Marriage License Requirements Summary:

To obtain a marriage license in California, the following items are required:

1. We require both partners to have a valid Identification Card. Either 

    • Drivers License
    • State Issued ID

    • Military Service Card
    • Passport
    • Alien Registration Card
    • Matricula Consular Registration Card
    • Consular Identification

2. If either partner has been married before, you must bring proof of:

    • Divorce
    • Death Certificate of previous spouse
    • Annulment
    • Dissolution of State Registered Domestic Partnership

3. Both partners will need to know their birth father and birth mother full names (First, Middle and Last).

4. Both partners must be living together or plan to live together in their lifetime.

5. Book an appointment and provide a deposit.

Get Married Today is a trusted provider of same-day marriage services in California, offering a seamless and efficient solution for couples ready to make their union official. Our services include issuing California marriage licenses and performing legal marriage ceremonies, ensuring every step of the process is handled with professionalism and accuracy. As Notary Publics/Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages, authorized by the County Clerk’s office, we are licensed to issue California marriage licenses on-site. This allows us to streamline the marriage process, eliminating the need for couples to visit the County Clerk’s office separately. Whether you need just the license or a full ceremony, we provide a solution tailored to your needs. In addition to issuing licenses, we are authorized to solemnize and legalize marriages by performing marriage ceremonies. As officiants, we sign the marriage license as the minister, completing the process and ensuring the legal recognition of your marriage. With us, there’s no need to coordinate with multiple parties—everything is taken care of in one efficient service.

Note: To become legally married in California, you need the Marriage License + Minister Signature/Ceremony

Learn More
Get Married Today Marriage Requirements | Same-Day Legal Marriage in California
24/7 Same-Day Legal Marriage License, Ceremony & Filing in One Visit

Get Married Today Marriage Requirements in California

One appointment. Every legal step — from confidential marriage license to certified copies — handled for you without ever visiting the county clerk or courthouse.

Get Married Today is authorized in California as a Notary Public / Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages to issue California confidential marriage licenses, perform your legal ceremony, sign as the minister, file your license with the county, and help you obtain certified copies — even for urgent, same-day marriages.

✓ We only issue confidential California marriage licenses, which are legally recognized across the United States and worldwide.
✓ You must be currently living together or planning to live together as a married couple.
✓ If a previous marriage ended more than 2 years ago, no proof is required. If it ended within the last 2 years, bring physical proof (divorce judgment, death certificate, or annulment order).
✓ Every step — license, ceremony, officiant signature, filing, and certified copies — is completed through us. No county clerk or courthouse visit is needed.

We are only authorized to issue marriage licenses within California. However, your legal marriage and California confidential marriage license are valid and recognized worldwide. For a deeper overview of our process, you can also review the How It Works page and the existing Requirements checklist.

Complete Checklist

Core Marriage License Requirements with Get Married Today

These requirements are based on California law and the confidential marriage license guidelines used by Get Married Today’s confidential license service. Please read them carefully so your same-day license and ceremony can be completed in a single visit.

What you must have on the day of your appointment

1. Valid Identification for Both Partners

Both partners must present valid, government-issued photo identification. Any one of the following types of ID is acceptable:

  • Driver’s license (from any U.S. state)
  • State-issued ID card
  • Military ID card
  • Passport (U.S. or foreign)
  • Permanent Resident Card / Alien Registration Card
  • Matricula consular or consular identification card

IDs must be unexpired or within an acceptable grace period under California standards. The names on your IDs will be used to prepare your confidential marriage license.

2. Previous Marriages & Proof (2-Year Rule)

If either partner has been previously married or in a state registered domestic partnership, we must record the details of how that prior marriage ended.

Here is how proof works with Get Married Today:

  • If your previous marriage or partnership ended more than 2 years ago (from the date of your appointment), you do not need to bring physical proof. You will need to provide the exact date the marriage ended and the manner in which it ended (divorce, death, annulment, or dissolution).
  • If your previous marriage or partnership ended within the last 2 years, you must bring physical proof to your appointment, such as:
    • Final divorce judgment or decree
    • Death certificate of your former spouse
    • Court order of annulment
    • Dissolution of state registered domestic partnership

For general state guidance on divorce and dissolution documentation, couples may review the California Courts self-help resources at California Courts Self-Help.

3. Parents’ Names & Basic Personal Information

For each partner, we must collect certain background details that appear on your marriage license and certificate:

  • Birth name (if different from current legal name)
  • Full legal name of birth father (first, middle, last)
  • Full legal name of birth mother (first, middle, last)
  • Place of birth (state or foreign country)
  • Current residential address (where you are living or planning to live together)

Please bring this information written down if you are unsure of spelling, especially for international or hyphenated names. Accurate spelling is important for future use of your marriage certificate for immigration, employment, and other legal purposes.

