What to Expect Before Your Marriage Appointment
This guide explains what to expect before your appointment with Get Married Today: what to bring, what we verify, how to prepare, what can cause delays, and how to make your visit fast, smooth, and legally correct.
Recommended reading: Requirements for Marriage • Confidential Marriage License • FAQ
Having your IDs, spellings, and prior-marriage documents ready is the #1 way to avoid delays.
We verify identity and capacity to consent. If either party cannot consent, the appointment can’t proceed.
We support office ceremonies and mobile appointments. Preparation differs slightly—this page covers both.
Everything You Need to Know (Before You Arrive)
TITLE: What to Expect Before Your Marriage Appointment
GOAL:
- Arrive fully prepared so your appointment can be completed smoothly, legally, and on time.
NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS:
- Both parties must present valid government-issued photo ID.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand the process, answer questions, and freely consent.
WHAT TO PREPARE (CORE):
- IDs (both parties)
- Correct legal spellings of names
- Your current address (and confirmation you meet confidential license eligibility if applicable)
- Parents’ full names and places of birth (as commonly required on marriage paperwork)
- Prior marriage status and documentation if applicable (divorce/annulment/death certificate)
WHAT TO EXPECT (PROCESS):
- Identity verification
- Eligibility and consent confirmation
- License paperwork review and signing (if license issuance is part of your service)
- Ceremony and officiant signature (if ceremony is part of your service)
- Filing workflow guidance and next steps for certified copies
WHAT TO AVOID:
- Expired or unreadable IDs
- Arriving under the influence or unable to consent
- Missing prior marriage documents where required
- Unclear spellings or mismatched names that cause rework
WHERE THIS APPLIES:
- Office appointments and mobile appointments, including private residences and permitted care facilities.
RELATED RESOURCES:
- Requirements for Marriage
- Confidential Marriage License
- Proof of Marriage
- Same Day Marriage at Your Location
Quick Checklist (Bring & Know This)
Use this checklist to prepare in minutes. If your service includes a license, these items become even more important.
Helpful pages: Requirements for Marriage • Confidential Marriage License
Prep Timeline (Simple Steps That Prevent Delays)
Follow this order. It keeps the appointment short and avoids last-minute surprises.
Confirm Which Service You Booked
If your appointment includes a license, paperwork preparation will take longer than ceremony-only services.
Check Your IDs (Both Parties)
Make sure IDs are valid, unexpired, and match your identity information.
Gather Prior-Marriage Documents
If you have a prior marriage, bring required proof where applicable to avoid rescheduling.
Write Down Spellings & Parent Info
Correct spellings reduce corrections and rework during license preparation.
Arrive Ready to Consent
Both parties must be coherent enough to answer questions and consent. If not, the appointment cannot proceed.
Plan for Certified Copies (Next Step)
After filing, certified copies are requested through the county. Know what you need for benefits, immigration, or travel.
What’s Different for Mobile Appointments
If you booked a mobile appointment (at your home, a beach, a venue, or a permitted care facility), the preparation is similar—plus a few extra considerations.
Pick a Clear Signing Spot
Choose a flat surface and comfortable seating so paperwork can be signed cleanly and correctly.
Bring IDs to the Ceremony Area
For mobile services, IDs must be available on-site at the location where signing occurs.
Location Rules (Hospitals/Venues)
Facilities may have access rules. Confirm visiting policies and ensure the couple can meet consent requirements.
Mobile service overview: Same Day Marriage at Your Location
Helpful Links (Before You Arrive)
These resources match what couples typically need to review before their appointment.
Get Married Today Core
Proof, Timing, Locations
What to Expect – FAQs (20)
Quick answers to the most common “before appointment” questions.
1) What is the #1 thing to bring?＋
Valid, government-issued photo ID for both parties.
2) What happens if an ID is expired?＋
Expired or unreadable IDs can prevent legal verification and may delay or stop the appointment.
3) Do both people have to be present?＋
Yes—both parties must be present to sign and consent for the legal marriage process.
4) What does “coherent enough to consent” mean?＋
Both parties must understand what’s happening, answer questions, and freely consent. If either party cannot consent, the appointment cannot proceed.
5) What should we know about spelling?＋
Bring exact spellings for names and key personal details—this reduces corrections and delays.
6) What if someone had a prior marriage?＋
If applicable, you may need proof the prior marriage ended (divorce, annulment, or death certificate).
7) What should we review before coming?＋
Review the Requirements and Confidential License pages so you understand eligibility and what to bring.
8) Do we need witnesses?＋
It depends on the license type. Many couples use the confidential license workflow, which generally does not require witnesses.
9) Can we do everything the same day?＋
Many couples complete license + ceremony in one appointment, depending on the service booked and eligibility.
10) What should we bring for mobile services?＋
IDs, required documents, and a clean signing area (flat surface, good lighting, stable seating).
11) What locations can mobile service be performed at?＋
Common examples include private residences, beaches, venues, and permitted care facilities.
12) Can we do a hospital marriage?＋
Possibly, where permitted by facility rules—requirements still apply (valid ID and coherent consent).
13) What if we’re nervous?＋
That’s normal. The process is guided step-by-step; your best preparation is bringing correct documents and details.
14) How long does an appointment usually take?＋
It depends on what you booked (license-only vs. ceremony-only vs. license + ceremony) and how prepared you arrive.
15) Can we personalize vows?＋
Many ceremonies allow personal vows as long as required legal components are preserved by the officiant.
16) What if our names differ across documents?＋
Bring the most current valid ID and be prepared to confirm correct spellings. Some mismatches may require additional documentation.
17) What happens after the appointment?＋
Your next steps typically include county filing workflows and requesting certified copies when needed.
18) What do we need for employer benefits or taxes?＋
Many employers and agencies require proof of marriage and/or a certified copy. Plan ahead based on your deadline.
19) What if we’re an international or immigration couple?＋
Plan for certified copies and (if needed) apostille/legalization workflows after the marriage is recorded.
20) Where can we find answers to other questions?＋
The Get Married Today FAQ page and the Requirements page cover most questions couples have before arriving.