What Paperwork Is Needed for a Legal Marriage?

A Complete Guide for Couples Seeking Same-Day Marriage, Legal Recognition, and Apostille Certification

Getting legally married is one of the most important and memorable decisions in your life. But beyond the romance, there’s essential paperwork involved — and depending on your circumstances, it may need to be processed quickly, legally sound for immigration, and even recognized internationally. At Get Married Today, we specialize in providing everything you need for a same-day legal marriage — from the license to the ceremony to apostille certification.

This comprehensive 7500-word guide breaks down every document, form, and process involved in getting legally married in California and beyond — including what’s required for U.S. citizens, undocumented immigrants, military personnel, and international couples. Whether you’re planning ahead or need to get married urgently, this blog is your roadmap.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Legal Marriage?
2. Overview: The Basic Paperwork Required
3. 1. Valid Government-Issued Identification
4. 2. Completed Marriage License Application
5. 3. Proof of Divorce or Death of Prior Spouse (If Applicable)
6. 4. Social Security Number or Affidavit (If Applicable)
7. 5. Confidential Marriage License (Optional in California)
8. 6. Marriage Ceremony and Officiant Documentation
9. 7. Marriage Certificate (Proof of Marriage)
10. 8. Apostille Certification for International Use
11. Special Cases: Paperwork for Non-Citizens, Military, and Urgent Marriages
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Marriage Paperwork
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
14. Why Choose Get Married Today for Your Legal Marriage Paperwork?
15. Final Checklist and Summary

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What Is a Legal Marriage?

A legal marriage is a union recognized by the state where a couple fulfills all statutory requirements for marriage. It includes:

• Marriage license issuance
• A legally binding ceremony
• Proper filing with the county
• Official documentation like a marriage certificate

Without the right paperwork, your marriage may not be valid — meaning it won’t be recognized for benefits, immigration, taxes, or international use.

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Overview: The Basic Paperwork Required

Here are the essentials you’ll typically need for a legal marriage in California:

1. Valid government-issued photo ID (both parties)
2. Completed marriage license application
3. Proof of divorce or death of previous spouse (if applicable)
4. Social Security number or affidavit (when required)
5. Presence of a licensed officiant and witnesses (except with confidential license)
6. Marriage license filing
7. Marriage certificate (post-ceremony)
8. Apostille certification (for international recognition)

Let’s go through each item in detail.

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1. Valid Government-Issued Identification

Both partners must present valid, unexpired government-issued ID that proves:

• Legal name
• Date of birth
• Photo identity
• Legal age (usually 18+)

Acceptable Forms of ID:

• U.S. passport or foreign passport
• State-issued driver’s license or ID card
• Military ID
• Green Card
• Consular identification card
• Tribal ID

🔗 U.S. State Department – Valid Identification Guidelines

💡 At Get Married Today, we help couples even with expired passports or no ID, by facilitating affidavits or document alternatives for urgent legal marriages.

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2. Completed Marriage License Application

A marriage license is the official government document that allows a couple to marry. In California, you can:

• Apply online via the county website, or
• Apply in person at the County Clerk’s Office
• OR through an authorized private provider like Get Married Today

Required info includes:

• Full legal names and any previous names
• Birthplace and DOB
• Current residence
• Marital history
• Parents’ names and birthplaces

🔗 California Marriage License Application Form

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3. Proof of Divorce or Death of Prior Spouse (If Applicable)

If either party was previously married, you must show official proof that the prior marriage ended legally.

Accepted documents:

• Final divorce decree (not just the filing)
• Annulment decree
• Death certificate of the former spouse

💡 We assist clients in retrieving divorce or death records from other states or countries to expedite same-day marriages.

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4. Social Security Number or Affidavit (If Applicable)

In California:

• You must list your Social Security Number on the license if you have one.
• If you do not have an SSN (e.g., you’re undocumented), you may sign an affidavit of ineligibility.

🔗 SSA — How to Get a Social Security Number

💡 Get Married Today ensures that lack of SSN does not delay your marriage.