4. Living Together Requirement (Confidential License)

California confidential marriage licenses require that the couple be living together as spouses at the time of the license, or that they are realistically planning to live together as a married couple.

By choosing a confidential license through our same-day marriage license service, you confirm that:

  • You consider yourselves currently cohabiting or will be cohabiting as spouses after the marriage.
  • You intend your marriage to be a genuine, ongoing marital relationship — not solely for convenience or fraud.

Confidential licenses are not posted as public records and are accessible only through specific authorized channels. However, your legal marriage is fully recognized in all 50 states and internationally, especially when paired with apostille services for foreign countries.

5. Age & Legal Capacity

Both partners must have the legal capacity to marry under California law:

  • Both are generally at least 18 years of age.
  • Each is entering the marriage freely and voluntarily, without coercion.
  • Neither is currently married to someone else.

If you have a unique situation (for example, a court order involving age or guardianship), please review the state’s vital records guidance at CDPH Vital Records and consult your own legal counsel as needed.

6. Appointment & Deposit

To ensure a smooth same-day experience, you should reserve an appointment and be prepared to pay the required deposit through the primary booking options on Marriage License + Ceremony, Marriage License Only, or Ceremony Only.

Booking in advance allows us to prepare your confidential marriage license and ceremony paperwork so you can arrive, review, sign, and be legally married in a single visit.

End-to-End Service

Every Step of Your Legal Marriage, Completed in One Place

Unlike the traditional process — where couples must book a county clerk appointment, apply for a marriage license, find an officiant, return the signed license, and then order certified copies — Get Married Today handles everything in-house. You never have to stand in a courthouse line or navigate government offices yourself.

  1. 1
    Confidential License Issued On-Site

    After verifying your IDs and required information, we prepare and issue your confidential California marriage license right in our office or at your chosen location. You do not need to visit the county clerk first or apply anywhere else. Our authority is limited to California, but your license and marriage are valid worldwide.

  2. 2
    Marriage License Completion & Signatures

    Both of you review and sign the license. Because this is a confidential license, no witness is required. Our team walks you through each section so that all details are accurate for future legal uses, such as immigration, name change, or employment benefits.

  3. 3
    Legal Ceremony with an Authorized Officiant

    We then perform your legal civil or non-denominational ceremony, whether in one of our wedding spaces or at your custom location through our mobile wedding officiant service. You can personalize the script, vows, and format — or keep it short and simple.

  4. 4
    Minister / Officiant Signature

    Your officiant, acting as the ordained minister and Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages, signs the license to legally finalize the marriage. Under California law, you are not considered married until both the license is issued and the ceremony is performed with the officiant’s signature.

  5. 5
    Proof of Marriage Issued Same Day

    Before you leave, we provide you with a customer copy or proof of marriage showing that you were legally married that day. This proof is frequently used for time-sensitive needs such as employer benefits, school enrollment, or urgent housing and travel arrangements.

  6. 6
    We File Your License with the County Clerk

    Our team takes responsibility for filing your confidential marriage license with the correct California county clerk. You do not have to mail anything, drive to a government office, or follow up in person. This filing step is essential for your marriage to be officially recorded.

  7. 7
    Certified Copies Ordered for You

    Finally, we assist with requesting certified copies of your marriage certificate. Certified copies are what you will use for immigration filings, military spouse benefits, Social Security name changes, banking updates, and more. You do not need to learn the county’s ordering process — we take care of that for you.

Why Couples Choose Full-Service Requirements with Get Married Today

Our model is built around convenience, compliance, and privacy. You only need to bring your required documents and information once. Everything else — from the license issuance to the filing and certified copies — is handled by our team.

✓ 24/7 availability, including evenings, weekends & many holidays
✓ No courthouse lines or clerk appointments
✓ Same-day license + ceremony options
✓ Mobile service across Southern California
✓ License, officiant & filing all in one provider
✓ Support for immigration, military & international use

To learn more about how same-day licensing and ceremonies work together, you can also reference Same Day Marriage Ceremony and Same Day Marriage License on our main site.

Service Types That All Follow These Requirements

Whether you only need the license, only need an officiant, or prefer an all-inclusive package, our requirements remain the same: valid IDs, living-together requirement, and accurate prior-marriage information.

Explore related service pages:

All of these options use the same confidential California marriage license structure and requirements outlined on this page.

