Marriage License Only
Need a California marriage license without a ceremony? “Marriage License Only” is designed for couples who want the license step handled efficiently by Get Married Today, then plan to complete the ceremony separately (with your own officiant, a courthouse ceremony later, or another planned date).
What “Marriage License Only” Means
- License issuance only: this service focuses on preparing and issuing the marriage license.
- No ceremony performed as part of this page/service description.
- For couples who plan to marry later: schedule your ceremony separately on your timeline.
- For couples who want documentation readiness: secure the license first, then align ceremony timing with travel, family, deployment, or venue availability.
Explore related license options: Marriage License Products (Category).
Core Eligibility Rules
- Both parties must have valid government-issued photo ID.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand and consent.
- If either person cannot clearly consent due to impairment or confusion, the appointment cannot proceed.
- All information must be accurate and consistent with your ID.
See the full requirements overview: Requirements for Marriage (CA).
License Prepared Correctly
We focus on clean, accurate paperwork so your later ceremony and record timeline stays smooth—especially when certified copies are needed for official use.
Clear Next Steps
You leave knowing exactly what to do when you’re ready for the ceremony step and what matters for recording and certified copies later.
Compliance-First
Identity verification and consent safeguards help protect the validity of the workflow and prevent avoidable issues.
What You Need to Know
When License Only Is the Right Fit
- You have a ceremony scheduled later (venue wedding, religious ceremony, destination ceremony).
- You want to avoid courthouse scheduling constraints and separate the paperwork step.
- You need time to coordinate guests and ceremony logistics later.
- You’re planning an immigration, military, or travel timeline and want steps organized.
- You want the “license” part of the process done now, and the ceremony part later.
What License Only Does Not Include
- No ceremony performed.
- No officiant/minister signature as part of license-only.
- No guarantee of a ceremony date/time (because ceremony is not part of this service).
What Couples Typically Bring
- Valid photo ID for both parties (non-expired strongly recommended).
- Correct legal names (match ID), dates of birth, and current addresses.
- Parents’ full names and places of birth (commonly requested on marriage records).
- If previously married: accurate details about how/when it ended.
Reference: Marriage Requirements.
How the License-Only Timeline Works
Verify ID & Consent
Both parties present ID and must be coherent enough to consent and answer required questions.
Complete License Paperwork
Paperwork is prepared carefully to reduce errors that could slow your later record timeline.
Plan the Ceremony Separately
Coordinate your ceremony/officiant later to complete the marriage.
Recording & Certified Copies
After the ceremony is properly completed and recorded, request certified copies for benefits, immigration, and official updates.
International Use Planning
If needed later: certified copies + apostille workflows via Orange County Apostille.
Related Resources
Helpful links for requirements, license options, and what happens after the ceremony and recording.
Marriage License Only FAQs (20)
License-only questions answered: what it is, what it isn’t, and how to plan the next steps.
1) What is “Marriage License Only”?＋
It’s a license-issuance appointment without a ceremony. You get the license step handled now and complete the ceremony later with an officiant of your choice.
2) Does this include an officiant or ceremony?＋
No. This service is only for issuing/preparing the marriage license. If you want license + ceremony in one visit, choose an all-in-one option in the shop.
3) Do both people need to be present?＋
Yes. Both parties must appear in person and present valid photo ID so the license paperwork can be completed correctly and lawfully.
4) What photo ID should we bring?＋
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Using your most current ID reduces the chance of record errors.
5) What does “coherent enough to consent” mean?＋
Both parties must be able to understand the process, answer required questions, and freely consent. If someone appears impaired or cannot demonstrate informed consent, the appointment cannot proceed.
6) Are we married after a license-only appointment?＋
No. You become legally married after a valid ceremony is performed by a qualified officiant and the license is properly completed and returned for recording.
7) Can we use our own officiant later?＋
Yes. Make sure your officiant is authorized in California and understands how to properly complete the license after the ceremony so recording isn’t delayed.
8) Do we need witnesses later?＋
Witness requirements depend on the license type and ceremony format used later. Confidential license workflows generally do not require witnesses, but your ceremony plan should match the correct legal format.
9) What if we’re doing a destination wedding later?＋
Many couples complete the legal paperwork in California first and hold a destination or symbolic ceremony later. Make sure your destination venue or planner understands your plan and any documentation you’ll need.
10) What details should we prepare before arriving?＋
Prepare legal names (matching ID), dates of birth, addresses, and other standard record fields. Accuracy matters—small spelling issues can cause delays when requesting certified copies later.
11) What if one of us was previously married?＋
You must be legally free to marry. Bring accurate information about how and when the prior marriage ended and follow the requirements guidance for your situation.
12) Is a confidential license more private?＋
Confidential licenses are commonly chosen by couples who prefer privacy. Review the confidential license page to understand how the record works and what’s required.
13) What happens after our ceremony is completed?＋
The license must be completed properly by the officiant and returned/recorded through the correct workflow. Recording is what allows certified copies to be requested later.
14) How do we get certified copies?＋
Certified copies are requested through the county’s certified-copy process after the record is recorded. Many agencies require certified copies for benefits, immigration filings, and formal updates.
15) Is license-only good for HR/benefits deadlines?＋
It can help you plan the timeline, but most HR departments require proof after the marriage is completed and recorded. If you have a near-term deadline, consider how quickly you can complete the ceremony step.
16) Is license-only useful for immigration timelines?＋
It can be part of a structured plan, but immigration filings typically rely on certified copies after recording. Plan your ceremony and recording timeline accordingly.
17) Can we apostille our marriage certificate for international use?＋
Often yes—after you obtain a certified copy of the recorded marriage certificate. Apostille requirements depend on the destination country and the document type.
18) Do you offer license + ceremony packages?＋
Yes. If you prefer a one-visit experience, browse the shop for license + ceremony options and location-based packages.
19) Is this the same as going to the courthouse?＋
It’s a different workflow designed to be efficient and appointment-based, while still following California requirements. It’s often chosen to avoid courthouse scheduling limitations.
20) Where can we review all license options?＋
Start here: Marriage License Category and then compare license-only versus all-in-one options in the shop.
