Why Pregnant Couples Choose Same-Day Marriage in California

UncategorizedJune 24, 2025June 24, 2025Camden Alchanati

Title: Expecting and Eloping: Why Pregnant Couples Choose Same-Day Marriage in California

Introduction

When a couple discovers they’re expecting a child, priorities often shift quickly. Among the many decisions to be made—healthcare, nursery setup, financial planning—one increasingly common choice is to elope. In California, where same-day marriage services are legally allowed and accessible, eloping presents a fast, private, and meaningful path forward for expecting parents who want to formalize their union before the baby arrives.

At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples who need a confidential, same-day marriage license and ceremony—without the hassle of going to the courthouse or waiting for months. One of the most frequent motivations we see? Pregnancy.

This blog explores why couples expecting a child frequently choose to elope, and how a same-day wedding in California can offer urgent legal protections, emotional peace of mind, and a stress-free way to start the next chapter together.

Why Do Pregnant Couples Choose to Elope?

1. Establishing Legal Protections Before Birth

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, and many couples realize that being legally married provides critical protections. Eloping ensures that both parents are legally recognized in time for the birth certificate and that medical decisions during and after childbirth can be made jointly.

In California, a legal spouse has automatic decision-making rights in medical emergencies—a crucial factor when one partner is in labor. By eloping before delivery, couples also avoid complications around parental rights and insurance authorization for newborn care.

💡 Learn about California’s same-day marriage license rules

2. Shared Health Insurance and Financial Stability

Many pregnant couples opt to marry quickly so one partner can be added to the other’s health insurance. Pregnancy, prenatal care, and delivery expenses can be overwhelming without coverage. A same-day elopement allows couples to get legally married and begin the process of adding a spouse to insurance immediately.

➡️ Healthcare.gov on adding a spouse due to life event

Once legally married, couples may also qualify for tax benefits, joint filing status, and dependent exemptions, making a major financial difference—especially when preparing for a child.

3. Avoiding the Stress of Wedding Planning While Pregnant

Planning a wedding is stressful even in the best of times. For pregnant individuals, the added physical and emotional demands of pregnancy can make wedding planning overwhelming. Morning sickness, fatigue, mobility concerns, and emotional changes are real barriers to enjoying a traditional wedding process.

Eloping gives couples a way to:

Skip planning, invitations, and guest management.
Avoid travel and vendor contracts.
Celebrate quietly and meaningfully.

Get Married Today offers elopements at your home, hospital room, or any location you choose.

4. Being Listed on the Baby’s Birth Certificate

To ensure that both biological parents are listed on the birth certificate automatically, many states—California included—give preference to married couples. If a couple is unmarried, there may be additional steps required to establish paternity, such as signing a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP).

By eloping before delivery, couples simplify the process. A marriage certificate is enough to presume parentage and ensures smoother hospital paperwork.

📄 California Parentage and Birth Certificate Information

5. Ability to Make Medical Decisions for Each Other and the Baby

Without a legal marriage, one partner may be excluded from making important medical decisions during labor and delivery, especially in emergencies. While legal forms like a Power of Attorney for Healthcare can help, nothing substitutes for the default legal status a spouse has.

Eloping provides:

Automatic hospital visitation rights.
Legal authority in emergency situations.
Shared responsibility for newborn care decisions.

👶 Get Married Today can issue the license and marry you at the hospital.

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Eloping allows pregnant couples to marry without the scrutiny or expectations of others. This is particularly helpful if the pregnancy was unexpected, if the couple wants to keep their news private, or if there are family dynamics that complicate traditional ceremonies.

California offers confidential marriage licenses—meaning no one can access your marriage record except you and your spouse.

🔒 More about confidential marriage licenses in California

7. Ensuring Benefits for the Baby—Citizenship, Visas, and More

For couples with immigration concerns or who are seeking benefits like military spousal privileges, a legal marriage is often essential. If the baby will be born soon, eloping allows the family to secure:

Spousal immigration eligibility.
Health care and housing for military families.
Parental rights in international family law.

🌍 See how we help with apostilles and international recognition of marriages.

8. Emotional and Spiritual Commitment Before Welcoming a Child

Eloping doesn’t mean giving up romance. For many couples, especially those expecting a baby, an elopement is a deeply meaningful way to solidify their bond and begin their journey into parenthood united.

Whether you’re eloping on a beach at sunset or in your living room with your closest friends present, it’s a moment you’ll cherish.

❤️ See testimonials from couples who eloped while pregnant

How to Elope in California While Pregnant—Step-by-Step

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

With Get Married Today, you can schedule your appointment online or over the phone. We’re available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

📅 Book your appointment

Step 2: Bring Valid ID

All you need is valid government-issued ID. If one partner is on bedrest or unable to travel, we can come to your location—home, hospital, or hotel.

📍 We offer mobile marriage services across Southern California

Step 3: Complete the Confidential Marriage License

We will issue a confidential marriage license—no witnesses or public records needed.

✍️ Learn about California marriage license options

Step 4: Ceremony and Legal Filing

After the license is issued, we perform the ceremony immediately. Once completed, we handle the official filing with the county.

📬 We’ll even order certified copies for you and help with apostilles

Where Can Pregnant Couples Elope in California?

Here are some of the most popular (and stress-free!) places couples elope with Get Married Today:

At home – perfect for comfort and ease.
In a hospital room – especially if early labor is expected.
On the beach – Southern California has year-round warm weather.
At a scenic park or garden – a great spot for private photos.
In a private chapel – for those who want a more traditional feel without the big crowd.

📍 Explore our pop-up wedding and mobile officiant services

Real Couples, Real Stories

“I was 7 months pregnant and completely overwhelmed by wedding planning. We called Get Married Today and were married the same weekend on a bluff in Laguna Beach. It was beautiful, peaceful, and we felt so supported.”

— Marissa & Jay, Orange County

“We needed to get married before my partner’s military insurance could cover the birth. Get Married Today issued our license and married us that same day. They even helped with getting our certified copies.”

— Tasha & Miguel, Camp Pendleton

💬 Read more real stories

Why Choose Get Married Today?

24/7 service availability—including holidays
Confidential marriage license issuance
Onsite weddings at hospitals, homes, beaches, or parks
Certified officiants and legal filing
Optional apostille service for international use
Experience working with pregnant couples, military members, and immigrants

✅ Meet our team and learn how we help

50 Helpful Resources and Backlinks

Conclusion

Eloping while pregnant is not only practical—it’s empowering. It gives expecting couples the legal protection, insurance access, and emotional connection they need to face parenthood together. At Get Married Today, we provide everything you need for a legal, confidential, and heartfelt elopement—often within hours.

If you’re expecting and want to be married before the baby arrives, we’re here to make it happen—fast, legally, and with care.

📞 Book your same-day elopement now or call us 24/7.