Can You Get Married Same Day in California?
If you are wondering if you can get married same day in California, the answer is yes, provided you follow the right steps. In order to get married, you will need a valid marriage license. This can be obtained in person or online. The process is simple, and once you have the license, you will be legally married.
To be eligible for a marriage license, you will need to be of legal age, i.e. 18 years of age. You will also need to provide evidence of your identity. For example, you can give your birth certificate, or a copy of your driver’s license. You can apply for a marriage license by visiting the county clerk’s office in your area. Depending on your county, you may need to pay a fee to obtain the license.
There are two main ways to obtain a marriage license in California. One is to use a wedding officiant. Alternatively, you can opt for a public marriage license. A marriage officiant is usually a priest or minister who has been licensed to perform the ceremony. However, you will need to find someone who is approved by your local Superior Court judge.
You will need to prepare several documents to ensure you are not required to wait in long lines. Besides the license, you will need to provide proof of your identity and citizenship, as well as the date your last marriage ended. You should also have a divorce decree. Lastly, you will need a photo ID. Depending on your county, you may be able to pay by card. Generally, the process will take less than an hour.
You can also ask your friends or relatives to do the officiating. Many counties will offer this service. They will have to complete licensing paperwork in their state, and will also charge you a nominal fee. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s usually a good idea to try.
You can also apply for a confidential marriage license. These are available in some counties, and will require you to be living together as spouses at the time of application. Obtaining a confidential marriage license will cost you a little more. The fees vary from county to county, but generally you will need to pay about $85. Unlike a regular marriage license, a confidential marriage license will stay on the books in your county and will remain a secret.
Another thing to remember is that a marriage license is only valid for 90 days. If you don’t get married within this timeframe, you will need to apply for another one. Although you might be able to skip this step, it is still wise to apply for your marriage license at least a month before your wedding. Otherwise, you could find yourself in legal hot water if your license gets lost or stolen.
If you are planning a wedding in Los Angeles, you will need to make an appointment at the LA County Clerk’s office. Sadly, the office does not accept walk-ins. But you can still find an officiant for same-day weddings.