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 “Ceremony Only” Means
This service provides the officiant and ceremony experience. You bring your valid marriage license (typically issued by your county clerk). The officiant performs a compliant ceremony, includes required declarations, and guides correct signing to reduce avoidable errors.
- Best for couples who already have a license or will get one from their county.
- Useful when the courthouse calendar is booked but you still need a legal ceremony.
- Works for elopements, small gatherings, or a simple sign-and-go ceremony.
If you also need same-day license + ceremony, explore the Shop.
Legal Readiness Basics
To complete a valid ceremony and signing workflow, couples must meet basic requirements.
- Valid government-issued photo ID (recommended for all settings; required in some venues).
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand and voluntarily consent.
- Prior marriages must be legally ended if applicable.
- Your license must be valid and within its allowed signing window.
Civil Ceremony Style
A short, respectful ceremony with legal declarations plus optional personalization (rings, brief vows, a short reading).
Signing Support
We guide signature placement and common completion details to help reduce county processing issues.
Location Options
Choose the ceremony-only option that matches your plan from the officiant category, including location-based services when available.
Everything You Need to Know
What You Must Bring
To keep a ceremony-only appointment smooth, arrive with the essentials ready.
- Your original marriage license (not a photocopy).
- Valid photo ID for both parties.
- Witnesses if your license type requires them (public licenses often do; rules vary).
- Correct legal names exactly as shown on the license/IDs.
- Optional items: rings, vow cards, bouquet, short reading.
What the Officiant Does
We focus on ceremony delivery and correct legal execution.
- Confirms both parties are ready, coherent, and consenting.
- Performs the ceremony with legally required declarations.
- Directs signing (couple, witnesses if applicable, officiant).
- Helps prevent common errors (dates, missing signatures, wrong sections).
Common Issues That Cause Delays
Avoid these problems to keep county processing smooth.
- Forgetting the license or bringing a copy instead of the original.
- Names/spellings not matching what’s printed on the license.
- Missing witness signatures when required.
- Signing outside the valid license window.
- One party not coherent enough to consent at signing time.
How to Choose the Right Ceremony-Only Option
Select the option that matches your location preference, timing, and ceremony style.
- Browse ceremony options: Officiant Category
- Need license + ceremony instead? Shop (Same-Day Options)
- Chapel-style reference: Same Day Marriage in Irvine
- Mobile reference: Marriage at Your Location
How the Ceremony-Only Process Works
These steps keep the ceremony simple, compliant, and consistent with Get Married Today’s streamlined approach.
Confirm License Validity
Ensure your license is valid, unexpired, and ready for signing. Review requirements.
Prepare Witnesses (If Needed)
If your license requires witnesses, bring them and confirm they can be present at the ceremony time.
Ceremony Is Performed
A civil ceremony is performed with the required legal declarations included.
Signing Completed Correctly
We direct signature placement and verify no required signature sections are missed.
Next Steps for Proof & Copies
Certified copies come from the issuing county. See What Is Proof of Marriage?
Related Resources
Helpful pages for options, timelines, and documentation.
Marriage Ceremony Only FAQs (20)
1) What is “Marriage Ceremony Only”?＋
It’s an officiant service where you already have a valid marriage license, and we perform the ceremony and guide the required signing steps so your paperwork is completed correctly.
2) Does this include a marriage license?＋
No. Ceremony-only means you bring the license issued by your county (or another authorized issuer). If you need license + ceremony, choose an all-in-one option in the shop.
3) What should we bring to the appointment?＋
Bring the original marriage license, valid photo ID for both partners, and witnesses if your license requires them. Optional items (rings, vows, bouquet) are welcome.
4) Do we need witnesses?＋
It depends on your license type. Many public licenses require at least one witness, while confidential licenses generally do not. Follow the instructions printed on your license and from your issuing county.
5) Can we do a short civil ceremony?＋
Yes. A short civil ceremony is common for couples who want the legal steps completed quickly, while still including the required declarations to make the marriage valid.
6) Can we include personal vows or rings?＋
Yes. You can add brief personal vows, ring exchange, or a short reading—while the officiant keeps the legal portion intact so your paperwork remains compliant.
7) What if we forget the license?＋
The ceremony can be performed as a symbolic moment, but legal signing cannot be completed without the original license. Always confirm you have the correct document before traveling.
8) What if our names don’t match exactly?＋
If the names on your IDs don’t match what’s printed on the license, it can cause county processing delays. Use the exact spelling on the license during signing and correct issues with the issuing office if needed.
9) What does “coherent enough to consent” mean?＋
Both partners must understand what marriage means, answer basic questions, and consent voluntarily at the time of the ceremony and signing. If consent capacity is not clear, the legal ceremony cannot proceed.
10) Can we do ceremony-only at our location?＋
Often, yes—depending on the option selected and logistics. If you need an at-your-location ceremony, choose a mobile/off-site officiant option that matches your area and timing.
11) Can we do ceremony-only for a courthouse-issued license?＋
Yes. Many couples obtain a license from the courthouse/county clerk, then book ceremony-only with an officiant to complete the legal solemnization at a better time or location.
12) What if our license is close to expiring?＋
Licenses have validity windows that vary by county. Confirm your expiration date and book as early as possible so you don’t lose time and have to reapply.
13) Who files the license after ceremony-only?＋
Filing rules depend on the license type and issuing county. Some workflows require the officiant to return the completed license, while others have specific county instructions—always follow what your county requires.
14) When do we get certified copies?＋
Certified copies are issued by the county after the record is processed. Timelines vary by county; “proof of marriage” guidance explains what some couples use while waiting.
15) Is ceremony-only valid for immigration purposes?＋
If the license is valid and the ceremony is properly performed and recorded, the marriage is legal. For immigration filings, certified copies are typically what agencies require as official evidence.
16) Can we keep the ceremony private?＋
Yes. Many ceremony-only bookings are intentionally small and private. Privacy also depends on your license type and location selection.
17) Can we do “legal now, wedding later”?＋
Absolutely. Many couples complete the legal ceremony now (for benefits, timelines, or simplicity) and host a larger celebration later with friends and family.
18) What if a witness can’t attend last minute?＋
If your license requires witnesses, you must have them present to sign. Have a backup witness ready (friend/relative) to prevent a last-minute cancellation.
19) Can we use ceremony-only if we’re an international couple?＋
Yes—if you have a valid California marriage license and meet the requirements to marry. If you need the certificate abroad, plan for certified copies and apostille after the record is issued.
20) Where do we book ceremony-only options?＋
Start here: Officiant Category. Choose the option that matches your location, timing, and ceremony style.
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