What Happens If We Just Sign a Marriage License?

A Complete Guide for Couples Needing Urgent Legal Recognition of Their Marriage

When couples are in a rush to get married—whether it’s for immigration, military deployment, health insurance, legal protection, or other official purposes—they often ask:

“Can we just sign the marriage license and be considered legally married?”

At Get Married Today, we understand that sometimes you don’t need the flowers, the venue, or even the guests—you just need the marriage to be legal and fast. Our job is to make that happen.

This post covers everything you need to know about signing a marriage license, what it legally means, and what steps are still required to officially and legally be married—especially for those needing urgent documentation.

Need to get married fast? Book your same-day legal marriage appointment now at GetMarried.Today.

What Is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document issued by a government authority (in California, the County Clerk) that authorizes a couple to get married.

This license is not the same thing as a marriage certificate.

Important facts:

• It must be signed by both parties, a licensed officiant, and sometimes witnesses.
• After being signed and returned to the county, the marriage is officially recorded.
• Then, a marriage certificate is issued by the state as legal proof of marriage.

Learn more at California Department of Public Health.

Is Signing the License Enough to Be Married?

No. Just signing the marriage license without a ceremony—however small—is not sufficient to be considered legally married.

Why?

California law (and most U.S. states) require that a licensed officiant perform a ceremony, even if it’s very short or informal, and then sign the license.

What Counts as a Legal Ceremony?

• A 2-minute ceremony performed by a licensed officiant
• Can be religious or non-religious
• Can take place anywhere (home, hotel, park, courthouse)
• Does not require a big event or guests

Want a quick ceremony and license in one visit? Book now at GetMarried.Today

Signing a License Without a Ceremony = Not Married

Here’s what happens if you just sign the marriage license:

• You may believe you’re married
• But unless it’s signed by a licensed officiant who performed a ceremony, it is not legally valid
• Government agencies like USCIS (immigration), DMV (name change), or health insurers will not accept it as proof

Need it for immigration? See requirements at USCIS – Marriage-Based Green Card

What’s the Simplest Way to Get Married?

The fastest way is what we offer at Get Married Today:

1. We issue your marriage license
2. We perform a short, legally recognized ceremony
3. We file your paperwork with the state
4. You get your official marriage certificate
5. We can even get your apostille for international use

Book your complete marriage service today at GetMarried.Today

What If You Need the Marriage for International Use?

If you or your partner is from another country, your marriage certificate will likely need to be apostilled for use abroad.

What’s an Apostille?

An apostille is a government-issued certificate that verifies the authenticity of your marriage certificate for use in countries that follow the Hague Apostille Convention.

We partner with Orange County Apostille to:

• Process your marriage record quickly
• Ensure it is certified for use in countries like Mexico, Germany, the UK, Australia, and more

Need urgent apostille services? Contact Orange County Apostille

Who Needs Urgent Legal Marriage Documentation?

1. Immigration Purposes

USCIS requires certified proof of marriage. A signed, officiated, and filed license followed by an official marriage certificate is accepted for:

• Green cards (spouse-based)
• Adjustment of status
• K-1 to spouse transitions

Learn more at USCIS.gov

2. Military Members

Marrying before deployment allows access to:

• TRICARE health insurance
• Military spouse ID
• BAH housing allowance

Explore military marriage benefits at Military.com

3. Health Insurance Enrollment

Many health plans allow spouse enrollment within 30 days of legal marriage. You will need:

• Marriage certificate
• Date of marriage
• Not just a signed license!

Check with your HR or insurance provider’s policy

4. Legal Name Changes

To change your last name legally, you’ll need:

• Certified marriage certificate
• Social Security update
• DMV record change

Start at SSA.gov, then visit DMV.ca.gov

Key Takeaway: Signing a License Is Only Part of the Legal Marriage Process

Step	Legal Requirement
Fill out license	Required
Sign with officiant	Required
Perform ceremony	Required
File with county	Required
Receive marriage certificate	Proof of marriage

Your Fast, Legal Marriage Solution

At Get Married Today, we offer everything you need:

• Marriage license issued by a Notary Public authorized by the County
• Legal ceremony conducted by a licensed officiant
• Filing of your license and assistance with certified copies
• Help with apostille certification via Orange County Apostille

Book your complete marriage service today at GetMarried.Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can we just sign the license and skip the ceremony?

No. You need a ceremony and a licensed officiant to legally marry.

Q: Can we get married today?

Yes! We offer same-day services, 7 days a week, including evenings and holidays.

Q: What if we need the marriage for immigration?

We ensure your marriage meets USCIS requirements and can provide an apostille for international recognition.

Q: Can you come to us?

Yes! We offer traveling officiant services—we’ll bring the ceremony to your home, hotel, or preferred location.

Learn more about mobile weddings at GetMarried.Today

Get Married Today in California—Same Day, No Hassle

We proudly serve:

• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• San Diego
• Riverside
• Anywhere in California

Ready to Get Married Today?

Say goodbye to:

• Long courthouse waits
• Uncertainty about paperwork
• Stress over timelines

Say hello to:

• Legally recognized marriage
• Fast and reliable processing
• Friendly, professional officiants

Book your same-day wedding now at GetMarried.Today
Or give us a call—we’re ready to help you say “I do!”

Additional Resources

• California Marriage License Requirements
• Hague Apostille Convention
• Orange County Apostille Services
• Military Spouse Benefits
• Marriage-Based Green Card Guide

This comprehensive guide explains why simply signing a marriage license is not enough, and how Get Married Today ensures that you receive a fast, legal, and internationally recognized marriage, even under urgent circumstances. Whether you’re facing deadlines, travel, immigration needs, or military timelines, we provide the professional support and legal knowledge to help you marry today—with confidence.

Book now at GetMarried.Today!