Q: Can I get married today?

Same Day Marriage offers same-day wedding services through a simple appointment booking process. We provide complete marriage license processing and legal ceremony performance in a single visit — eliminating the need for courthouse trips.

Q: What are the initial steps to get married in a single day?

Our Simple 6-Step Process: Schedule Your Appointment - Book at our office or your preferred location and bring valid ID Complete Documentation - Fill out and sign all required forms, including marriage licenses Notarization - Our Notary Public will notarize the marriage licenses and Sworn Statement Customize Your Ceremony - Personalize your wedding ceremony to your preferences Official Signing - Our Ordained Minister signs the marriage licenses following the ceremony Filing & Delivery - We file all documents with the County of Los Angeles, provide immediate Proof of Marriage, and order your official License and Certificate of Marriage for mail delivery within 6-8 weeks

Q: Is it legal to marry someone on the same day you obtain your marriage license?

Yes, California has no mandatory waiting period, and Same Day Marriage is legally authorized to both issue marriage licenses and conduct ceremonies on the same day.

Q: Where can I locate an officiant for a same-day wedding ceremony?

Same Day Marriage offers licensed officiants and venue space for elopements and pop-up wedding ceremonies.

Q: How quickly can you obtain a marriage license in California?

Through Same Day Marriage , the license is issued immediately during your appointment at our location, eliminating the need for a separate county clerk visit.

Question 1

Can I get married today?

Accepted Answer

Same Day Marriage offers same-day wedding services through a simple appointment booking process. We provide complete marriage license processing and legal ceremony performance in a single visit — eliminating the need for courthouse trips.

Question 2

What are the initial steps to get married in a single day?

Accepted Answer

Our Simple 6-Step Process:

Schedule Your Appointment - Book at our office or your preferred location and bring valid ID
Complete Documentation - Fill out and sign all required forms, including marriage licenses
Notarization - Our Notary Public will notarize the marriage licenses and Sworn Statement
Customize Your Ceremony - Personalize your wedding ceremony to your preferences
Official Signing - Our Ordained Minister signs the marriage licenses following the ceremony
Filing & Delivery - We file all documents with the County of Los Angeles, provide immediate Proof of Marriage, and order your official License and Certificate of Marriage for mail delivery within 6-8 weeks

Question 3

Is it legal to marry someone on the same day you obtain your marriage license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, California has no mandatory waiting period, and Same Day Marriage is legally authorized to both issue marriage licenses and conduct ceremonies on the same day.

Question 4

What is the quickest method to obtain legal marriage in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The quickest method is through an authorized private service like Same Day Marriage, which streamlines the entire process by combining license processing and ceremony completion in a single appointment.

Question 5

Where can I locate an officiant for a same-day wedding ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Same Day Marriage offers licensed officiants and venue space for elopements and pop-up wedding ceremonies.

Question 6

Can the waiting period for a marriage license be bypassed?

Accepted Answer

California has no waiting period requirement for marriage licenses. Services like Same Day Marriage enable immediate same-day weddings without any delays.

Question 7

What is the process for a courthouse wedding?

Accepted Answer

A courthouse wedding involves scheduling an appointment with the county clerk, obtaining a marriage license, and participating in a civil ceremony conducted by a government official. However, Same Day Marriage provides the same legal results through a faster, simpler, and more convenient process.

Question 8

Is it possible to get married immediately without having a ceremony?

Accepted Answer

No. California law mandates a ceremony, though it can be brief and simple. Same Day Marriage offers expedited legal ceremonies that meet all state requirements.

Question 9

How quickly can you obtain a marriage license in California?

Accepted Answer

Through Same Day Marriage, the license is issued immediately during your appointment at our location, eliminating the need for a separate county clerk visit.

Question 10

Is it possible to get married in California without obtaining a marriage license?

Accepted Answer

No, a marriage license is mandatory in California. However, Same Day Marriage Today issues the license immediately during your appointment, eliminating the need for a separate county clerk visit.

Question 11

What does Over the Desk Wedding mean?

Accepted Answer

An Over the Desk Wedding is a fast, straightforward legal marriage ceremony. Same Day Marriage specializes in this service — providing minimal ceremonies without extensive planning while handling all required legal documentation.

Question 12

What is the cost of getting married immediately?

Accepted Answer

Same Day Marriage offers complete marriage license and ceremony packages starting at just $360, with all services available at an affordable bundled rate.

