Same Day Marriage in California With Get Married Today
When love can’t wait, Get Married Today makes it possible to obtain a valid California marriage license, have your civil ceremony, and complete all legal filing — all in one visit. This page walks you through exactly how same-day marriage works, who it’s for, and how we keep every step compliant with California law.
What Is a Same Day Marriage?
A “same day marriage” means you receive your California marriage license and complete your legal marriage ceremony on the very same day — without waiting for a courthouse appointment or dealing with long government backlogs. Under California law, there is no mandatory waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and getting married, which is why same-day weddings are fully legal when handled by authorized professionals.
California’s statewide rules for marriage licenses are set by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) . You can also review the state’s overview of public vs. confidential marriage licenses to understand which type best fits your situation.
At Get Married Today, we follow these rules closely while streamlining the process so couples can complete their same-day marriage in one, organized appointment instead of multiple trips to the county clerk.
Who Chooses Same Day Marriage?
Same-day marriage is ideal for couples who want their union to be legal now, without sacrificing accuracy or compliance. Many couples discover Get Married Today after learning that their county clerk is fully booked, closed on holidays, or unable to accommodate urgent timelines.
- Busy professionals & local couples who want a quick, courthouse-free civil marriage before hosting a larger celebration later. See how same-day services work in depth in this Orange County same-day marriage guide .
- Holiday & after-hours weddings when government offices are closed but couples still need a legal ceremony. Learn more in How to Get Married on a Holiday, Weekend, or After Business Hours in California and the dedicated Get Legally Married on Holidays page.
- International couples and visitors who need a valid U.S. marriage for their home country or embassy, and may also require apostille. See Same Day Marriage in California for International Couples and Say “I Do” in California – Same-Day Legal Marriage Services for International Citizens .
- Couples with immigration or USCIS deadlines who need marriage proof quickly for Adjustment of Status or a marriage-based case. For a deeper dive, read USCIS Marriage Proof: How to Get Legally Married Today Without Delays .
- End-of-year or benefit-driven marriages where marital status must be updated before a deadline, such as open enrollment or year-end tax planning. See Get Married Before Year-End (Even if the Courthouse Is Fully Booked) .
Real-World Examples
- A couple flying in for a weekend decides to say “I do” in Laguna Beach on the same day as their arrival.
- An Orange or Anaheim couple avoids courthouse lines by choosing a full-service same-day marriage package in their city .
- A visitor from overseas comes to California specifically to use Get Married Today’s same-day marriage and apostille support so the union is recognized abroad.
Same-day marriage is not just “fast” — it’s a structured, compliant alternative to waiting weeks for a clerk appointment.
How Same Day Marriage Works With Get Married Today
Get Married Today is authorized to issue marriage licenses and perform civil ceremonies in accordance with California law. Instead of visiting the county clerk first and finding an officiant later, everything is handled in a single, guided appointment.
Before your visit, review the full marriage requirements checklist so you bring the correct identification and information to your same-day appointment.
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1Book your same-day appointmentChoose a date and time that works for you through the Schedule Your Same Day Marriage Date booking page. You can also explore specific city-based options, like Same Day Marriage in Ontario, CA .
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2Arrive with required ID and informationBoth partners bring valid government-issued photo identification and key details like previous marriage end dates if applicable. For a deeper explanation of license rules, see the CDPH’s California Marriage License General Information .
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3Complete your marriage license on-siteThe team will prepare your license and have you review and sign it on the spot. Because Get Married Today is authorized to issue licenses, there is no need to visit the county clerk separately.
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4Enjoy your civil ceremonyYou’ll have a brief but meaningful ceremony tailored to your preferences. Many couples choose a private in-office ceremony, while others book a beach, park, hotel, or home setting using the options in the Locations section .
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5Legal signatures & official filingThe officiant signs your license, and Get Married Today files all necessary paperwork with the correct county. You do not have to stand in line at government offices or navigate separate filing steps.
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6Receive proof of marriage & certified copiesOnce the county records your marriage, certified copies can be ordered for name change, benefits, immigration, and more. You can learn how certificates are handled statewide on the CDPH website and in Get Married Today’s articles, such as Get Married Legally on Christmas With Get Married Today .
Public vs. Confidential License on the Same Day
California offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Many same-day couples prefer a confidential license because it:
- Does not require witnesses at the ceremony.
- Is not searchable as a public record.
- Is still fully valid for immigration, benefits, and name changes.
To better understand the difference, review the CDPH page on Types of Marriage Licenses , then talk through your options when booking with Get Married Today.
Same Day Marriage Options & Locations
Same-day marriage services are available in multiple Southern California cities, with flexible options for office ceremonies, scenic elopements, or mobile weddings at your preferred venue. Explore the growing list of locations via the main Locations page.
Office & Chapel Ceremonies
Choose a simple, streamlined ceremony at one of the offices or chapel-style locations. These settings are perfect if you want a quiet, focused legal wedding without planning a large event. For example, couples choose services like Same Day Marriage Service in Irvine or Same Day Marriage in Ontario, CA when they want convenience and privacy.