License Type

About the Confidential California Marriage License

Get Married Today only issues confidential marriage licenses. While we do not over-emphasize the label, it does affect how your record is stored and how your certificate is obtained, without changing the legality of your marriage.

Privacy & Record Access

Confidential marriage licenses are not listed in the general public index. Only the couple (and limited authorized parties) can request certified copies. This can be beneficial for couples who value privacy, high-profile couples, or those navigating sensitive family or cultural situations.

For more context on confidential vs. public records, California’s notary and records guidance at the Secretary of State can be a helpful general reference.

Worldwide Recognition & Apostille

Even though the license is confidential, your marriage itself is universally legal. Once the license is filed and your certificate is issued, it can be used worldwide.

If you need to present your marriage certificate abroad, we can coordinate apostille or legalization through partner services such as Orange County Apostille for international document authentication.

International couples frequently combine our marriage services with apostille assistance for marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other supporting documents.

Immigration, Military & Special Circumstances

Many couples choose Get Married Today because they need documented proof of marriage quickly for:

  • USCIS and other immigration filings
  • Military benefits and deployment-related timelines
  • Employer-sponsored benefits and insurance
  • Housing, school, or emergency medical decision-making

See our pages on Marriage for Immigration Purposes and Military Marriage Resources for scenario-specific guidance.

Special Situations

Tourists, International Couples, Holidays & After-Hours Marriages

Because we are open 24/7 and operate multiple locations and mobile services, the core requirements described above are applied consistently — regardless of when or where you choose to get married with us in California.

International & Non-U.S. Citizen Couples

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or California resident to get married through Get Married Today. You simply need valid government-issued ID and to meet the same requirements as any other couple.

Our confidential licenses and ceremonies have been successfully used by couples who later relied on certified copies and apostilles for use in their home countries. For more focused information, see Same Day Marriage in California for International Couples.

If you need notarization or certified translations of related documents (such as birth certificates, passports, or affidavits), you may find partner services like Your Local Notary Public helpful.

Weekends, Holidays & After Business Hours

Because our team operates outside of standard government office schedules, couples often choose us when courthouse or county clerk appointments are unavailable, booked months out, or closed due to holidays.

Our 24/7 structure means that the same requirements — IDs, cohabitation or intent to live together, and prior-marriage information — can be fulfilled any day of the week. You can read more about this flexibility on Get Legally Married on Holidays.

For many couples, this is the only practical way to get a confidential license and ceremony completed in time for travel, deployment, or benefit deadlines.

Inclusive Services for All Couples

Get Married Today proudly supports same-sex couples, military couples, local residents, and visitors from out of state and abroad. Our requirements are applied equally to ensure every marriage is legal, properly documented, and treated with respect.

To see how these requirements work in various scenarios, review:

No matter your background, if you meet the legal requirements outlined on this page, we can guide you from license to legally married — quickly and professionally.

Quick FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Requirements

This FAQ focuses specifically on the practical requirements for using Get Married Today — from IDs and prior marriages to international recognition. For a broader list of questions about services, see the main How It Works and FAQ sections.

  • Do we still need to go to the county clerk or courthouse at any point?
    No. When you use Get Married Today, you do not need to visit the county clerk or courthouse in person. We issue your confidential California marriage license under our authority as Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages, perform your ceremony, sign as the officiant, and file everything with the county on your behalf. We also help you obtain certified copies, so every legal step is handled through us.
  • Is our confidential California marriage license recognized worldwide?
    Yes. A confidential marriage license and certificate from California is just as legally valid as a public license. Your marriage is recognized in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. For use in other countries, you may need an apostille or consular legalization on your certified marriage certificate. Our partners, such as Orange County Apostille, can assist with that process.
  • What if we separated in the past but are living together again?
    As long as any prior marriage between either of you has been legally terminated and you now intend to be married to each other, you may proceed using the same requirements listed on this page. The key points are that you truthfully disclose any prior marriages, provide dates and proof when required (within the 2-year window), and that you are currently living together or planning to live together as spouses.
  • Can we use out-of-country IDs or passports?
    Yes. Many international couples marry through Get Married Today using foreign passports or consular IDs as their primary identification. The IDs must be valid and include a clear photo and full legal name. You may later use your certified marriage certificate — plus an apostille if needed — for immigration filings, residency, or other legal processes in your home country. For detailed scenarios, see Same Day Marriage in California for International Couples.
  • Do these requirements change for military or immigration-focused marriages?
    The core requirements — valid IDs, living-together or intent to live together, age and legal capacity, and prior-marriage information — stay the same. What changes is often the urgency and what you do with your certified copies afterward. Many military couples combine these requirements with our Military Marriage Resources, while couples focused on USCIS filings often reference Marriage for Immigration Purposes.

