Same-Day Marriages for Military Members in California: Everything You Need to Know

At Get Married Today, we proudly serve military members across all branches by offering same-day legal marriages in California—including marriage license issuance, officiation, and expedited documentation. Whether you’re active-duty, on leave, stationed in California, or preparing for deployment, we make it simple to become legally married without delays. Our service is 24/7, mobile, and designed with your schedule and needs in mind.

Why Military Members Choose Same-Day Marriage in California

Military life is fast-paced and unpredictable. From housing eligibility to spousal benefits and overseas orders, there are many personal and administrative reasons to get married quickly. California offers no waiting period and allows authorized parties like us to issue your marriage license and officiate the ceremony on the same day.

Get Married Today ensures that you don’t need to visit the county courthouse—we come to you. Our goal is to make the legal marriage process smooth and efficient so you can focus on your future together.

What You Need to Know: Legal Marriage Requirements in California for Military Members

1. 

No Residency Requirement

You do not need to be a California resident to get married in California.

2. 

No Waiting Period

California does not require a waiting period between receiving the marriage license and having the ceremony. This means you can get married the same day.

3. 

No Blood Test Required

Military couples can skip outdated requirements like blood tests—California does not mandate them.

4. 

Both Parties Must Be Present

Both you and your partner must be physically present to obtain the marriage license unless you’re using a military power of attorney for special cases.

5. 

Valid Identification Required

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Military ID (CAC)
  • U.S. Passport
  • State-issued driver’s license
  • Birth certificate + photo ID

6. 

Age Requirements

Both parties must be 18 years or older, or have court approval if underage.

7. 

Marriage License Fee

Depending on the county, expect to pay $90–$110. We handle all logistics for you and provide guidance on fees.

8. 

Confidential vs. Public License

Military couples often prefer confidential licenses for privacy and added protection, especially in high-security positions.

9. 

Officiant Requirements

Our authorized notaries and ordained ministers are legally permitted to officiate your marriage, and we file your license on your behalf.

10. 

Marriage Certificate & Apostille

We can order certified copies of your marriage certificate and provide apostille certification for use in other countries (common for deployments or spouse relocation abroad).


How We Help Military Couples Get Married Instantly

At Get Married Today, we:

  • Issue your California marriage license
  • Perform your legal wedding ceremony anywhere you choose: base, hotel, home, hospital, beach
  • Sign and file your marriage documents
  • Provide proof of marriage and expedited certificate orders
  • Offer same-day apostille services for use abroad
  • Give military discounts
  • Operate 24/7, 365 days a year—including holidays

We understand your time is limited and plans can change at a moment’s notice. That’s why our process is flexible and fast. You can even book your entire appointment online in minutes.


Common Marriage Scenarios for Military Members

  • PCS Orders (Permanent Change of Station): Get married before your move to qualify for spouse relocation support.
  • BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing): A legal marriage unlocks additional housing funds.
  • Overseas Deployment: Ensure your partner has proper spousal status before deployment.
  • Medical or Legal Authority: Legally marrying provides decision-making authority and access to benefits.
  • Leave Time: We offer mobile weddings during short leave windows.

Choose Your Ceremony Location

Our officiants can meet you at any location across Southern California:

  • Base housing or barracks
  • Hotels near Camp Pendleton, Twentynine Palms, or Fort Irwin
  • Veteran hospitals or military clinics
  • Beaches like Huntington or San Clemente
  • Chapels in Orange County and Los Angeles

We’ll bring the paperwork, ceremony, and witness (if needed). You show up with ID, and we’ll handle the rest.


Booking Your Same-Day Military Wedding

  1. Visit https://getmarried.today
  2. Choose your service package (marriage license, ceremony, apostille, or combo)
  3. Book your preferred time and location
  4. Receive confirmation and instructions via email
  5. Get legally married the same day

We handle everything so you don’t have to visit the county clerk or wait for appointments.