Question 13

Which states permit instant marriages?

Accepted Answer

California permits same-day legal marriages without waiting periods. Other states with similar regulations include Nevada, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, and Indiana, among others. However, California offers one of the most streamlined processes, particularly through authorized services like Same Day Marriage.

Question 14

What documentation is required to get married today?

Accepted Answer

You and your spouse-to-be must provide a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport.

Question 15

Is it possible to get married without providing my birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, California does not require birth certificates for marriage license applications.

Question 16

Must both partners be present when applying for a marriage license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both partners are required to appear together in person during the license application process.

Question 17

Is it possible to get married without identification?

Accepted Answer

No. Both parties must present valid, unexpired, government-issued photo identification.

Question 18

What is the minimum age requirement for marriage?

Accepted Answer

Both parties must be 18 years of age or older to marry without requiring parental or court consent.

Question 19

Is it possible to get married using an expired passport?

Accepted Answer

No. You must present valid and current photo identification. Expired passports are not acceptable forms of ID.

Question 20

What are the requirements for getting married at a courthouse?

Accepted Answer

A courthouse wedding requires obtaining a marriage license, scheduling a civil ceremony, appearing with valid ID and a witness, and paying the ceremony fee. However, Same Day Marriage eliminates courthouse complications by managing the entire process for you.

Question 21

Is it possible to get married if I have lost my identification?

Accepted Answer

No, you must replace your identification before proceeding with marriage. California law mandates valid ID presentation during marriage license processing.

Question 22

What are the requirements for a proxy marriage?

Accepted Answer

California prohibits proxy marriages except when one party is actively serving in the U.S. military and unable to attend due to deployment. Special procedures apply in these military circumstances.

Question 23

What difference between a marriage license from a marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

A marriage license grants legal permission to marry, while a marriage certificate serves as the official record verifying your legal marriage status. Same Day Marriage assists with obtaining the license and filing for your certificate.

Question 24

Is a blood test required to get married?

Accepted Answer

California does not require blood tests for marriage.

Question 25

Is there a three-day waiting period before getting married?

Accepted Answer

You don't in California. While certain states impose waiting periods, California has no such requirement, allowing you to marry immediately upon receiving your license.

Question 26

Is it possible to waive the waiting period for a marriage license?

Accepted Answer

There is no waiting period to waive. California permits marriage on the same day you obtain your license.

Question 27

Must I be a state resident to get married in that state?

Accepted Answer

No, California residency is not required to marry in the state. Anyone can get married in California provided they satisfy the legal requirements.

Question 28

Is it possible to marry on the same day of my divorced?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided your divorce is finalized and you possess the proper legal documentation, you can remarry immediately in California.

Question 29

What is the purpose of waiting periods for marriage in certain states?

Accepted Answer

Some states impose waiting periods to prevent impulsive marriages and provide couples with time for reflection. California, however, has no such waiting period requirement.

Question 30

Is it possible to get married if my fiancé is overseas?

Accepted Answer

Not in person. California requires both parties to be physically present for marriage license issuance and ceremony completion. Remote or proxy marriages are prohibited except for active U.S. military personnel under exceptional circumstances.

Question 31

What is the legal process for marrying someone who resides in another country?

Accepted Answer

You can arrange for them to travel to California for an in-person marriage (services like Same Day Marriage can complete the process same-day), or consider applying for a fiancé visa if you plan to bring them to the U.S. for marriage.

Question 32

What does an elopement wedding mean?

Accepted Answer

An elopement is a small, simple, and often spontaneous wedding ceremony. Elopements typically involve only the couple, an officiant, and possibly a witness. Same Day Marriage enables you to elope legally and efficiently in a private setting without the complications of planning a large event.

Question 33

What is a pop-up wedding and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A pop-up wedding is a styled mini-ceremony set up temporarily at a location such as a park, beach, or venue. Some elopement services in California offer pop-up elopements where everything is set up for you — just show up, get married, and go celebrate.

Question 34

Is it possible to elope without anyone knowing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you get a confidential marriage license in California, your marriage is not part of the public record, and no witness is required. It’s ideal for private elopements.

Question 35

Is it possible to get married while traveling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, California residency is not required for marriage. Many couples from other states or countries travel to California for elopements. Simply bring valid identification and schedule an appointment.

Question 36

What is a micro wedding?

Accepted Answer

A micro wedding is an intimate ceremony with a restricted guest count. It offers more personalization than a traditional wedding while maintaining some planning elements and ceremonial structure.