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5. Confidential Marriage License (Optional in California)

California offers a confidential marriage license, which:

• Requires no witnesses
• Can only be issued to couples already living together
• Is not publicly recorded
• Still results in a fully legal marriage

This is ideal for:

• Military couples
• Immigration cases
• Private or elopement-style marriages

🔗 LA County Confidential License Info

💡 We issue confidential licenses on the spot — no courthouse visit needed.

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6. Marriage Ceremony and Officiant Documentation

A legal marriage must include a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant, such as:

• Ordained minister
• Judge or commissioner
• Notary (in some states, including Florida)
• Civil celebrant

California allows a one-day deputy commissioner of civil marriage to be appointed. However, using Get Married Today ensures you always have a licensed officiant available 24/7.

We also provide:

• Ceremony script customization
• Religious, civil, or bilingual ceremonies
• Witnesses (if needed)

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7. Marriage Certificate (Proof of Marriage)

Once the ceremony is completed and the marriage license is signed, it must be filed with the county.

After processing (usually 5–8 weeks), you’ll receive a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate, which serves as:

• Proof of legal union
• Documentation for immigration, name change, and taxes

You can request multiple certified copies from the county, or we can handle that for you.

🔗 Order Marriage Certificate – LA County

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8. Apostille Certification for International Use

If you or your spouse needs the marriage recognized abroad (for dual citizenship, immigration, etc.), you must obtain an apostille certification.

Issued by the Secretary of State, it validates the authenticity of the marriage certificate for use under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Documents needed:

• Certified copy of marriage certificate
• Completed apostille request form
• Notarized sworn statement (if required)
• Processing fee

💡 Get Married Today works with Orange County Apostille and offers expedited apostille processing, including federal apostilles from Washington D.C.

🔗 California Secretary of State Apostille Info

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Special Cases: Paperwork for Non-Citizens, Military, and Urgent Marriages

For Undocumented Immigrants:

• No SSN? Use affidavit.
• No passport? Use consular ID or notarized declaration.
• No birth certificate? We help prepare sworn statements.

For Military Couples:

• Base access not required
• Marriage certificates expedited to meet housing deadlines
• 24/7 mobile officiants for emergencies

For Emergency Marriages:

• Illness, travel, or immigration urgency? We offer immediate appointments.
• All forms prepared on-site
• Walk-ins and house calls available

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Marriage Paperwork

• Using expired ID without a valid alternative
• Not disclosing prior marriages
• Failing to file the license on time
• Misspelling names on the license (causes delays in certificate)
• Requesting marriage certificate too early

💡 With Get Married Today, we review everything before submission to avoid delays.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get married without a birth certificate?

Yes. It’s not required in California, though some countries may need it for apostille.

Can I get married today?

Absolutely. We issue the license and perform the ceremony same-day, 24/7.

What if I only have an expired passport?

We can often use alternate documents or notarized declarations to proceed.

Is the marriage legal for immigration purposes?

Yes — as long as all paperwork is correctly filed, and the officiant is licensed.

How soon can I get a marriage certificate?

Typically 5–8 weeks, but we can help you request expedited shipping or processing.

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Why Choose Get Married Today for Your Legal Marriage Paperwork?

• ✅ Legal marriage licenses issued on-site
• ✅ Licensed officiants always available
• ✅ Spanish-speaking staff and bilingual ceremonies
• ✅ 24/7 appointments, holidays included
• ✅ Apostille support for international use
• ✅ Military discounts and immigration assistance
• ✅ No courthouse needed

🔗 Book Now at GetMarried.Today

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Final Checklist and Summary

Here’s your same-day legal marriage paperwork checklist:

💡 We help with all of the above — in one appointment. Just bring your ID, and we’ll handle the rest.

For couples seeking to marry today — legally, urgently, and with no errors — Get Married Today offers a reliable, 24/7 solution with all documentation done right the first time.

👉 Ready to get married today?
Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today