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UncategorizedCamden Alchanati

What Documents Do I Need to Get Married Today?

Getting married is one of life’s most important and exciting milestones. But what if you don’t want to wait months to plan a traditional wedding? What if you want to get married today—legally and without delay? At Get Married Today, we make same-day marriages possible, but you’ll still need the right documents on hand. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to bring, how to prepare, and how we handle the rest—including legal filing and optional apostille services for international recognition.

Table of Contents

  1. The Essential Documents for Same-Day Marriage
  2. What If I Don’t Have One of These Documents?
  3. Do You Need an ID to Get Married Today?
  4. What About Social Security Numbers?
  5. Do I Need a Birth Certificate to Get Married?
  6. Do I Need Proof of Divorce or Death of a Spouse?
  7. Confidential vs. Public Marriage License
  8. Documents for International Couples
  9. Apostille Certification for International Use
  10. Get Married Today: We Handle the Rest
  11. Backlinks and Resources

1. The Essential Documents for Same-Day Marriage<a name=”1″></a>

To legally marry today in California, here’s what you’ll need:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID for each person. This can include:
    • Driver’s license
    • State-issued ID card
    • Passport (U.S. or foreign)
    • Military ID
  • If either party was previously married: proof of final judgment of divorce or death certificate for a deceased spouse
  • If under 18: a court order granting permission to marry

These documents must be in English or translated by a certified translator. At Get Married Today, we can assist with certified translations and notarization when needed. Learn about our same-day marriage services here.

2. What If I Don’t Have One of These Documents?<a name=”2″></a>

If you’re missing one of the documents, don’t panic. We regularly assist couples with:

  • Expired passports
  • No ID (some exceptions apply—ask about a notarized affidavit of identity)
  • No Social Security Number (foreign nationals)

Reach out to us, and we’ll help determine what workaround might be acceptable. Our experienced team can issue the marriage license and perform the ceremony on the same day. Schedule your appointment today.

3. Do You Need an ID to Get Married Today?<a name=”3″></a>

Yes, you must provide legal identification. A driver’s license or passport is typically sufficient. If your ID is lost or expired, call us—we may still be able to help through a Notary Public affidavit of identity, especially if you’re applying for a Confidential Marriage License.

Learn more about confidential licenses here.

4. What About Social Security Numbers?<a name=”4″></a>

In California, if you have a Social Security Number, you must list it on the marriage license. If you don’t have one (such as in cases of undocumented individuals or foreign nationals), you can legally leave it blank.

More info from the LA County Registrar-Recorder.

5. Do I Need a Birth Certificate to Get Married?<a name=”5″></a>

No, you don’t need to show a birth certificate to get married in California. However, some couples choose to bring it for:

  • International apostille purposes
  • Name confirmation if your ID has discrepancies

If you’re unsure, bring it and we’ll review whether it’s necessary. Here’s how to order a birth certificate if needed.

6. Do I Need Proof of Divorce or Death of a Spouse?<a name=”6″></a>

Yes—only if you were married before. Acceptable documents include:

  • Final Divorce Decree (with judge’s signature and date)
  • Death Certificate of a former spouse

Photocopies may not be accepted unless certified. Need help getting one? Use services like VitalChek or USVitalRecords.org.

7. Confidential vs. Public Marriage License<a name=”7″></a>

At Get Married Today, we issue Confidential Marriage Licenses which are:

  • Only available to couples already living together
  • Not part of the public record
  • Cannot be looked up online
  • Accepted just like public licenses for all legal purposes

Explore the benefits of a confidential license.

If you prefer a Public Marriage License, we can assist you through the local County Clerk’s Office by providing the ceremony and instructions for follow-up.

8. Documents for International Couples<a name=”8″></a>

If one or both of you are from another country, here’s what’s often needed:

  • Valid foreign passport
  • Valid visa or proof of legal entry (if available)
  • Certified translations of foreign documents (e.g., divorce decree)

We specialize in working with international couples and can issue your license and legally marry you in one visit. Click here to get started.

9. Apostille Certification for International Use<a name=”9″></a>

If you need your marriage to be recognized in another country, you may need an apostille. This is an official seal certifying your marriage certificate for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention.

We can help by:

  • Ordering certified copies of your marriage certificate
  • Processing the apostille with the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State
  • Providing translations if required

Learn about apostilles here.

10. Get Married Today: We Handle the Rest<a name=”10″></a>

At Get Married Today, we simplify the entire process:

✅ We issue your marriage license
✅ We perform the legal marriage ceremony
✅ We complete and file the marriage license
✅ We help you order certified copies
✅ We offer apostille services for international use
✅ We can meet you at your location: home, park, beach, hospital, or any location in Southern California

All you need are the required documents—we’ll do the rest. Book your same-day marriage appointment now.

11. Backlinks and Resources<a name=”11″></a>

Below is a list of 25 high-quality backlinks to help guide you through every step of the process.

  1. Get Married Today – Official Site
  2. California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses
  3. LA County Registrar/Recorder – Marriage Info
  4. Orange County Apostille – Marriage Certificate Apostille
  5. VitalChek – Order Certificates
  6. US Vital Records – Document Request
  7. California Secretary of State – Apostille
  8. U.S. Department of State – Authentications
  9. Santa Ana County Clerk Office
  10. Riverside County Marriage Services
  11. San Bernardino Marriage License Info
  12. San Diego County Marriage Information
  13. Marriage Requirements in California (CA Courts)
  14. National Notary Association – Proof of Identity
  15. USCIS – Proof of Marital Status
  16. US State Department – Apostille Countries
  17. CDC – Vital Records Nationwide
  18. Foreign Embassies in the U.S.
  19. International Marriage Recognition Info
  20. Get Married Today – Hospital Weddings
  21. Get Married Today – Beach Weddings
  22. Get Married Today – Elopement Services
  23. Apostille Services for Marriage Abroad
  24. Same-Day Marriage Legal Information
  25. How to Book a Marriage License Appointment

Final Thoughts

When time is of the essence, knowing exactly what documents you need can make all the difference. At Get Married Today, our experienced team is ready to issue your marriage license, officiate your wedding, and legally file your documents—all on the same day. Whether you’re local, out-of-state, or visiting from abroad, we’ll make your wedding day seamless and legal.

💍 Ready to get married today? Click here to start. Let us help you say “I do” with ease, speed, and complete legal assurance.