50 Helpful Resources for Military Marriages in California

  1. Get Married Today – Official Website
  2. Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
  3. Tricare Marriage Benefits
  4. Military OneSource Marriage Resources
  5. California Marriage License Requirements
  6. VA Benefits for Married Veterans
  7. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Military Spouses
  8. National Military Family Association
  9. U.S. Army Legal Assistance
  10. Military ID Cards for Spouses – RAPIDS
  11. BAH Eligibility
  12. Get Married Today – Same Day License Info
  13. Military.com – Marriage in the Military
  14. Defense.gov – Family & Spouse Resources
  15. MyArmyBenefits Marriage Info
  16. Marine Corps Family Readiness
  17. Navy Family Ombudsman Program
  18. U.S. Coast Guard Marriage Guide
  19. USAF Airman & Family Readiness
  20. California Secretary of State – Apostille Info
  21. Marriage License Application LA County
  22. Orange County Marriage License Info
  23. San Diego County Marriage Requirements
  24. Get Married Today – Apostille Services
  25. Military Marriage Preparation
  26. State Department – Marriage Abroad
  27. LegalZoom – Marriage Legal Rights
  28. Chaplain Resources for Military Weddings
  29. Military Leave Regulations
  30. Spouse Employment & Benefits – MySECO
  31. Get Married Today – Service Areas
  32. U.S. Army Human Resources Command
  33. Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall Chaplain Services
  34. Military Spouse Residency Relief Act
  35. TRICARE Enrollment Post-Marriage
  36. Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
  37. Department of Defense Benefits Resources
  38. California Department of Public Health – Marriage Certificates
  39. Camp Pendleton Marriage Services
  40. Get Married Today – Wedding Locations
  41. Twentynine Palms Legal Services
  42. Fort Irwin Family Services
  43. Get Married Today – Holiday Weddings
  44. California Courts – Marriage Laws
  45. USO Support for Military Families
  46. GovInfo – Federal Marriage Benefits
  47. Filing Taxes After Marriage – IRS
  48. U.S. Army MWR Marriage Events
  49. U.S. Marine Corps Community Services
  50. Get Married Today – Military Marriage Packages

Ready to Get Married Today?

If you’re a military member in need of a fast, legal marriage—whether for benefits, deployment, or love—we’re here to help. Visit https://getmarried.today to book your appointment now.

We thank you for your service, and we’re proud to serve you.


California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage Services

Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

San Diego County – Marriage Licenses

Riverside County Clerk – Marriage License Info

Sacramento County Clerk – Marriage License Appointments

San Bernardino County Recorder – Marriage Services

City of Beverly Hills – Marriage Services

City of Newport Beach – Marriage License Information

City of Anaheim – City Clerk’s Marriage Page

U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad

California Courts – Marriage Overview

National Center for Health Statistics – Marriage & Divorce

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy

California Legislative Information – Marriage Laws

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Marriage-Based Green Card

Los Angeles Times – Marriage Licenses Info

Visit California – Romantic Getaways

City of San Juan Capistrano – Marriage Services

City of Irvine – Marriage Info

California Department of Consumer Affairs – Marriage Officiants

County of Ventura – Marriage Services

City of West Hollywood – Marriage License Information

City of Long Beach – Marriage License

City of Santa Monica – Marriage Ceremonies

City of Pasadena – City Clerk Marriage Page

California Department of Social Services – Marriage Programs

U.S. Embassy – Marriage Requirements by Country

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Marriage Trends

California Association of Legal Document Assistants

City of Laguna Beach – Marriage Licensing

City of Huntington Beach – Marriage Services

City of Costa Mesa – Marriage Licensing

City of Fountain Valley – City Clerk Marriage

City of Santa Ana – Marriage License Services

California Secretary of State – Notary Public

City of Garden Grove – Marriage Information

City of Fullerton – Marriage Services

WeddingWire – Same Day Wedding Vendors

The Knot – Elopement Packages

Zola – Wedding Planning

Brides – Elopement Advice

Martha Stewart Weddings – Wedding Planning Tools

California Elopement Guide

Los Angeles Wedding Officiant Services

Offbeat Bride – Unique Elopement Ideas

Simply Eloped – California Packages

Forevermore Weddings California

Elopement Packages California

Wayfarers Chapel Wedding Info

City Hall Wedding Los Angeles

Marriage License Fast Track – Orange County

Love Stream – Virtual Weddings

US Marriage Laws – California

Los Angeles County – Confidential Marriage License

LA Wedding Woman – Same Day Services

Los Angeles Courthouse Weddings

Chapel of the Flowers – Vegas Elopements

California Government Portal

USAGov Marriage Services

California Governor’s Office

City of Burbank – Marriage Services

City of Glendale Clerk Services

Oceanside City Clerk – Marriage

Carlsbad City Clerk – Marriage Info

San Clemente Marriage Licensing

City of Dana Point Clerk Services

Mission Viejo City Clerk

Aliso Viejo Clerk – Marriage Info

California Notary Public Directory

State Bar of California – Legal Help

Better Business Bureau – Wedding Vendors

Yelp – Same Day Marriage Services

Wedding Spot – California Packages

Marriage Equality USA

Elopement Vendors – California

Pop the Knot – Pop-Up Weddings

Elopement Love – Southern California

Eventective – Wedding Venues

Wedding Maps – Elopement Locations

California Vital Records

U.S. Census Bureau – Marriage Data

California Legislative Analyst’s Office – Family Services

State of California – Online Services

American Marriage Ministries

Universal Life Church – Become an Officiant

Marriage License Lookup California

U.S. Government Services – Marriage Requirements

Marriage License Express Services

LegalZoom – Marriage License Overview

Nolo – Marriage Requirements

FindLaw – Marriage Law in California

AVVO – Marriage and Family Lawyers

Wedding Pro – Local Wedding Pros

Thumbtack – Local Wedding Officiants

GigSalad – Hire an Officiant

Zankyou – Wedding Planning Tools

Junebug Weddings – California Vendors

Here Comes the Guide – CA Elopement Venues