Notary Marriage in California
At Get Married Today, we are commissioned California Notary Publics who are also authorized by the County Clerk as Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages. That means we can help eligible couples complete a legal, confidential marriage license process and officiate a valid California marriage—without the courthouse experience—either in-office or at your location.
Start with these core references: Requirements for Marriage • Confidential Marriage License • Same Day Marriage in Irvine
We guide the license signing correctly and perform the ceremony so your marriage is legally recognized.
Ideal when the courthouse is booked or you need a fast, private, lawful marriage process.
Choose a clean, courthouse-style office setting or request a mobile ceremony at your location.
What “Notary Marriage” Means in California (In Plain English)
In California, a Notary Public does not automatically “marry couples” just by being a notary. Get Married Today operates with commissioned Notary Publics who are additionally authorized as Deputy Commissioners (or similar county-authorized roles) to issue and handle the confidential marriage license workflow and complete the lawful ceremony steps.
What We Do
- Verify identities (valid government-issued photo ID for both parties)
- Guide the confidential marriage license process when eligible
- Perform a legal ceremony (civil, traditional, or personalized wording where allowed)
- Ensure the license is completed correctly and routed for filing
- Help you understand proof of marriage and next steps for certified copies
Helpful: What Is Proof of Marriage? • FAQ
Non-Negotiable Eligibility
Both parties must have valid ID and must be coherent enough to understand, answer questions, and freely consent to the marriage. If either party cannot lawfully consent at the time of signing/ceremony, service cannot proceed.
If you’re unsure about requirements, review: Requirements for Marriage.
How the Notary Marriage Process Works
The process is designed to be simple, private, and legally correct—especially when the courthouse is booked or you want a non-government setting. Many couples complete the license and ceremony in one streamlined appointment.
1) Choose Office or Mobile
Pick an office-based setting or a mobile service at your chosen location.
- Office ceremony options
- Mobile at home, venue, beach, or hospital (where permitted)
Related: Same Day Marriage at Your Location
2) ID & Consent Verification
We verify identity and confirm both parties can lawfully consent.
- Valid government-issued photo ID required
- Both parties must be coherent and consenting
Related: Requirements
3) License + Ceremony + Filing Workflow
When eligible, we complete the confidential license workflow and perform the ceremony, then route for filing.
- Confidential license workflow (eligibility applies)
- Legal ceremony performed by authorized officiant
- Filing workflow explained clearly
Related: Confidential License
TITLE: Notary Marriage in California
SUMMARY:
- Commissioned Notary Publics authorized by the County Clerk as Deputy Commissioners can help eligible couples complete the confidential marriage license workflow and a lawful ceremony.
- Designed to be fast, private, and legally compliant—without the courthouse experience.
ELIGIBILITY (MUST-HAVES):
- Valid government-issued photo ID for BOTH parties.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand and freely consent.
- Prior marriages must be legally ended if applicable.
- Confidential license eligibility applies when using that license type.
SERVICE OPTIONS:
- In-office same-day legal marriage workflow.
- Mobile service at your location (home, beach, venue, hospital/care facility where permitted).
OUTPUT:
- Correctly completed marriage documentation routed for filing and later certified copies (as requested through the county).
Who We Serve
Notary marriage services are frequently requested by couples who need speed, privacy, and legal correctness. Below are common scenarios we support across Southern California.
International & Immigration Couples
Couples needing a legally valid marriage for immigration filings or international recognition.
Marriage for Immigration Purposes • Marriage for K-1 Visa • International Couples
Military Couples
Deployment timelines, benefits enrollment, urgent leave windows, and holiday closures.
Elopements & Private Ceremonies
Couples who want a private, intimate ceremony without a courthouse environment.
Same-Sex Couples
Fully legal and confidential same-day marriage services—office or mobile.
Couples Marrying for Benefits or Tax Timing
Year-end deadlines, HR enrollment, benefits updates—when timing matters.
Hospital & Care Facility Marriages
Urgent bedside marriages when allowed by facility policy (ID & coherent consent required).
