What Do You Need to Get a Marriage License in California?

UncategorizedAugust 22, 2025August 22, 2025Camden Alchanati

If you’re ready to say “I do” in California, getting a marriage license is your first legal step. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous elopement or a carefully coordinated ceremony, it all starts with making sure you have the right documents and information in hand. At Get Married Today, we simplify the process by offering same-day marriage licenses and legally binding ceremonies at your location or ours—but here’s what you’ll need to bring to the table.

1. Valid Identification for Both Partners

To apply for a marriage license in California, both partners must present valid, government-issued identification. This helps confirm your legal name, age, and identity. Acceptable forms of ID include:

California Driver’s License or out-of-state license
State-issued Identification Card
U.S. Military ID Card
U.S. or Foreign Passport
Alien Registration Card (Green Card)
Matricula Consular or Consular ID Card

Your ID must be current and valid. Expired IDs are generally not accepted, so double-check the expiration date before your appointment.

👉 Learn more: What documents do I need to get married today?

2. Proof of Termination of Any Prior Marriages or Partnerships

If either partner has been previously married or in a registered domestic partnership, you’ll need to show proof that the previous relationship has legally ended. This ensures your current marriage is valid under California law.

Acceptable documentation includes:

Divorce Decree (Final Judgment)
Death Certificate (if the previous spouse has passed away)
Annulment Documentation
Dissolution of State Registered Domestic Partnership

We recommend bringing certified copies of these documents. If your divorce was finalized recently, be sure the final date is clearly visible.

✅ Tip: Can I get married if I was recently divorced?

3. Full Names of Both Parents

During your application, both parties will need to provide the full legal names (first, middle, and last) of their birth mother and birth father. This information is used for official recordkeeping and appears on your marriage license.

It’s okay if you were adopted or don’t have contact with your birth parents—just provide the information as accurately as you can.

4. Intent to Live Together

While you don’t need to currently live together, California law asks that you and your partner intend to live together as spouses at some point in your lifetime. This shows that your marriage is based on a mutual commitment—not a temporary arrangement.

This isn’t something you need to prove with paperwork, but both of you must affirm it as part of your application.

5. Appointment & Deposit

Once you’ve gathered your documents and are ready to move forward, the final step is to book an appointment and submit your deposit. At Get Married Today, we make this step simple:

Book online 24/7
Choose your location (we can come to you!)
Pay your deposit to secure your date and time
Get married on the same day—with license and ceremony included!

⚡ Need to get married fast? We offer same-day service, traveling officiants, and on-the-spot license issuance anywhere in Southern California.

🔗 Start here: Book Your Same-Day Marriage Appointment Now

Summary: Checklist to Get a Marriage License in California

Here’s your quick-reference list of what you need:

✅ Valid ID for each partner

✅ Divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment (if applicable)

✅ Full names of both parents (mother and father)

✅ Intention to live together as spouses

✅ Booked appointment and paid deposit

Why Couples Choose

Get Married Today

We’re not just a marriage service—we’re your all-in-one solution for fast, legal, and stress-free weddings in California. Here’s what makes us different:

We’re authorized by the County Clerk’s office and the State of California
We issue legal marriage licenses on the spot
We perform civil wedding ceremonies at your location
We’re open 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays
We help with apostille certification for international use
We offer military discounts and urgent same-day services

📍 Serving all of Southern California including Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, Long Beach, San Bernardino, Irvine, Pasadena, Anaheim, and more.

Helpful Resources & Backlinks

Here are some valuable resources to help you prepare for your big day:

Ready to Get Married?

We’re here to help you take the leap—today, tomorrow, or whenever you’re ready. All you need is a valid ID, a few basic details, and the willingness to say “yes.” Let Get Married Today take care of the rest.

💍 Book now: https://getmarried.today