What Is the Fastest Way to Get Legally Married in the U.S.?
Introduction: Love Can’t Wait—And Neither Should Your Marriage
There are countless reasons couples seek the fastest way to get legally married in the U.S. Whether it’s military deployment, immigration deadlines, insurance enrollment, tax benefits, or simply the desire to start life together without delay, time is often of the essence. But while every state has its own marriage laws, there are several efficient paths to legally tie the knot quickly—some within hours.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples legally marry on the same day—complete with the marriage license, legally binding ceremony, and optional apostille for international use. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the fastest options to legally marry in the U.S., highlight which states and services offer same-day solutions, and break down everything you need to know to walk away married—today.
1. What Does “Legally Married” Mean in the U.S.?
Before we talk about speed, let’s define what it means to be “legally married”:
- Marriage License: You must apply for and receive a marriage license from a state or county agency.
- Marriage Ceremony: You must participate in a marriage ceremony, which is officiated by someone legally recognized in that jurisdiction.
- Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, the license is signed and returned to the county clerk or state office, which records it and issues a certified marriage certificate.
Each of these three steps must be completed to make a marriage legally recognized. The fastest path to legal marriage is the one that allows you to complete these three steps with no delays.
2. Why Do Couples Want to Get Married Fast?
The desire for a quick legal marriage is more common than you might think. Here are common situations:
- Military Deployment: Service members need to legally marry before deployment to qualify for housing and spousal benefits.
- Immigration Filing Deadlines: For those applying for green cards, fiancé(e) visas, or spousal sponsorship, legal marriage is essential.
- Insurance and Healthcare Access: Getting married can immediately open access to health plans or employment-based benefits.
- Pregnancy or Birth Planning: Some couples want to ensure they are legally married before childbirth.
- Traveling Together Abroad: Certain countries require a marriage certificate before issuing family or spousal visas.
- Avoiding Long Engagements: Some couples simply want to elope and begin their lives together without waiting.
At Get Married Today, we’ve helped thousands of couples marry fast—because when the timing matters, efficiency is everything.
3. Step-by-Step Breakdown: The Fastest Legal Marriage Path
Step 1: Skip the Courthouse and Use a Private Authorized Marriage Provider
Most delays happen at the county clerk’s office or courthouse. Long lines, limited hours, required appointments, and multi-day waiting periods can drag out the process. But in states like California, you don’t need to use the courthouse to get married.
Instead, licensed private providers like Get Married Today can issue your marriage license and perform your ceremony—all in one visit.
Step 2: Get a Confidential Marriage License (California-specific)
California allows for a “confidential” marriage license, which:
- Can be issued by private authorized notaries/officiants (like our team)
- Requires no witnesses
- Is valid immediately—no waiting period
- Can be completed in 15–30 minutes
Step 3: Complete the Ceremony Immediately
Once you have your marriage license, a ceremony must take place. The fastest route is to do it on-site—Get Married Today has officiants ready 24/7 to perform legally binding ceremonies with no appointment delays.
Step 4: File and Get Proof of Marriage
After the ceremony, your signed license is filed with the county clerk’s office. We handle that for you. You can order a certified marriage certificate a few days later.
4. States with the Fastest Marriage Options
If you’re wondering which U.S. states make it easiest to get legally married today, here are the top options:
| State | Waiting Period | Same-Day License & Ceremony? | Witness Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | None (confidential license) | ✅ Yes (via authorized notaries) | ❌ No (for confidential license) |
| Nevada (Las Vegas) | None | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (1 witness required) |
| Utah | None | ✅ Yes (online marriage license also available) | ✅ Yes |
| Colorado | None | ✅ Yes (you can self-solemnize) | ❌ No |
| Montana | None | ✅ Yes (proxy marriage option) | ✅ Yes (except for proxy) |
California remains one of the best options thanks to its private license-issuing capabilities and 24/7 ceremony availability through companies like Get Married Today.