Beach & Scenic Elopements
If you want stunning photos and a little bit of California sunshine, opt for a coastal elopement or scenic outdoor location. Guides such as Same Day Marriage in Laguna Beach and Same Day Marriage in Westwood, CA show how easy it is to combine a legal same-day wedding with a beautiful setting.
Mobile & Holiday Services
Prefer to be married at home, at a hotel, in a hospital room, or on a meaningful holiday? Articles like Holiday Wedding Services in Orange County and Make Your Love Official This Thanksgiving explain exactly how Get Married Today brings same-day services to you — even when the courthouse is closed.
International Couples & Apostille Support
Many couples travel from abroad specifically to use California’s flexible marriage laws. A same-day marriage with Get Married Today can often be recognized in your home country once you obtain an apostille or embassy legalization for your U.S. marriage certificate.
For international couples, start with Same Day Marriage in California for International Couples and Same-Day Marriage Services for International Couples in California . These resources explain documentation, timelines, and how to prepare for post-wedding legalization.
Apostille & Notary Partners
After your marriage is recorded, you may need an apostille for use abroad. Get Married Today partners with specialized providers, including:
- Orange County Apostille – comprehensive apostille and international document legalization services.
- Your Local Notary Public – professional notarization support for affidavits, sworn statements, and supporting documentation.
- Official state guidance on how to request an apostille from the California Secretary of State .
For couples comparing public vs. confidential licenses, residency questions, or international recognition, the Apostille FAQ from the Secretary of State and the in-depth article Laws of Same Day Marriage provide helpful legal context.
Courthouse vs. Same Day Marriage With Get Married Today
Traditional courthouse weddings can still work for some couples, but availability is often limited, especially during peak seasons, holidays, or government disruptions. Get Married Today is designed to remove those barriers while staying within the same legal framework.
| Courthouse Wedding | Same Day Marriage With Get Married Today |
|---|---|
| Requires clerk appointment, which may be booked out for weeks or months. | Appointment scheduled directly through Schedule Your Same Day Marriage Date, often available much sooner. |
| License and ceremony may be handled in separate steps or locations. | License issuance, ceremony, and filing are completed in a single, guided visit. |
| Limited or no availability on weekends, evenings, or holidays. | Same-day services available after hours and on holidays, as described in the holiday & after-hours guide . |
| Less flexibility for private or scenic ceremony locations. | Multiple location options across Southern California — see all locations and city-specific pages like Same Day Marriages in Orange County . |
| Couples must coordinate their own apostille or international legalization. | Close coordination with apostille and notary partners, plus resources like USCIS Marriage Proof for immigration-focused weddings. |
For many couples, this streamlined model is why same-day marriage services are becoming the preferred alternative to traditional courthouse weddings — especially when timing truly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Same Day Marriage
Yes. California allows couples to marry on the same day they receive their marriage license, provided all identification and eligibility requirements are met. There is no waiting period. Get Married Today is authorized to issue licenses and perform ceremonies in compliance with statewide guidelines and local county rules. For the underlying state framework, review the CDPH page on marriage license information .
No. When you book a same-day marriage with Get Married Today, the team can issue your California marriage license during your appointment, as long as you meet all legal requirements. That means you do not have to visit the clerk first. To see the full list of what to bring, visit the Requirements for Marriage page before your visit.
Absolutely. Many couples use same-day marriage to become legally married now and then plan a larger celebration months later. Your legal marriage date will be the date of your same-day ceremony, but you can host a symbolic or vow-renewal style event in the future. Articles like year-end same-day marriage guides and various holiday-focused blogs provide examples of how couples structure this.
Yes. As long as your marriage is properly licensed, officiated, and recorded, it is treated the same as any other California marriage for immigration purposes. Many couples working with attorneys or preparing adjustment of status cases choose Get Married Today because of the clear documentation and fast timelines. To understand how proof of marriage is used in immigration files, see USCIS Marriage Proof – How to Get Legally Married Today Without Delays .
In many countries, you’ll need an apostille on your certified marriage certificate or embassy legalization after it is recorded. Get Married Today can connect you with partners such as Orange County Apostille for international authentication. You can also review the California Secretary of State’s instructions for requesting an apostille directly from the state .
A public license appears in public records and requires at least one witness at your ceremony. A confidential license does not appear in public search results and does not require witnesses, but you must be living together as spouses at the time of application. Get Married Today can walk you through both options, and you can read more on the CDPH’s Types of Marriage Licenses page.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of using Get Married Today is access to after-hours and holiday appointments when county buildings are closed. For example, couples can legally marry on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving using articles and services outlined in Get Legally Married on Holidays and related holiday wedding guides.
Get Married Today maintains educational resources on timing, documentation, and legal compliance. A good starting point is Laws of Same Day Marriage , which explains how California law permits same-day weddings and clarifies how private providers like Get Married Today fit within that framework.
Your Same Day Marriage — Next Steps
If you’re ready to make your relationship legally official without waiting for a courthouse opening, same-day marriage with Get Married Today offers a structured, compliant, and efficient solution. Review the marriage requirements , browse available locations , and secure a date through the Schedule Your Same Day Marriage Date page.
From license to ceremony to filing, Get Married Today is built to handle every legal step in one appointment — so you can focus on your commitment to each other, not the paperwork.