Same Day Marriage
Get Married Today helps couples get legally married the same day with a streamlined process: marriage license (confidential), ceremony by an ordained minister, and proper completion and filing—often in one appointment. Office and mobile options are available, including urgent situations where timing matters.
Start with the requirements: Requirements for Marriage • Confidential Marriage License • FAQ
Designed for couples who need a legal marriage quickly—without courthouse delays.
Confidential license workflow supports privacy while remaining fully legal.
Choose an office appointment or get married at your location—home, beach, venue, or facility (where permitted).
Same Day Marriage: What It Means
“Same day marriage” means you complete the key legal steps on the same day—often in one appointment—so you leave with a legally solemnized marriage. Exact timelines can vary by availability and scenario, but the process is built to be fast and compliant.
TITLE: Same Day Marriage
PURPOSE:
- Provide a fast, fully legal marriage experience without courthouse scheduling delays.
- Support urgent timelines (deployment, benefits, travel, immigration filings, holidays).
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Both parties must present valid government-issued photo ID.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand the process and freely consent.
- Eligibility rules apply for confidential licenses and prior-marriage status (if applicable).
WHAT SAME-DAY CAN INCLUDE (SERVICE-DEPENDENT):
- Marriage license issuance (confidential workflow)
- Officiant-led ceremony (civil, traditional, or simple personalized)
- Proper completion and filing workflow
SERVICE FORMATS:
- Office marriage services (private, professional setting)
- Mobile marriage services at your location (home, venue, beach, hospital/care facility where permitted)
How Same Day Marriage Works
The process below is the typical flow used across Get Married Today services (office and mobile). Your specific steps depend on whether you need a license, a ceremony, or both.
Ceremony + Completion
The officiant conducts the ceremony and ensures proper completion and filing steps, aligned with proof of marriage guidance.
Office Same-Day Marriage
For couples who want a private, professional setting with a courthouse-free experience.
- Fast check-in and document review
- Structured signing workflow
- Optional balcony/chapel-style experiences (where offered)
Mobile Same-Day Marriage
For couples who want to get married at their location—home, beach, venue, or facility (where permitted).
- Ideal for privacy and convenience
- Common for hospitals and urgent timelines
- Great for elopements and intimate ceremonies
Same-Day for International Use
For couples who need their marriage documented for overseas use (after certified copies are issued).
- Certified copies may be needed for embassies/immigration
- Apostille workflows may apply for foreign acceptance
- Document support options available through partners
Partners: Orange County Apostille • Your Local Notary Public
Who Same Day Marriage Is For
Same-day marriage is designed for real-life timelines. Below are common reasons couples choose Get Married Today.
Military Couples
Deployment, leave windows, benefits enrollment, and time-sensitive deadlines.
Backlinks: Get Married – Military • Military Marriage Resources
Immigration & K-1 Couples
Couples who need a legal marriage for immigration filings or visa-related timelines.
Backlinks: Immigration • K-1 Visa
International Couples
Couples who will use their marriage certificate abroad and may need apostille/legalization.
Backlink: International Couples Guide
Same-Sex Couples
Private, respectful, fully legal same-day services.
Backlink: California Requirements
Elopements & Private Ceremonies
Couples who want a simple, meaningful ceremony without a courthouse setting.
Backlink: Gallery
Employer Benefits & Tax Timing
Open enrollment deadlines, benefits enrollment, and year-end legal timing.
Backlink: One-Day Steps
Hospital / Care Facility
Urgent marriages (where permitted) for couples who can legally consent and present valid ID.
Backlink: Mobile Service
Outside Government Settings
Couples who want a legal marriage without a government-office experience.
Backlink: Book Your Marriage
Same Day Marriage Links & Resources
Use the resources below to choose the right option, location, and documentation pathway.
Core Pages
Same-Day Locations
Guides & Proof
Military & Immigration
Documents & International Support
These partners support apostille, notarization, and document workflows after marriage certificate issuance.
Same Day Marriage FAQs (20)
Fast answers to the most common questions about same-day legal marriage, eligibility, timing, and locations.
1) What does “same day marriage” mean in California?＋
It means completing the legal steps—often license issuance and ceremony—on the same day, usually in one appointment, using a compliant workflow.
2) Do we need to go to the courthouse?＋
No. Many couples choose Get Married Today specifically to avoid courthouse scheduling and government-office settings.
3) Do both parties need valid ID?＋
Yes. Both parties must present valid government-issued photo ID.
4) What does “must be coherent enough” mean?＋
Both parties must be able to understand the process, answer questions, and freely consent. If either cannot consent, the service cannot proceed.
5) Can we get married at our location?＋
Yes. Mobile services can be performed at homes, venues, beaches, and certain facilities (where permitted).
6) If we already have a marriage license, what do we book?＋
You typically book a ceremony-only/officiant service so your marriage can be solemnized legally.
7) What is a confidential marriage license?＋
A confidential license is a legal California license type that supports privacy. Learn more on the confidential license page.
8) Are witnesses required?＋
Confidential licenses generally do not require witness signatures. Requirements can vary depending on the license type used.
9) Can international couples get married same-day?＋
Yes, if you meet California requirements and can present valid ID. International couples may later need certified copies and apostille support.
10) Can same-sex couples get married same-day?＋
Yes. Same-day marriage services are available equally to same-sex couples.
11) Do you offer services during holidays?＋
Holiday availability may be offered depending on scheduling. The holidays page explains how couples plan around courthouse closures.
12) Can you perform hospital marriages?＋
Hospital/care-facility ceremonies may be available where permitted. Both parties must have valid ID and be coherent enough to consent.
13) How fast do we receive proof of marriage?＋
Proof of marriage timing depends on filing and certified copy issuance. The proof of marriage page explains what couples use while waiting.
14) Can we use our marriage certificate for immigration?＋
Many couples use their certified marriage certificate in immigration filings. See the immigration-focused pages for guidance.
15) What if one of us was married before?＋
Prior marriages must be legally ended. Requirements and proof documentation depend on your situation.
16) Can we personalize vows and the ceremony script?＋
Often yes—short personal vows are typically welcome as long as required legal wording is maintained.
17) Do you offer evening or nighttime ceremonies?＋
Some options include evening settings such as balcony ceremonies, depending on availability and service selection.
18) Can we get married for employer benefits or tax timing?＋
Yes—many couples schedule same-day marriage due to open enrollment, benefits deadlines, and year-end timing.
19) Can we remarry each other legally?＋
Yes. Couples sometimes legally marry again as a renewal or to reflect updated documentation and life circumstances.
20) Where should we start if we’re not sure which option we need?＋
Start with Requirements for Marriage and the one-day steps guide, then select the service that matches whether you need a license, a ceremony, or both.