Why Do Some States Require a Waiting Period for Marriage?

In many states across the U.S., couples looking to tie the knot might be surprised to learn that a waiting period is required between applying for a marriage license and actually getting married. But why? What’s the purpose of this delay? For couples in a hurry—whether for personal, legal, immigration, or military reasons—this waiting period can be a frustrating roadblock.

At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples avoid delays and get legally married in one day—without the red tape. In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at why some states enforce waiting periods for marriage, the history behind them, how they vary from state to state, and how to legally get married instantly even in states that typically require a waiting period.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Marriage Waiting Period?
2. States That Have Marriage Waiting Periods
3. States With No Waiting Period at All
4. The Historical Origins of Marriage Waiting Periods
5. Why Some States Still Enforce Waiting Periods Today
6. The Impact of Waiting Periods on Couples
7. Exemptions to Waiting Period Rules
8. Do Waiting Periods Prevent Marriage Fraud or Impulsiveness?
9. Criticisms of the Marriage Waiting Period
10. How to Get Married Instantly—Even If You Live in a Waiting Period State
11. Same-Day Marriage License and Ceremony: How It Works
12. Who Uses Same-Day Marriage Services and Why?
13. Urgent Marriage Needs: Military, Immigration, and Legal Reasons
14. Get Married Today: Your 24/7 Marriage License and Ceremony Provider
15. FAQs About Waiting Periods and Fast Marriages
16. Conclusion: Your Marriage Shouldn’t Wait

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1. What Is a Marriage Waiting Period?

A marriage waiting period refers to the mandatory amount of time a couple must wait after receiving a marriage license before they are legally allowed to marry. This period can vary by state and ranges from zero days to up to six days.

For example:

• In Texas, there’s a 72-hour waiting period.
• In Minnesota, there’s a five-day waiting period.
• In Florida, there’s a three-day waiting period for residents.

The waiting period begins once the license is issued—not when it’s applied for. This delay is designed to give couples time to reflect on their decision before making it legally binding.

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2. States That Have Marriage Waiting Periods

Here’s a list of states that require couples to wait after getting their license before marrying:

Note: In some states, this waiting period only applies to residents, while non-residents may be exempt or have different rules.

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3. States With No Waiting Period at All

On the flip side, these states allow you to marry immediately after getting a license:

• California
• Nevada
• Arizona
• Colorado
• North Carolina
• Georgia
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Idaho
• Washington
• Alaska

This means that you can walk in, get your license, and have your wedding—all in one day.

At Get Married Today, we’re based in California, where same-day marriage licenses and legally binding ceremonies are possible without court appearances or long wait times.

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4. The Historical Origins of Marriage Waiting Periods

Marriage waiting periods originated in the early 20th century, primarily as a moral and legal safeguard. Lawmakers feared:

• Impulsive marriages: The belief was that couples might make emotional decisions they would regret.
• Marriage fraud: Delays gave time to verify identities and screen for bigamy.
• Underage unions: Extra time allowed officials to investigate age and consent.
• Medical concerns: In some eras, waiting periods gave time for blood test results (e.g., syphilis or rubella screening).

While many of these justifications no longer apply in today’s digital and legal environment, some states have kept the laws in place—often as a matter of tradition.

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5. Why Some States Still Enforce Waiting Periods Today

Modern arguments for maintaining a waiting period include:

• Encouraging thoughtful decision-making: Officials argue it gives couples time to reflect.
• Legal verification: Allows clerks to validate documentation or identify prior marriages.
• Deterrence of forced marriages: In theory, this delay gives victims time to seek help.

However, there’s little data to show waiting periods reduce divorce rates or fraud.

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6. The Impact of Waiting Periods on Couples

While intended to protect couples, waiting periods often create logistical and emotional challenges:

• Military couples may be denied benefits due to a delay in marriage recognition.
• Immigration deadlines might be missed if marriage documentation is delayed.
• Pregnant couples may need to marry quickly for insurance or legal rights.
• Eloping tourists may find their destination state restricts fast marriages.

For these reasons, waiting periods can unintentionally block access to urgent legal protections.

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7. Exemptions to Waiting Period Rules

Most states provide exceptions under special conditions:

• Military duty: Proof of deployment can waive the waiting period.
• Judicial waiver: A judge may allow the couple to marry sooner.
• Pre-marital counseling: Some states (like Florida) waive the waiting period if couples attend an approved counseling session.
• Out-of-state couples: Some rules only apply to residents.

