What Are the Steps to Getting Married in One Day? Your Complete Guide with Get Married Today
Marriage is one of the most exciting milestones in life. But who says it needs to be complicated or time-consuming? At Get Married Today, we make it possible for couples to get legally married in just one day. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a last-minute wedding, or need to be legally married for immigration or military reasons, we handle everything—from the marriage license to the ceremony and legal filings.
💍 So, what are the steps to getting married in one day? In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you through our simple, same-day marriage process so you can confidently say “I do” without stress or delays.
📍 Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today and get legally married—your way, today!
Why Choose a Same-Day Marriage?
✅ Fast
Say goodbye to months of planning. With us, you can be legally married in just one visit.
✅ Simple
We handle the license issuance, notarization, ceremony, and legal filing—all in one place.
✅ Legal
Your marriage will be fully recognized by the County and valid for immigration, military benefits, name changes, and more.
📍 Learn more about marriage license laws in California at California Department of Public Health.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Married in One Day
Getting married in one day is easier than you think. Here’s how the process works with Get Married Today.
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
📅 The first step is to book your same-day wedding appointment online at GetMarried.Today.
You can:
• Choose one of our professional offices (available in multiple California counties)
• Or schedule a traveling officiant to come to your home, hotel, park, or any location of your choice
✅ Appointments are available 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
📍 Need ideas for wedding locations? Check out Visit California.
Step 2: Bring Your ID
🪪 When you arrive, both partners must bring valid government-issued photo ID such as:
• Passport
• Driver’s license
• State-issued identification card
📍 For ID and document requirements, visit US Marriage Laws.
Step 3: Complete and Sign the Required Documents
🖊 You’ll complete and sign all required legal documents, including:
• Marriage License Application
• Confidential or Public Marriage License
• Sworn Statement (required to request the official marriage certificate later)
💡 We will walk you through each form and answer any questions before you sign.
📍 Learn about the types of marriage licenses at Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
Step 4: Notarization by a Licensed Notary Public
📜 Once your documents are signed, our licensed Notary Public will:
• Notarize your marriage license
• Notarize the Sworn Statement
This is a key legal step that verifies your identity and makes the documents official.
📍 Want to learn more about notarization? Visit National Notary Association.
Step 5: Customize Your Ceremony (Optional)
💍 Once the legal paperwork is completed, it’s time for your ceremony!
You can personalize your ceremony as much (or as little) as you’d like.
• Exchange custom vows
• Include personal touches, readings, or spiritual elements
• Choose a short, civil ceremony if that’s your style
📍 Need vow inspiration? Check out The Knot’s Vow Guide.
Step 6: Ceremony Performed by an Ordained Minister
🎤 Your ceremony will be officiated by one of our licensed, experienced Ordained Ministers.
• We accommodate secular, spiritual, interfaith, and custom ceremonies
• You can bring guests, or keep it private—your choice
📍 Looking for ceremony examples? Visit Brides.
Step 7: Minister Signs the Marriage License
📄 After the ceremony, the Ordained Minister signs the marriage license, making it legally binding.
💡 At this point—you are officially and legally married!
Step 8: We File Your Marriage License with the County
📬 After your ceremony, we file your signed and notarized marriage license directly with the County Recorder’s Office.
✅ This ensures that your marriage is officially recorded and recognized by the State of California.
📍 Learn about official filing procedures at California Vital Records.
Step 9: You Receive a Proof of Marriage
📥 You will receive a Proof of Marriage from us, confirming your legal wedding.
This temporary record can be used for:
• Immigration attorneys
• Travel arrangements
• Immediate proof of legal marriage
📍 More about temporary marriage records at VitalChek.
Step 10: We Order Your Official License and Certificate of Marriage
📩 Once your license is recorded, we request your official certified copy of your marriage certificate from the County.
• Your official marriage certificate will be mailed to your address
• Delivery takes 5–8 weeks, depending on the County processing times
📍 Need an apostille for international use? We work with Orange County Apostille.
Who Can Use Our Same-Day Marriage Service?
💑 Couples Eloping
Perfect for couples looking to skip the big wedding and have a private, intimate experience.
🎖 Military Members
Need to get married before deployment or to access spousal benefits? We specialize in quick military marriages.
📍 More on military marriage benefits at Military.com.
🌍 Couples Getting Married for Immigration Purposes
A legally recognized marriage certificate is essential for spousal visa, green card, and adjustment of status applications.
📍 Read more at USCIS.
What Happens After You’re Married?
Here’s a quick checklist of what to do next:
✅ Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
📍 Order online at VitalChek.
✅ Change Your Name (Optional)
📍 Start with the Social Security Administration: SSA.gov.
📍 Then update your license at the DMV: DMV.ca.gov.
📍 Update your passport: Travel.State.Gov.
✅ Notify Your Employer and Financial Institutions
🧾 Update your marital status for tax, banking, and health insurance purposes.
📍 Learn more at Nolo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Really Get Married in One Day?
Yes! We handle the license, notarization, ceremony, and filing in one visit.
Is This Marriage Legally Recognized?
Yes! Your marriage is recorded with the County and valid worldwide.
Can You Come to Our Location?
Absolutely! We offer traveling officiant services to homes, hotels, beaches, and event venues.
📍 Explore wedding venue ideas at Wedding Spot.
Book Your Same-Day Marriage Today!
🚀 Ready to get married without the wait, stress, or complications? Get Married Today is your trusted partner for fast, legal, and meaningful weddings in California.
📍 Book now at GetMarried.Today and say “I do” today!
💍 Your dream wedding is only one appointment away.
25 Helpful Resources & Backlinks
2. California Department of Public Health
3. Orange County Clerk-Recorder
5. National Notary Association
6. The Knot – Wedding Budget Guide
7. Zola – Stress-Free Wedding Planning
8. Brides – Wedding Ceremony Script
10. VitalChek – Certificate Ordering
12. DMV California – Name Change
13. Travel.State.Gov – Passport Name Change
15. Military.com – Marriage Benefits
16. USCIS – Green Card Marriage
17. Visit California – Wedding Destinations
18. Wedding Spot – California Venues
21. National Park Service – Yosemite
23. Hague Apostille Information
24. Shoreline Village – Wedding Views
Final Thoughts:
At Get Married Today, we believe that getting married should be a joyful experience—not a stressful one. That’s why we’ve made it possible for couples to get legally married in just one day, with all the legalities handled for you.
Whether you’re eloping, marrying for immigration, in the military, or simply want a small, meaningful ceremony, we’re here to make it happen.
📍 Book now at GetMarried.Today and let your forever begin—today.