Title: What Are the Steps to Getting Married in One Day?
Introduction: The Modern Solution for Urgent Marriages
Gone are the days when planning a wedding took months of preparation. Whether due to military deployment, immigration deadlines, personal preference, or the desire for a spontaneous and romantic experience, many couples are now seeking fast and legally binding marriage solutions. At Get Married Today, we specialize in same-day marriage services that remove all barriers—so you can get married in just one day. But how exactly does the process work? This comprehensive guide walks you through every step to getting married in one day, with expert insights, legal tips, and fast-track solutions.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements in Your State
Marriage laws vary by state. In California, for example, there is no waiting period after receiving your marriage license. That means you can apply for your license and get married on the same day. Other states may require a waiting period ranging from 24 hours to several days.
Checklist:
- Age requirement: 18 or older (underage applicants need parental consent and court approval)
- Valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- No existing marriage (must be divorced or widowed with documentation)
Get Married Today services are based in California where same-day marriage is legal and supported.
Step 2: Choose a Same-Day Marriage Service Provider
Trying to handle the paperwork and ceremony yourself in one day can be difficult, especially if county clerks are closed or backlogged. This is where Get Married Today shines. We are authorized to issue confidential marriage licenses and perform legal ceremonies, all in one visit.
Why choose us?
- No need to visit the courthouse
- Marriage license and ceremony handled together
- Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays
- We serve all of Southern California
Step 3: Gather Your Required Documents
To get married in one day, you need to be prepared with the correct documentation. Here’s what you should have ready:
Required:
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Proof of divorce or death certificate if previously married
Optional but helpful:
- Utility bill or lease with matching addresses (for ID verification)
- Social Security card or number (if applicable)
If either party is from another country, we recommend bringing a passport and immigration documents.
Step 4: Book Your Appointment Online
Time is of the essence. Fortunately, Get Married Today allows you to book your appointment directly online at https://getmarried.today. Select your location, preferred time, and whether you want an indoor chapel, outdoor setting, or mobile officiant.
Booking confirmation includes:
- Appointment time
- Instructions on what to bring
- Location details
You can also call or text us for emergency appointments.
Step 5: Arrive Prepared for Your Appointment
Be punctual. When you arrive, our officiant or notary will verify your identification, review your documents, and prepare your marriage license.
What happens during your appointment:
- Document verification
- Marriage license issuance
- Legal ceremony conducted by licensed officiant
- Signing and notarizing the marriage license
- Filing with the County Clerk’s Office
All of this takes place in about 60-90 minutes.
Step 6: Choose Your Ceremony Style
Whether you want a romantic, low-key exchange or a more traditional moment, we offer customizable ceremony options:
- Elopement packages
- Outdoor ceremonies at scenic locations
- Indoor chapel ceremonies
- Mobile officiant to your home, hotel, or venue
We can also arrange photography, floral arrangements, and personalized vows if requested in advance.
Step 7: Receive Proof of Marriage Immediately
After your ceremony, we provide:
- A keepsake marriage certificate
- A signed, sealed marriage license for legal filing
- Instructions for ordering your official marriage certificate from the county
If you need international documentation, we also offer apostille services so your marriage is recognized abroad.
Step 8: (Optional) Request Apostille Certification for International Use
If one or both of you are foreign nationals, or plan to move abroad, you may need an apostille for your marriage certificate. We can help:
- Apostille for Hague Convention countries
- Legalization for non-member countries
- Translation services available
This process can be expedited and coordinated by Get Married Today through our partner network.
Step 9: Order Your Official Marriage Certificate
The marriage license we file is what creates your legal marriage, but the official marriage certificate is the document you need for:
- Name change
- Immigration filings (I-130, K-1, Adjustment of Status)
- Military spousal benefits
- Health insurance and legal identification
We guide you step-by-step in ordering this document, or handle it for you as part of our VIP service.
Step 10: Celebrate Your New Life Together
Just because it was quick doesn’t mean it wasn’t meaningful. Take time to celebrate! We offer mini photo shoots, local restaurant recommendations, and romantic add-ons to help mark your big day.
Why Get Married Today is the Best Option for One-Day Marriages
We specialize in:
- Same-day marriage license issuance
- Legally binding ceremonies
- 24/7 availability, including holidays
- Fast apostille services for international couples
- Personalized ceremonies and mobile officiants
We support:
- Military couples
- Immigration-focused marriages
- Emergency or hospital weddings
- Elopements and surprise weddings
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Get Married Today
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to get married in just one day—it absolutely is. With Get Married Today, everything you need is streamlined into one seamless visit. From license to ceremony, and even international documentation, we handle it all.
Start your forever today. Book your appointment at https://getmarried.today or call us now. We’re here to make your love official, fast.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be a California resident to get married in California?
A: No. California does not have a residency requirement for marriage.
Q: Is the marriage legally valid?
A: Yes. Our officiants are legally authorized, and your license is filed with the county.
Q: What is a confidential marriage license?
A: It’s a license that doesn’t require witnesses and keeps your marriage record private.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices vary depending on the package but start as low as $299. Visit our website for full pricing.
Q: Can I get an apostille for my marriage certificate?
A: Yes. We provide apostille and translation services for international recognition.
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
Martha Stewart Weddings – Wedding Planning Tools
Los Angeles Wedding Officiant Services
Offbeat Bride – Unique Elopement Ideas
Simply Eloped – California Packages
Forevermore Weddings California
Marriage License Fast Track – Orange County
Love Stream – Virtual Weddings
Los Angeles County – Confidential Marriage License
LA Wedding Woman – Same Day Services
Los Angeles Courthouse Weddings
Chapel of the Flowers – Vegas Elopements
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
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
Elopement Vendors – California
Pop the Knot – Pop-Up Weddings
Elopement Love – Southern California
Wedding Maps – Elopement Locations
U.S. Census Bureau – Marriage Data
California Legislative Analyst’s Office – Family Services
State of California – Online Services
Universal Life Church – Become an Officiant
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U.S. Government Services – Marriage Requirements
Marriage License Express Services
LegalZoom – Marriage License Overview
FindLaw – Marriage Law in California
AVVO – Marriage and Family Lawyers
Wedding Pro – Local Wedding Pros
Thumbtack – Local Wedding Officiants
Zankyou – Wedding Planning Tools