What Paperwork Is Needed for a Legal Marriage? A Complete Guide for Couples Needing Urgent Official Documentation
Planning to get married and need to make it legal—fast? Whether you’re eloping, applying for immigration benefits, or preparing for a move overseas, knowing exactly what documents are required for a legal marriage is essential. At Get Married Today, we specialize in same-day marriage services and support couples needing urgent official documentation, including apostille certification for international use.
In this guide, we’ll break down the paperwork you’ll need to get legally married in California, how to obtain your marriage certificate, and what additional steps you might need for international recognition under the Hague Apostille Convention.
📍 Need to get married today? Book your appointment at GetMarried.Today and we’ll help you get it done—fast and legally!
✅ What Paperwork Do You Need for a Legal Marriage?
Here are the documents required to legally marry in California, which are similar across most U.S. states. If you’re in a rush or traveling from out of state or abroad, don’t worry—we specialize in making the process fast and easy.
1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
Both parties must present one valid form of photo identification, such as:
- Passport (required for international visitors)
- Driver’s license
- State ID card
- Military ID
- Consular ID (for non-U.S. citizens)
📍 More information at California Department of Public Health
2. Proof of Age
You must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent in California.
- Your government-issued ID will typically serve as proof of age.
- Minors under 18 must obtain court approval.
📍 Check age and marriage laws at US Marriage Laws
3. If Previously Married: Proof of Divorce or Death Certificate
If you or your partner were previously married, you must provide documentation proving the legal end of the prior marriage, such as:
- Divorce decree (final judgment)
- Annulment papers
- Death certificate of former spouse
📍 Learn how to request legal divorce records at VitalChek
4. No Blood Test or Waiting Period in California
Good news! California does not require a blood test or waiting period. You can get married the same day you get your license.
🚀 Book your same-day marriage service now at GetMarried.Today
5. Marriage License Application
You and your partner must complete and sign a marriage license application.
We issue this on-site as part of our same-day marriage service—no need to go to the courthouse!
📍 Marriage licenses are issued directly through us—fast and legally. Learn more at Orange County Clerk-Recorder
📄 After the Ceremony: Marriage Certificate & Apostille
Getting married is step one. If you need to prove your marriage to government agencies, embassies, or immigration services, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate and possibly an apostille.
6. Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, your officiant files your signed marriage license with the county. Once filed, you can request:
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Required for:
- Immigration paperwork (e.g., green card or spousal visa)
- Insurance
- Name changes
- Military benefits
📍 Request official records at California Department of Public Health – Certificates
7. Apostille Certification for International Recognition
If your marriage will be used outside the United States, your marriage certificate must be apostilled to be legally recognized under the Hague Apostille Convention.
We’ve partnered with Orange County Apostille to handle:
- Filing your marriage record
- Obtaining your certified marriage certificate
- Processing the apostille from the California Secretary of State
📍 Learn about the Apostille process at The Hague Conference on Private International Law
🌎 Which Countries Require Apostille Certification?
Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention require apostilles for foreign public documents. This includes:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Germany
- Mexico
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Japan
- South Korea
📍 Full list of countries at U.S. Department of State Apostille Guide
📝 Optional Documents for Special Situations
Depending on your circumstances, you might need the following:
Name Change Paperwork
If you plan to change your name, you’ll need to notify:
- Social Security Administration SSA.gov
- DMV dmv.ca.gov
- Banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers
Immigration Applications
You may need your marriage certificate to apply for:
- Green cards / Adjustment of Status
- K-1 Fiancé Visa marriage finalization
- Spousal sponsorship
📍 More info on marriage-based immigration at USCIS.gov
💼 Summary: Documents You Need for a Legal Marriage in California
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Valid Photo ID (Passport, Driver’s License) | To prove identity and age |
| Completed Marriage License Application | To obtain your legal license |
| Proof of Divorce/Annulment/Death | If you were previously married |
| Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate | For legal purposes after the wedding |
| Apostille Certification | If your marriage must be recognized internationally |
🔐 Privacy Option: Confidential Marriage License
Want a private wedding? We offer Confidential Marriage Licenses, which:
- Do not require witnesses
- Are not public record
- Are still legally valid worldwide
📍 Learn more at California Courts – Marriage Licenses
📞 Why Choose Get Married Today?
✅ Same-day legal marriage services
✅ We issue your marriage license and perform the ceremony
✅ We partner with Orange County Apostille to handle apostille certification
✅ We’re available 7 days a week, including holidays
✅ Perfect for couples needing urgent documentation for immigration, travel, or residency
💬 What Our Clients Say
🌟 “We were visiting from the UK and needed to get married quickly for immigration reasons. Get Married Today handled everything—including the apostille. We had our marriage certified and recognized in London within days.” – Emma & Alex
🌟 “As a military couple, we needed to finalize our marriage before deployment. We got legally married the same day and had the documents apostilled for use abroad.” – Jamie & Marcus
🌟 “We didn’t know what we needed for a legal marriage, but they walked us through everything. Stress-free and quick!” – Sarah & Miguel
📌 Final Thoughts
Planning a marriage can be overwhelming—especially if you’re under time pressure or require international recognition of your marriage certificate. Whether you’re getting married for:
- Immigration
- Travel/residency purposes
- Military deployment
- Elopement
- Personal commitment
We’ve got your back. Get Married Today simplifies the entire process so you can focus on your future together.
📍 Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today and let us help you get married quickly, legally, and with the documentation you need.
📚 Additional Resources
- California Marriage Licenses – CDPH
- US Marriage Laws – All States
- Orange County Apostille
- USCIS – Marriage Green Cards
- The Hague Apostille Convention
- VitalChek – Order Legal Certificates
- DMV – Name Change
- SSA – Name Change After Marriage
- Zola – Stress-Free Wedding Planning
- Brides – Ceremony Script & Ideas
- The Knot – Vow Examples
- Travel State – Apostille Info
🕊️ Say ‘I do’ today—with the peace of mind that your paperwork is in order.
📞 Questions? Ready to book? Call us or schedule your appointment now at GetMarried.Today