This page summarizes typical requirements followed by Get Married Today for issuing confidential California marriage licenses and performing legal ceremonies. It is informational only and not a substitute for independent legal advice. For underlying state laws, couples may also consult the California Department of Public Health at CDPH Vital Records.

FAQ

Your questions answered about our services.

Yes, California allows couples to get married the same day they apply for a marriage license. At Get Married Today, we make this possible by issuing your marriage license and officiating your ceremony on the spot—no courthouse appointment required. Whether it’s an elopement, military urgency, or a last-minute celebration, we’re open 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Just bring valid, government-issued photo IDs, and you’re good to go. We handle everything legally and quickly, so you walk away married the same day.

📄 CA Marriage License Info – CDPH

We highly recommend booking online in advance at Get Married Today to ensure availability and speed up the process. Scheduling ahead helps us prepare your documents and avoid delays. Our team can issue your marriage license and perform your wedding in one seamless visit. We also offer mobile wedding services across Southern California if you prefer to get married at your location. We’re here for you 24/7—including holidays and evenings

All you need are valid, government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver’s license or passport, for both parties. No birth certificates or Social Security cards are required for a confidential marriage license. If either party was previously married, you must provide the exact date the marriage ended (divorce or death). For non-U.S. citizens, your marriage is still legal in California, and we offer apostille services for international recognition. Visit our Marriage License Requirements page for a complete checklist.

Yes, if you choose a confidential marriage license, no witness is required—just the couple and the officiant. This is ideal for private ceremonies or couples who don’t want to involve others. The ceremony can be held in our office or at your preferred location. We offer both public and confidential marriage licenses depending on your needs. Learn more about confidential licenses on the Los Angeles County Registrar site.

Yes, all marriages performed by Get Married Today are legally binding and recognized in all 50 states. If you’re getting married for immigration, military, or international purposes, we can also help you obtain an apostille certification to validate your marriage abroad. This is especially useful for couples from Hague Convention countries. Just let us know during booking if you need this service. For more info, see our page on Apostille Services.

Absolutely! We specialize in urgent military marriages, helping active-duty members and their partners get legally married the same day. Whether you’re preparing for deployment or need to file for BAH or spousal benefits, we streamline the process for you. Military ID is accepted as a valid form of identification, and we also offer military discounts. Our service is discreet, professional, and fast. Learn more about our military marriage services.

Yes, we proudly serve international and non-citizen couples! A U.S. Social Security number is not required for marriage in California. All you need are valid passports or government-issued IDs from your home country. We also provide apostille certification for international recognition, ensuring your marriage is valid in your home country. For details on international marriage documentation, see the California Secretary of State Apostille Information.

Yes! We offer mobile wedding services anywhere in Southern California, including beaches, hotels, parks, and private residences. Whether it’s a scenic elopement or a cozy backyard celebration, we bring the marriage license and officiant to you. Simply let us know the location during booking, and we’ll take care of the rest. Travel fees may apply depending on the distance. Start your custom ceremony at Get Married Today.

The whole process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. This includes issuing your marriage license, performing the ceremony, and filing your paperwork with the county. If you’ve pre-booked, everything will be ready upon arrival to save even more time. Whether you’re in a rush or planning a spontaneous celebration, we make it simple. We’re known for our fast, efficient, and legally-compliant service—visit our How It Works page to learn more.

No, your marriage certificate is mailed to you after the license has been officially recorded by the county. This usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the county’s processing time. If you need your certificate urgently—for immigration, name change, or military benefits—we can help you request expedited processing or obtain certified copies. Our team also offers apostille services for international use. Visit CDPH – Marriage Certificates for official timelines and info.
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More Questions & Answers

1. Is it legal to get married the same day in California?

Yes, California law allows couples to marry the same day they obtain a marriage license. You do not need a waiting period or court appointment. At Get Married Today, we streamline the process so you can receive your license and have your ceremony in a single visit. Everything is legal and filed with the county.

📄 California Marriage Info – CDPH

2. What is the difference between a public and confidential marriage license?

A public license is searchable by anyone and requires at least one witness. A confidential license is not public record and requires no witnesses. Both are legally binding in California. Get Married Today offers both types depending on your needs.

📄 LA County – Marriage License Types

3. Can we get married on a holiday or weekend?

Yes! Get Married Today operates 24/7, including weekends and all holidays. We understand urgent needs, last-minute plans, and military deployments. Just book in advance online or call us directly for immediate service.

