What Documents Do I Need to Get Married Today?
A Complete Guide to Same-Day Legal Marriages in California
Getting married is an exciting milestone, but when you want to get married today, you probably have one big question:
👉 What documents do I need to make it legal?
At Get Married Today, we specialize in same-day marriage services across California, offering a quick, easy, and legally binding process. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, an international visitor, or a military member, we make it possible to get legally married in just one visit.
This guide walks you through everything you need to get married today, including:
• Required identification
• Eligibility requirements
• Legal forms
• International marriage recognition
• What to do after the ceremony
📍 Want to get married today? Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today
✅ Table of Contents
1. What Is a Same-Day Marriage?
2. Can I Really Get Married Today in California?
4. What Documents Do I Need to Get Married Today?
5. International Visitors: What If I’m Not a U.S. Citizen?
6. Can I Get Married Without a Witness?
7. Same-Day Military Marriages: What You Need to Know
8. What Happens After the Ceremony?
9. Where Can I Get Married Today in California?
10. Why Choose Get Married Today?
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
12. Book Your Same-Day Marriage Now
1. What Is a Same-Day Marriage?
A same-day marriage is a legally binding marriage that happens on the same day your license is issued and your ceremony is performed. It means:
• No waiting period
• No courthouse delays
• No appointment at the county clerk
With Get Married Today, we provide both the marriage license and the ceremony all in one fast and easy visit.
📍 Learn about marriage license rules in California at CDPH
2. Can I Really Get Married Today in California?
Yes! In California:
• There is no waiting period
• There is no blood test requirement
• You can get married on the same day you get your license
This makes California one of the most marriage-friendly states for same-day weddings.
📍 Learn more about marriage laws at US Marriage Laws
3. Marriage License 101
Before you can legally marry, you must first obtain a California marriage license. We issue it directly to you at your appointment.
There are two types of licenses in California:
• Public Marriage License
• Confidential Marriage License (no witnesses required)
📍 Read about license types at Orange County Clerk-Recorder
4. What Documents Do I Need to Get Married Today?
Here’s what you need:
✅ 1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
• Passport (for non-U.S. citizens)
• Driver’s License
• State ID
• Military ID
📍 Learn more about acceptable IDs here
✅ 2. Proof of Divorce or Annulment (if previously married)
• Final divorce decree
• Annulment judgment
• Death certificate (if previous spouse passed away)
📍 How to obtain your divorce records
✅ 3. Payment for the Marriage License
Fees vary by county. Most accept:
• Cash
• Debit/credit card
• Certified checks
📍 Check current fees at LA County
✅ 4. Personal Information to Provide
• Full legal names
• Place of birth
• Parents’ full legal names
• Previous marriage details (if applicable)
5. International Visitors: What If I’m Not a U.S. Citizen?
Good news! California allows:
• Non-residents
• Foreign nationals
• Tourists on vacation
… to get legally married without needing a visa, Social Security Number, or U.S. residency.
📍 Read more about international marriage legality
After your wedding, we help you apostille your marriage certificate so it’s recognized in your home country.
We work with Orange County Apostille for fast processing.
6. Can I Get Married Without a Witness?
Yes—if you choose a Confidential Marriage License, witnesses are not required.
This is perfect for:
• Elopements
• Private weddings
• International couples
• Military personnel
📍 Learn more about confidential licenses at VitalChek
7. Same-Day Military Marriages: What You Need to Know
Military couples often need:
• A fast legal marriage before deployment
• Access to military spousal benefits (BAH, TRICARE)
• A valid marriage certificate for ID and documentation
We work with active-duty military couples to provide same-day legal marriages, no red tape.
📍 Read more about military marriage benefits at Military.com
8. What Happens After the Ceremony?
1. Your officiant files your marriage license with the county
📍 More on filing procedures at CDPH
2. You order a certified copy of your marriage certificate
3. Need an apostille for international use?
We partner with Orange County Apostille for fast and reliable international legalization.
9. Where Can I Get Married Today in California?
We proudly serve couples across:
• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• San Diego
• Riverside County
• Ventura & Inland Empire
We also offer mobile officiant services, so we come to you—beach, home, hotel, park—you name it!
📍 Explore California wedding destinations at Visit California
10. Why Choose Get Married Today?
✅ Same-day license & ceremony in one appointment
✅ We come to your location
✅ Available 24/7—even holidays!
✅ Licensed officiants and notary public
✅ Apostille services for international recognition
✅ Perfect for elopements, immigration, military, and more
📍 Still have questions? Visit GetMarried.Today
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to be a California resident to get married?
No. California has no residency requirement.
Do both people need to be present?
Yes. Both parties must be present to apply and sign the license.
Do I need a witness?
Not if you use a Confidential Marriage License.
Can you marry same-sex couples?
Yes. All couples are welcome. We proudly serve LGBTQ+ couples.
12. Book Your Same-Day Wedding Today!
📍 Ready to say “I do” today?
✅ No waiting.
✅ No stress.
✅ 100% legally recognized marriage.
👉 Book your same-day marriage now at GetMarried.Today
💍 Let’s make today your wedding day.
Would you like me to now build out each section into full-length content to complete the full 7,500-word blog post? I can generate each part in long-form content step by step. Let me know how you’d like to proceed!