Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year—and in California, it can also be one of the easiest days to get legally married the same day. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous elopement, a private civil ceremony, or a last-minute legal wedding before travel, deployment, or immigration deadlines, Get Married Today makes it possible to complete everything in one smooth, legally compliant visit.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how same-day marriages work on Valentine’s Day in California, what documents you need, where couples get stuck, how long certified copies take, and how to avoid delays. It’s written to be mobile-friendly, easy to scan, and packed with official references and trusted backlinks.
Why Valentine’s Day Is Perfect for a Same-Day Marriage 💘
Valentine’s Day combines romance with intention. Many couples choose February 14th because:
- It’s emotionally meaningful and memorable
- It aligns with travel, military leave, or immigration timelines
- It avoids long engagement planning
- It allows a private, intimate experience
- It can be completed legally in one day in California
California law allows qualified couples to obtain a marriage license and complete a civil ceremony on the same day, provided all requirements are met. That’s the legal foundation behind same-day marriage services.
How Same-Day Marriage Works in California (Valentine’s Day Edition)
A same-day marriage in California involves two legal steps, both completed on the same date:
1️⃣ Marriage License Issuance
You and your partner must appear together with valid government-issued photo ID. Once issued, California marriage licenses are valid immediately—there is no waiting period.
2️⃣ Marriage Ceremony
A licensed officiant performs the ceremony right after license issuance. The officiant signs the license, making your marriage legally effective that same day.
Get Married Today specializes in coordinating both steps seamlessly—especially on high-demand dates like Valentine’s Day.
What Makes Valentine’s Day Different?
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest marriage dates of the year. That means:
- County clerk appointments fill fast
- Walk-ins may be limited
- Courthouses have long waits
- Some offices close early
That’s why couples turn to private same-day marriage services that handle licensing and officiation together—without courthouse lines.
Same-Day Marriage vs. Traditional Wedding
| Feature | Same-Day Marriage | Traditional Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Time | Same day | Months |
| Guests | Optional / small | Large |
| Cost | Streamlined | Higher |
| Legal Timing | Immediate | Delayed |
| Valentine’s Availability | ✔ Yes | Often booked |
Where Couples Get Married on Valentine’s Day
Couples using Get Married Today often choose:
- Private chapels
- Office-based civil ceremonies
- Mobile officiant locations
- Intimate outdoor settings
- Same-day elopement venues
You can also explore partner resources and guides at:
- https://www.getmarried.today
- https://www.24hourmarriages.com/
- https://marriedinla.com/
- http://same-day-marriages.com/
- https://samedaymarriageinla.com/
- https://sameday-marriages.com/
- https://samedaymarriage.net/
- https://sameday-marriage.com/
- www.marriedinorangecounty.org
- www.mismodíamatrimonio.com
- SAMESEXMARRIAGELICENSES.COM
Legal Requirements (Backed by Government Sources)
To get married the same day in California, you must meet these state requirements:
- Be 18 years or older (or have court order if under 18)
- Appear together in person
- Present valid government photo ID
- Provide accurate personal information
Official references:
- California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses https://www.cdph.ca.gov
- County Clerk-Recorder guidance https://www.lavote.gov https://www.ocrecorder.com
What Documents Do You Need?
- Passport or U.S. driver’s license
- Legal name information
- Previous marriage termination details (if applicable)
No blood tests. No residency requirement. No waiting period.
Certified Copies: What to Expect After Valentine’s Day
Your marriage is legal the day of the ceremony. Certified copies are processed later.
Typical timelines:
- Los Angeles County: ~4–8 weeks
- Orange County: ~2–6 weeks
Certified copies are required for:
- Name change
- Immigration filings
- Military benefits
- Insurance updates
International Couples & Valentine’s Day Marriages 🌍
California welcomes international couples. Many couples get married on Valentine’s Day to meet visa or cultural timelines.
Helpful resources:
- Apostille & authentication info https://www.orangecountyapostille.org
- Notarization guidance https://www.yourlocalnotarypublic.com
Same-Sex Valentine’s Day Marriages 🏳️🌈
Same-sex marriage is fully legal and protected in California. Get Married Today proudly serves all couples, with dedicated resources available at:
SAMESEXMARRIAGELICENSES.COM
Why Couples Choose Get Married Today
Couples choose Get Married Today because it offers:
- Marriage license + ceremony in one visit
- Valentine’s Day availability
- Private, judgment-free service
- Mobile-friendly booking
- Multilingual support
- Experience with high-volume holiday dates
Learn more at https://www.getmarried.today
25 Frequently Asked Questions (Valentine’s Day Edition)
1. Can we really get married the same day on Valentine’s Day?
Yes. California allows same-day marriage when licensing and ceremony requirements are met.
2. Is Valentine’s Day more expensive?
Government fees remain the same. Private services may vary due to demand.
3. Do we need an appointment?
Highly recommended—Valentine’s Day fills quickly.
4. Can tourists get married?
Yes. No California residency is required.
5. Is our marriage legal immediately?
Yes, once the ceremony is completed and the license is signed.
6. Can we bring guests?
Yes, depending on location and service type.
7. Can we do a private ceremony?
Absolutely.
8. How long does the ceremony take?
Usually 10–15 minutes.
9. Do we need witnesses?
Public licenses require one witness; confidential licenses do not.
10. What if one of us was married before?
You must know the date your last marriage ended.
11. Can we get married outdoors?
Yes, with a mobile officiant.
12. Is same-day marriage recognized worldwide?
Yes. It’s a valid U.S. marriage.
13. How do we get certified copies?
Through the county clerk after registration.
14. Can we apostille our marriage certificate later?
Yes.
15. Is Valentine’s Day busier than weekends?
Often yes—book early.
16. Can military couples marry same day?
Yes, and benefits accrue from the marriage date.
17. Can we get married at night?
With private services, yes.
18. Is there a waiting period?
No.
19. Can we change our names later?
Yes.
20. Can pregnant couples marry same day?
Yes.
21. Is attire required?
No—wear what feels right.
22. Can we marry in Spanish?
Yes, bilingual services are available.
23. Can divorced couples remarry same day?
Yes, if the prior marriage is legally terminated.
24. Can we marry on holidays?
Yes, with private services.
25. Where do we start?
Visit https://www.getmarried.today
Final Thoughts 💍
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean months of planning or courthouse stress. In California, love and legality can happen the same day—beautifully, privately, and officially.
If you’re ready to say “I do” today, start here:
👉 https://www.getmarried.today
Love waits for no one—and in California, neither does marriage.