Still, the process of applying for an exemption takes time—something many couples simply don’t have.

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8. Do Waiting Periods Prevent Marriage Fraud or Impulsiveness?

There’s no conclusive evidence showing that marriage waiting periods:

• Reduce divorce rates
• Prevent fraudulent marriages
• Encourage longer marriages

A study by the CDC found that states with no waiting periods did not have higher divorce rates than those with delays. In fact, some argue the waiting period assumes couples are careless—an outdated view in today’s world.

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9. Criticisms of the Marriage Waiting Period

Experts and couples alike have voiced several criticisms of waiting periods:

• Discrimination against low-income couples who may not afford multiple trips
• Inconsistency across states leading to confusion
• Barriers to legal protections in urgent medical, immigration, or financial matters
• Intrusion on personal freedom

Organizations that support marriage equality and reproductive rights have pushed for reform or full repeal of these laws.

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10. How to Get Married Instantly—Even If You Live in a Waiting Period State

Fortunately, there’s a legal workaround: Get married in a state that allows same-day weddings.

Couples from out of state can:

1. Travel to California (or another no-wait state)
2. Get a confidential or public marriage license from a licensed issuer like Get Married Today
3. Have the ceremony performed on-site
4. Receive a legally binding marriage certificate

This marriage is valid in all 50 states and internationally, especially if apostilled.

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11. Same-Day Marriage License and Ceremony: How It Works

At Get Married Today, the process is simple:

• Book an appointment online 24/7 at https://getmarried.today
• Bring valid ID (even an expired passport or no SSN is okay in many cases)
• Receive your marriage license on-site—no courthouse needed
• Get married right after in a private ceremony with a licensed officiant
• We file your marriage certificate with the county for you

We also offer apostille services if your certificate needs international recognition.

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12. Who Uses Same-Day Marriage Services and Why?

Couples seek fast marriage services for many reasons, including:

• Military deployment
• Visa sponsorship deadlines
• Pregnancy or insurance needs
• Privacy (confidential marriages)
• Last-minute elopements
• Weekend or holiday ceremonies

Get Married Today serves couples from across the country—including Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York—who want to skip the waiting period and marry now.

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13. Urgent Marriage Needs: Military, Immigration, and Legal Reasons

Time-sensitive circumstances often demand instant marriages:

• Military members need legal spouses for base access, housing, and benefits.
• Immigration cases (I-130, K-1, etc.) require marriage certificates to file.
• Legal protections for unborn children or to make medical decisions depend on marriage.
• Housing and insurance benefits often require legal spouse status.

Delays caused by waiting periods can have real consequences.

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14. Get Married Today: Your 24/7 Marriage License and Ceremony Provider

We provide:

• Same-day license issuance
• Licensed officiants for legal ceremonies
• Weekend, holiday, and after-hours appointments
• Private indoor chapel or beach/courthouse-style weddings
• Free rescheduling if plans change
• Bilingual services in English and Spanish
• Military and immigration support

No courthouse. No lines. Just a legal marriage—fast.

📍 We serve all of Southern California, including:

• Los Angeles County
• Orange County
• Riverside County
• San Diego County

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15. FAQs About Waiting Periods and Fast Marriages

Q: Is it legal to get married the same day in California?
A: Yes. California has no waiting period. You can legally marry the same day you get your license.

Q: Will my marriage be valid in my home state?
A: Yes. A marriage legally performed in California is recognized across the U.S.

Q: Can I get a marriage license without going to the courthouse?
A: Yes. Get Married Today is authorized to issue California marriage licenses directly.

Q: What documents do I need to bring?
A: Valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID). No birth certificate or SSN is required.

Q: What if I need my certificate for immigration or use abroad?
A: We offer apostille certification for use in over 120 countries under the Hague Apostille Convention.

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16. Conclusion: Your Marriage Shouldn’t Wait

The idea of a mandatory waiting period before marriage may have historical roots, but in today’s world, it often feels like an outdated obstacle—especially for couples with urgent personal, legal, or immigration needs.

At Get Married Today, we help you take control of your timeline. Whether you’re trying to avoid waiting periods in Texas, Florida, or Illinois—or you just want a quick, private, and fully legal marriage—we’re here to make it happen.

🌐 Book your appointment today at https://getmarried.today
📞 Call us 24/7 for immediate help
💍 Because love shouldn’t have to wait.