Question 37

How does a Las Vegas wedding work?

Accepted Answer

In Las Vegas, couples can visit the Marriage License Bureau, obtain a license, and be married within minutes at numerous wedding chapels. California provides a comparable experience through private services like Same Day Marriage.

Question 38

What's the difference between eloping and a courthouse wedding?

Accepted Answer

Eloping offers greater privacy and flexibility with location options, while courthouse weddings occur at government facilities following formal procedures. Same Day Marriage provides the legal validity of courthouse weddings combined with the flexibility and privacy of elopements.

Question 39

Is it possible to elope first and have a wedding celebration later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many couples choose to elope first and host a celebration ceremony with family and friends later. Your elopement is legally binding, allowing you to celebrate again at your convenience.

Question 40

Is it possible to get married without having a wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Legal marriage is possible without a traditional wedding celebration. Same Day Marriage provides simple ceremonies requiring no guests, planning, or reception — just the legal essentials.

Question 41

Is it possible to be legally married without a minister or officiant?

Accepted Answer

Not in most cases. California mandates a licensed officiant to conduct the ceremony. Same Day Marriage provides qualified officiants for your service.

Question 42

Is it possible to get married simply by signing a document?

Accepted Answer

Not in California. State law requires a legal ceremony conducted by an officiant along with a signed marriage license. Simply signing the license without a ceremony is invalid under California law.

Question 43

What is a civil marriage?

Accepted Answer

A civil marriage is a secular, legal union conducted by an authorized officiant without religious elements. Same Day Marriage offers civil-style ceremonies that are efficient, legally binding, and non-religious.

Question 44

What occurs if we only sign a marriage license?

Accepted Answer

In California, you must also participate in a ceremony where you declare your marriage intentions before an officiant. Simply signing the marriage license does not create a legal marriage.

Question 45

Must we exchange vows to be legally married?

Accepted Answer

Only a basic declaration of intent is required, such as stating "I do." Personal vow exchanges are optional but permitted if desired.

Question 46

What is a proof of marriage letter?

Accepted Answer

A proof of marriage document is a record confirming your legal marriage status. In California, the official proof is your certified marriage certificate issued by the county after your marriage license is filed.

Question 47

How can I obtain an official marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

After your marriage, the officiant submits the signed license to the county for processing. You can then request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk's office. Same Day Marriage handles all filing requirements and orders your official License and Certificate of Marriage for mail delivery to your address.

Question 48

Must I change my last name after getting married?

Accepted Answer

No, changing your last name after marriage is not mandatory. However, if you choose to adopt your spouse's surname, you can indicate your new name on the marriage license. Following marriage, you must update your identification, Social Security records, and other documents accordingly.

Question 49

What is the timeframe for receiving a marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

The County Clerk generally requires 1 to 3 weeks to process your license and make the marriage certificate available. You must specifically request and pay for a certified copy, as it is not automatically sent to you.

Question 50

Is it possible to obtain a copy of my marriage certificate online?

Accepted Answer

You can submit an online request through your county's website, but the physical certificate must be collected in person or delivered by mail.

Question 51

How can I verify my marriage status without a marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

The certified marriage certificate is the legal proof of marriage. Until you receive it, you can use the filed license, though it is not considered official proof. Same Day Marriage files your license immediately to expedite your certificate processing.

Question 52

Must I register my marriage after the wedding ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You are not personally required to register it. Your officiant (or Same Day Marriage) submits your signed license to the County Clerk. Upon filing, your marriage becomes officially recorded and recognized.

Question 53

What is the process for updating my name after marriage?

Accepted Answer

Once you receive your certified marriage certificate, you can update your name with the Social Security Administration, DMV, Passport agency, and other institutions such as banks, insurance companies, and your employer.

Question 54

What are common errors that can invalidate a marriage?

Accepted Answer

Common errors include failing to obtain a valid marriage license, using an unauthorized officiant, not completing the required ceremony, and not filing the license with the county. Same Day Marriage helps prevent these mistakes from occurring.

Question 55

What occurs if you lose your marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

You can request a certified copy from the County Clerk's office where your license was filed. You must provide proof of identity, complete a request form, and pay the required fee.

FAQ

General Questions

Legal Requirements

Waiting Periods

Eloping and Destination Weddings

Marriage and Ceremonies

Documentation and Proof

Still have questions?