Remarrying Each Other
Couples who were previously married and want to legally marry again in a private setting.
Couples Wanting to Marry at Their Location
Home, beach, venue, or other private space—ideal for comfort and convenience.
Couples Avoiding a Government Setting
When you want a courthouse-style process without actually going to the courthouse.
After You’re Married: Proof, Certified Copies & International Use
Many couples need proof of marriage quickly for benefits or immigration, and later need certified copies from the county. International couples may also need apostille/legalization for overseas use.
Proof of Marriage & Certified Copies
- We explain what “proof of marriage” means and what you can use immediately.
- Certified copies are requested/issued through the county after filing.
- We help you understand next steps so there’s no confusion.
Apostille & Notary Support (After Certified Copy)
If your marriage certificate will be used internationally, you may need an apostille after you obtain certified copies. These services are commonly handled through our partner sites:
Helpful Links
Explore related guides and service pages to plan the right notary marriage workflow in California.
Get Married Today
Proof & One-Day Guides
Military, Immigration, International
Notary Marriage FAQs (20)
These FAQs explain what notary marriage means in California and how our Deputy Commissioner workflow works.
1) Can a Notary Public marry people in California?＋
A Notary Public alone does not automatically have authority to “marry couples.” Get Married Today combines commissioned Notary Publics with county authorization as Deputy Commissioners to handle eligible confidential license workflows and ceremonies.
2) What is a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages?＋
It’s a county-authorized role that allows qualified individuals to perform specific marriage-related duties (such as handling confidential license workflows and solemnization tasks) consistent with county procedures.
3) Do both parties need valid ID?＋
Yes. Both parties must present valid government-issued photo identification.
4) What does “must be coherent enough” mean?＋
Both parties must be able to understand the process, answer questions, and freely consent at the time of signing and the ceremony.
5) Can we do the license and ceremony on the same day?＋
Often yes, depending on eligibility and scheduling. Many couples complete a streamlined same-day workflow.
6) Do you offer confidential marriage licenses?＋
Yes, when eligible, we support a confidential license workflow and explain the requirements before signing.
7) Can we avoid the courthouse entirely?＋
Yes. Many couples choose office or mobile services to avoid courthouse crowds, delays, and scheduling limits.
8) Can you come to our home or venue?＋
Yes. We offer mobile services at your location (home, venue, beach, and other approved settings).
9) Do you serve same-sex couples?＋
Yes. Services are equally available to same-sex couples.
10) Do you help immigration couples?＋
Yes. Many couples marry for immigration-related needs and later obtain certified copies for their filings.
11) Can international couples use a California marriage certificate abroad?＋
Often yes, but you may need certified copies and (in many cases) an apostille/legalization process depending on the destination country.
12) What if we already have a marriage license?＋
You may only need a ceremony/officiant service to complete the legal solemnization steps.
13) Do we need witnesses?＋
Witness requirements depend on the license type and county procedures. Confidential licenses commonly do not require a witness signature.
14) Can we personalize our ceremony?＋
Yes. Many couples choose a brief civil script or add short personal vows, as long as required legal elements remain intact.
15) Can you perform a hospital bedside ceremony?＋
In some cases, yes—if permitted by the facility and both parties have valid ID and can consent coherently.
16) Is the marriage legally valid statewide?＋
Yes. A properly completed California marriage is legally valid statewide and recognized broadly, with additional document steps sometimes required for international use.
17) How do we get certified copies of the marriage certificate?＋
Certified copies are issued by the county after filing. We explain next steps so you know what to request and where.
18) Can military couples marry quickly before deployment?＋
Yes. Military couples commonly use our streamlined workflow for time-sensitive needs and benefits-related deadlines.
19) Do you offer holiday or after-hours options?＋
Scheduling varies, but many couples book outside normal courthouse availability windows, including holidays and weekends.
20) Where can I learn the exact requirements before booking?＋
Start with the Requirements for Marriage page and the Confidential Marriage License page linked above, then review FAQs for details that apply to your situation.