The process of getting married can be overwhelming and stressful, with many couples looking for ways to simplify and expedite the process. One question that often comes up is, “Can you get a marriage license and get married the same day in California?”
The short answer is yes, it is possible to get a marriage license and get married on the same day in California. However, there are specific requirements and procedures that couples must follow to make it happen.
Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License
Before you can get married in California, you must first obtain a marriage license. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license are as follows:
- Both parties must appear in person at the County Clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have the consent of a parent or legal guardian if between the ages of 16 and 17
- Both parties must present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
- The fee for a marriage license varies by county, but is typically around $100
Once you have obtained a marriage license, there is a mandatory waiting period of three days before you can use it to get married. However, there are some exceptions to this waiting period.
Exceptions to the Waiting Period
If you are in a rush to get married and cannot wait the three-day waiting period, you may be eligible for an exception. The following are the exceptions to the three-day waiting period:
- If both parties are active members of the Armed Forces, they may be granted a waiver of the waiting period
- If one or both parties are seriously ill and unable to appear in person to apply for the marriage license, a physician’s certificate may be presented in lieu of personal appearance
- If one or both parties have had a previous marriage that ended in divorce, a copy of the final divorce decree must be presented at the time of applying for the marriage license, unless the divorce occurred within the last 90 days
If you meet any of these exceptions, you may be able to obtain a marriage license and get married on the same day in California.
Getting Married on the Same Day
If you have obtained a marriage license and meet the requirements to waive the waiting period, you can get married on the same day as obtaining the license. However, there are still a few steps you need to follow to make it happen.
First, you need to find a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. The officiant may be a religious leader, such as a priest or rabbi, or a non-religious official, such as a judge or county clerk. You can ask the County Clerk’s office for a list of licensed officiants in your area.
Once you have found an officiant, you need to arrange a location and time for the ceremony. This can be a courthouse, a park, a chapel, or any other location that is agreeable to you and the officiant.
On the day of the ceremony, both parties must appear before the officiant with their valid government-issued photo identification, as well as any required documentation for the exceptions to the waiting period.
After the ceremony is complete, the officiant will sign the marriage license and file it with the County Clerk’s office. The original marriage license will be mailed to you within a few days.
Conclusion
In summary, it is possible to get a marriage license and get married on the same day in California, provided that you meet the requirements and qualifications for waiver of the waiting period. While it may require some extra effort and planning, this option can be a convenient and stress-free way to get married quickly. Just remember to follow the steps and procedures carefully to ensure that your marriage is legal and valid.
FAQ
How do I get married on the same day in California?
If you’re looking to get married on the same day in California, you’re in luck! The state offers an “express marriage” service that can make it possible. This is a popular option for couples who may not have time for a large wedding ceremony or who want to tie the knot quickly.
To get married on the same day in California, you’ll need to visit your local County Clerk-Recorder’s office. Once there, you’ll need to fill out an application for a marriage license. This requires you and your partner to provide some basic information, such as your full names, addresses, and dates of birth. You’ll also need to provide identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Once your application is complete, you’ll need to pay a fee for your marriage license. At this point, you’ll also have the option to request an “express marriage” ceremony. This is essentially a quick, no-frills wedding ceremony that takes place at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office. With an express marriage, you won’t need to book a venue or hire an officiant – everything is taken care of for you.
After you’ve paid the fee and requested an express marriage, you’ll wait for a clerk to call you up. The ceremony takes place at the service window, and typically takes just a few minutes. You’ll exchange vows, sign the marriage license, and receive a copy of the license to take home with you. The clerk acts as a witness to your marriage, so you won’t need to bring anyone else with you.
It’s worth noting that while an express marriage is a quick way to get married on the same day in California, it may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a more traditional wedding ceremony, you may want to plan ahead and book an officiant and venue. However, if you’re looking to get married quickly and without much fuss, an express marriage may be the perfect option.
How long do you have to wait to get a marriage license in CA?
In California, getting married is a relatively easy process as there is no waiting period to obtain a marriage license. This means that as soon as you obtain the legal green light from the county clerk’s office, you can tie the knot right away.
The process of obtaining a marriage license in California is quite simple. Both parties need to appear in person at the county clerk’s office and bring valid identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or ID card. The couple also needs to fill out a marriage license application and pay the application fee, which varies from county to county.
Once the couple has obtained the marriage license, they are free to get married immediately and can have the ceremony performed anywhere in California. It’s important to note that witnesses are not required to obtain a marriage license in California. This means that the bride, groom, and officiant are the only people required to participate in the ceremony.
In addition, there is no legal requirement for a person to change their last name upon marriage in California. A person can choose to hyphenate their name, take their spouse’s last name, keep their maiden name, or change their name altogether. However, if a person chooses to change their name, it’s essential to file the appropriate paperwork with the state of California following the wedding ceremony.
There is no waiting period in California to obtain a marriage license. Couples can get married as soon as they obtain the license, and witnesses are not required to perform the ceremony. It’s important to note that there is no legal requirement to change one’s name upon marriage in California.
How fast can I get married in LA?
If you’re looking to get married in Los Angeles, you’ll be pleased to know that the process is relatively straightforward and quick. California has no waiting period between when a marriage license is issued and when the couple can get married, which means that you could theoretically go from getting a license to saying ‘I do’ on the same day.
The first step towards getting married in LA is to get a marriage license. This can be done by visiting a County Clerk’s office, and the process usually takes around 15 minutes – provided you have all the necessary documents. These documents include valid photo identification and proof of any previous marriages or divorces, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
Once you have your marriage license, you’ll need to decide who you want to officiate your wedding. In California, anyone who is ordained in the state can legally perform a wedding ceremony. This can be a religious minister, but it can also be a friend or family member who has gone through the relatively simple process of getting ordained online.
With your license in hand and an officiant chosen, all that’s left to do is to hold the ceremony – and this can be done almost anywhere. From beaches and parks to historic landmarks and even your own home, there are plenty of options for LA weddings. You’ll need to have at least one witness with you during the ceremony, but beyond that, the format is largely up to you.
Getting married in LA can be a fast and relatively painless process. After obtaining your marriage license, you could in theory be married on the same day. With no waiting period and countless options for where to hold your ceremony, Los Angeles can be an ideal location for weddings of all kinds.
