony-Only Process Works
The steps below keep the ceremony simple, compliant, and consistent with Get Married Today’s streamlined approach.
Select Your Officiant Option
Choose the ceremony-only option that fits your plan from the officiant category.
Confirm License Details
Ensure your license is valid and ready for signing. Review general guidance on requirements and helpful planning steps in the complete guide.
Prepare Witnesses (If Needed)
If your license type requires witnesses, bring them prepared with valid ID and availability at the ceremony time.
Officiant Performs the Ceremony
The officiant leads a civil or semi-personalized ceremony with the legally required declarations included.
Signing Is Completed Correctly
The officiant directs correct signature placement and confirms the document is completed without omissions.
Next Steps for Proof & Copies
How you obtain certified copies depends on your issuing county and license type. Learn what “proof” typically means here: What Is Proof of Marriage?
Related Resources
Use these pages to understand options, timelines, and documentation—especially if your situation is time-sensitive.
Marriage Ceremony Only FAQs
1) What is “Marriage Ceremony Only”?＋
It’s an officiant service where Get Married Today performs the ceremony and guides correct signing, while you provide your marriage license from the county or another issuing authority.
2) Do you issue the marriage license with this service?＋
No. Ceremony-only means you bring your license. If you need a license issued by Get Married Today, see the options in the shop.
3) What do we need to bring?＋
Bring the original marriage license, valid IDs, and witnesses if your license type requires them.
4) Do we need witnesses?＋
It depends on your license type. Public licenses typically require witnesses; confidential licenses generally do not. Confirm with your issuing office and the terms printed on your license.
5) Can we do a quick “sign and go” ceremony?＋
Yes—many couples prefer a short civil ceremony focused on legal completion, while still including required declarations and proper signing.
6) Can we include rings or personal vows?＋
Yes. Rings, brief vows, and a short reading are commonly included as long as legal declarations remain part of the ceremony.
7) What if our county clerk appointment was missed?＋
Ceremony-only is often used when the clerk is booked or you missed a ceremony time—provided you already have the license.
8) Do both parties need to be coherent enough to consent?＋
Yes. Both parties must be coherent, able to understand the ceremony and voluntarily consent to the marriage at the time of signing.
9) Do we need valid ID?＋
Yes. Bring valid, government-issued photo ID for both parties to support identity confirmation and venue requirements.
10) What happens if the license is filled out incorrectly?＋
Incorrect signing can cause processing delays or rejection. The officiant helps guide correct placement to reduce errors, but final acceptance depends on the issuing county.
11) Can we do this service for an elopement?＋
Yes. Ceremony-only is popular for private elopements when couples already have their license and need an officiant.
12) Can this be used for “legal now, wedding later” plans?＋
Yes. Many couples complete the legal ceremony now and plan a separate celebration on another date.
13) Is the ceremony valid for immigration purposes?＋
A properly performed ceremony with a valid license produces a legal marriage, which can support immigration filings once you obtain certified copies from the county.
14) Can international couples use this service?＋
Yes, as long as your license is valid and you meet eligibility requirements. Many couples later obtain apostille via Orange County Apostille when needed.
15) What if we don’t have witnesses and our license requires them?＋
You’ll need to provide witnesses before signing can be completed. Confirm your license type requirements ahead of time.
16) Can the officiant help us understand what to sign?＋
Yes. The officiant will direct you to the correct signature lines and help reduce mistakes, but cannot give legal advice.
17) How long is the ceremony?＋
Many ceremony-only appointments are short and efficient, while still meaningful. Length depends on the option selected and any personalization you include.
18) What if one of us is nervous or overwhelmed?＋
That’s common. The officiant can keep the ceremony calm, clear, and simple—what matters is that both parties consent and understand the process.
19) Do you handle apostille or notarization related to marriage documents?＋
Apostille and document support can be handled by partners like Orange County Apostille and notary services via Your Local Notary Public when applicable.
20) Where do we browse ceremony-only options?＋
Browse and select your officiant option here: Marriage Officiant / Ceremony Options.
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