📄 California Marriage Requirements – CDPH

4. Can we get legally married without a witness?

Yes, if you choose a confidential marriage license. It allows you to be married without any witnesses present—just the couple and officiant. This is ideal for private, intimate weddings or elopements. Get Married Today specializes in confidential ceremonies.

📄 OC Recorder Marriage Info

5. How quickly can I get my marriage certificate after the wedding?

Your official marriage certificate is mailed by the county after the license is recorded. This usually takes 6–8 weeks. If needed sooner, we can help you request certified copies. We also provide apostille services for international use.

📄 CDPH Marriage Certificate Info

6. Can I get married without being a California resident?

Yes, California does not have a residency requirement for marriage. Anyone from out-of-state or abroad can legally marry here. Get Married Today offers full same-day services regardless of your home state or country.

📄 Riverside County Clerk FAQ

7. Can we use foreign passports as ID?

Yes, foreign passports are accepted as valid identification. If not in English, they must be translated and notarized. We help many international couples marry legally and quickly.

📄 Los Angeles County – Marriage License Requirements

8. Do you offer mobile wedding services?

Yes, we can come to your location—beach, park, hotel, or home. Just let us know the address and your preferred time. We bring the license, officiant, and file your paperwork afterward.

📄 San Diego County Marriage Info

9. Can military couples get married the same day?

Absolutely. We specialize in urgent weddings for active-duty military, especially those facing deployment. Bring your military ID and we’ll help expedite everything. Discounts available.

📄 Defense Department – BAH for Married Members

10. Can we get married if one person is undocumented?

Yes, California does not require proof of immigration status for marriage. Valid ID is still needed. We serve many couples in this situation and ensure your wedding is fully legal.

📄 CDPH – Marriage License Requirements

11. What languages do you offer ceremonies in?

We offer ceremonies in English and Spanish. If you need another language, let us know ahead of time. We work with multilingual officiants when available.

📄 California Secretary of State – Notary Translations

12. Can same-sex couples marry the same day?

Yes, same-sex marriage is fully legal in California. Our services are inclusive and available to all couples. We proudly support LGBTQ+ clients.

📄 State of California – LGBTQ+ Rights

13. Do we need a blood test to get married in California?

No, blood tests are not required in California. You simply need valid identification and basic personal information.

📄 CDPH Marriage FAQs

14. How do we prove we’re living together for a confidential license?

No documentation is required, but both partners must declare that they live together. This is part of the application process. Get Married Today can guide you through the steps.

📄 Los Angeles County – Confidential License Info

15. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments. You can pay in advance when booking or on the day of service.

📄 [Your County Clerk Office Payment Policies – Check your local office]

16. Is our marriage valid outside of the U.S.?

Yes, but you may need an apostille for international use. We offer apostille services to validate your marriage abroad. Especially important for Hague Convention countries.

📄 CA Secretary of State – Apostille Info

17. Can we get married if one of us is under 18?

Minors need parental consent and a court order. We do not issue licenses to underage applicants without these documents. Please check with the county court before contacting us.

📄 CA Family Code – Marriage Age Laws

18. How do we change our name after marriage?

You’ll use your certified marriage certificate to update your name with Social Security, DMV, and banks. We can help you order copies.

📄 Social Security Name Change Info

19. Do you provide officiants for religious ceremonies?

We offer secular and spiritual ceremonies, but for specific religious rites, we recommend bringing your own officiant. We can still issue your license and file your paperwork.

📄 CA Marriage Laws – Officiants

20. What if we’ve been divorced—can we remarry the same day?

Yes, as long as the divorce is finalized and you know the date it was legally terminated. Bring the date of your divorce, no paperwork needed unless very recent.

📄 Family Law Resources – CA Courts

21. Can we book a romantic location for the ceremony through you?

Yes! We have access to select venues, beach spots, and private ceremony spaces. Let us know your vision and we’ll help coordinate.

📄 California State Parks Wedding Permits

22. What if we need an emergency marriage today?

We provide emergency same-day service, even within a few hours. Ideal for medical situations, deployments, or immigration deadlines. Call us directly for priority help.

📄 Emergency Marriage FAQ – Get Married Today

23. Can I bring my pet to the ceremony?

Absolutely! We love pet-friendly weddings and can accommodate outdoor locations. Just let us know so we can plan the right venue or mobile setup.

📄 California Pet-Friendly Parks & Beaches

24. Do you provide photography or video packages?

Yes, we work with local photographers and videographers. Ask us about affordable elopement packages that include media services.

📄 Get Married Today – Add-On Packages

25. What happens if we lose our marriage certificate?

You can request a replacement through the county where your license was filed. We can help you with certified copy requests or expedited services.

📄 Request Marriage Certificate – CDPH


Requirements