5. How Get Married Today Makes It Instant and Legal
At Get Married Today, our process is faster than going to the courthouse—and fully legal. Here’s what you can expect:
- Schedule or Walk In (24/7): We offer appointments and emergency walk-ins, even on holidays.
- Marriage License Issued On-Site: No waiting. No long lines. No county clerk visit.
- Legally Binding Ceremony Performed Immediately: We officiate on the spot.
- Paperwork Filed Promptly: We file your marriage license with the county for you.
- Marriage Certificate Guidance: We help you order certified copies post-wedding.
- Apostille Services for International Couples: If your marriage needs to be recognized abroad, we provide same-day apostille processing.
6. Can I Get Married the Same Day I Apply for a License?
Yes—in California, Nevada, Utah, and several other states, there is no waiting period. If you use a private marriage service like ours in California, the marriage license can be issued and used the same day—even within the same appointment.
For example, our Irvine and Los Angeles locations issue licenses and perform weddings in under one hour.
7. Common Questions About Quick Marriages
Q: Can I get married instantly online?
A: While some states like Utah allow online marriage licenses and Zoom-based ceremonies, most legal marriages must involve physical presence. Our team ensures everything is in person, valid, and legally binding in California.
Q: What if my fiancé is overseas?
A: You may qualify for a proxy marriage in Montana. Or, we can help with a U.S. marriage + apostille certification for use in foreign immigration.
Q: Do I need ID to get married quickly?
A: Yes, valid government-issued photo ID is required. If your ID is lost or expired, contact us—we offer guidance and emergency solutions.
Q: Is it legal to skip the ceremony?
A: A ceremony is required in every U.S. state, but it can be a simple declaration in front of an officiant. We offer minimal-effort options for private, fast ceremonies.
8. Real Couples Who Got Married Instantly With Us
- Military Couple in Camp Pendleton: Married within an hour before a deployment.
- Immigration Case Approved After Same-Day Marriage: Filed the same day with a licensed officiant and got their green card interview within months.
- Elopement on the Beach in Newport: License issued and ceremony completed same-day—sunset photos included.
We specialize in helping couples who are on a tight timeline—and we’ve done it for thousands.
9. What You Need to Bring for a Same-Day Marriage
To get married the same day, you’ll need:
- Valid Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or government ID)
- Payment for the marriage license
- If previously married: Divorce decree, annulment paperwork, or death certificate
No birth certificate or Social Security number is required in California for a confidential marriage license.
10. How to Get Apostille for International Marriages
Getting married quickly is one part—having it recognized internationally is another.
We offer expedited apostille services for:
- Marriage Certificates
- Birth Certificates
- FBI Background Checks
- Power of Attorney
We handle both California Secretary of State and federal (U.S. Department of State) apostilles via our Washington, D.C. office. International couples who marry in California can have everything handled in one place.
11. Why Choose Get Married Today for Fast Legal Marriage?
- ✅ Licensed to Issue Marriage Licenses
- ✅ Perform Ceremonies On-Site
- ✅ No Need to Go to the Courthouse
- ✅ Available 24/7
- ✅ Military, Immigration, and Apostille Support
- ✅ Private, Affordable, and Fast
- ✅ Multilingual Support (English & Spanish)
Our offices in Irvine, Los Angeles, and throughout Southern California serve couples daily who need same-day legal weddings—whether it’s at home, a beach, a venue, or even a hospital.
12. Book Now: Get Married Today in Under 60 Minutes
If you want to get legally married fast, here’s what to do:
- Visit: https://getmarried.today
- Choose a time and location
- Bring valid ID
- Get your license and ceremony done in one visit
- Leave legally married
No courthouse. No waiting period. No hassle. Just a fast, legal wedding—any day of the week.
13. Final Thoughts: When Time Matters, We Make Marriage Happen
Legal marriage doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re asking, “What’s the fastest way to get married in the U.S.?”—the answer is simple:
Come to California and let Get Married Today handle it for you.
Whether you’re on military orders, facing immigration deadlines, or just in love and ready to commit—our team is ready to issue your license and perform your wedding in one visit.
Time is precious. Let’s get you married—today.