What to Expect After Your Marriage Appointment
After your marriage day with Get Married Today, your job is basically done. We handle the post-appointment workflow: filing your completed license and related documents with the County Clerk’s office. You don’t need to go anywhere after your appointment—just wait for certified copies to arrive by mail, or pick them up from the county if that’s the option you selected.
Helpful references: What Is Proof of Marriage? • Marriage Requirements • FAQs
Your completed license and any required submission paperwork are prepared and submitted to the county on your behalf.
If you chose mailed certified copies, the county sends them after recording (based on county processing timelines).
After your appointment, the next step is waiting for county recording and your delivery or pickup window.
Your Post-Appointment Timeline
This is what typically happens after your ceremony and signatures are complete. Our goal is to keep it clear, consistent, and legally compliant—so you don’t have to manage county logistics.
Appointment Completed
Your license is completed and signed during your appointment. If your package includes a ceremony, it is performed and signed correctly.
We Prepare the Filing Packet
We assemble the county submission packet. If you requested mailed certified copies, we include the order form and check (as required by the county).
We File With the County
We submit your marriage license and associated documents to the County Clerk’s office—typically within 10 business days of your appointment.
County Records the Marriage
The county records your marriage, creating your official record and enabling issuance of certified copies.
Certified Copies Are Produced
If you requested certified copies, the county prepares them after recording, based on your chosen delivery method.
You Receive Copies (Mail or Pickup)
Your final step is receiving certified copies by mail—or picking them up from the county if that option was selected.
Everything You Need to Know After Your Marriage Day
Use this quick reference guide for the most common “what happens next” questions.
TITLE: What to Expect After Your Marriage Appointment
CORE PROMISE:
- Once your marriage day appointment is completed, there is nothing else you need to do.
- Get Married Today handles the post-appointment filing workflow in California.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU:
- Prepare your completed marriage license for county submission.
- File your license and associated documents with the County Clerk’s office.
- If you opt for mailed certified copies:
- We include the county order form and check payment as required by the county.
WHAT YOU DO:
- Nothing else after your appointment.
- Wait for certified copies by mail, or pick them up from the county if that was your selected option.
TIMING:
- Filing is typically completed within 10 business days of your appointment.
- County recording and certified copy issuance depend on official county processing timelines.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- You do not need to appear at the County Clerk’s office to file.
- Certified copies are issued by the county, not by Get Married Today.
What Counts as “Done” on Your Marriage Day
- Marriage license completed correctly (and signed where required).
- If a ceremony is included, the officiant performs the ceremony and completes the legal signing.
- You leave knowing the filing workflow is handled.
Why There’s a Waiting Period
- The county must record the marriage before producing certified copies.
- Mailed copies arrive after county processing and mailing time.
- Pickup requires recording to be complete before release.
Common “After Marriage” Needs
Most couples simply wait for certified copies. Some couples use certified copies for benefits, HR, insurance, or international use.
Proof for Benefits, HR, or Insurance
- Certified copies are commonly used for employer benefits enrollment.
- They’re also used for insurance and administrative updates.
- Read more: What Is Proof of Marriage?
International Use (Apostille / Authentication)
- Some countries require an apostille or legalization for foreign use.
- Support: Orange County Apostille
- Related notarization: Your Local Notary Public
Helpful Links (Next-Step Resources)
More answers for post-appointment questions: requirements, proof, locations, and special scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (20)
FAQs about filing, county recording, certified copies, and what happens next after you get married.
1) After my appointment, do I need to go to the County Clerk?＋
No. Get Married Today files your license and associated documents with the county on your behalf.
2) What does Get Married Today file for me?＋
We file your completed marriage license and associated submission documents. If you chose mailed certified copies, we include the order form and check as required.
3) How soon do you file after the marriage day?＋
Typically within 10 business days of your marriage appointment.
4) Do I need to mail anything myself?＋
No. Once your appointment is completed, there is nothing else you need to do for filing.
5) When do certified copies get mailed?＋
After the county records your marriage, certified copies are produced and mailed according to the county’s processing and mailing timeline.
6) Can I pick up certified copies instead of mail?＋
Yes—if you selected pickup, you can retrieve certified copies from the county once recording is complete.
7) What if I need proof of marriage right away?＋
Many couples use interim proof concepts while waiting for certified copies. See “What Is Proof of Marriage?” for guidance.
8) Who issues certified copies?＋
Certified copies are issued by the county after the marriage is recorded.
9) Does Get Married Today control county processing times?＋
No. We control the filing workflow; county recording and mailing timelines are controlled by the county.
10) What if I made a typo on my information?＋
If you suspect an error, address it promptly; county correction procedures may apply depending on the issue.
11) Is there anything I need to do after the ceremony?＋
No. After your marriage day is complete, your only next step is waiting for certified copies.
12) Do I need to return to your office after the appointment?＋
No. Our process is designed so you’re done once your appointment is completed.
13) Can international couples use certified copies abroad?＋
Often yes, but some countries require an apostille or legalization after certified copies are issued.
14) Can I order additional certified copies later?＋
Yes. Additional certified copies are requested through the county after recording is complete.
15) Does a confidential license affect certified copies?＋
Confidential records have privacy rules. Certified copies are obtainable by eligible parties under county policy.
16) What if I’m changing my name after marriage?＋
Name-change processes vary by agency. Many people start after receiving certified copies.
17) Can I use my certified copy for benefits or HR?＋
Yes. Certified copies are commonly used for employer benefits enrollment and administrative needs.
18) Do mobile services change filing?＋
No. Whether office or mobile, the post-appointment workflow is the same: we file; you wait for county copies.
19) What if we married at a hospital—does the process change?＋
The filing workflow is the same. The main difference is location and any facility rules during the appointment.
20) Bottom line—what should I do after my marriage appointment?＋
Nothing else. Once your marriage day is complete, you simply wait for certified copies by mail or pick them up from the county if that was your selection.