How to Make Your Elopement Legal: Marriage License, Officiants, and Witnesses Guide

One of the most exciting parts of planning an elopement is imagining how the day will unfold. Whether you're saying your vows atop a mountain in Yosemite National Park, on a serene Alaskan glacier, or in the vibrant desert of Alabama Hills, the adventure and beauty of it all can feel truly magical. But amidst all the excitement, one thing needs to be handled with care: making sure your marriage is legally official.

The last thing any couple wants is to find out after their dreamy elopement that they didn’t take the proper steps to make their marriage legally binding. That’s why, as adventure elopement photographers and planners, we want to make sure you’re fully prepared for the legal side of things. From obtaining your marriage license to choosing an officiant (or even self-solemnizing in some states), here’s your guide to making your marriage official, no matter where you elope.

1. Getting Your Marriage License: Know the Requirements

Every state and country has different requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and some places have stricter rules than others. Before you start planning your elopement, it’s essential to understand what’s required so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.

• In the United States, most states require you to apply for a marriage license in person, though a few allow for partial online applications.

• California makes the process simple. You can apply at the county clerk’s office, and there is no waiting period for anyone, whether residents or non-residents. Once you receive your license, it’s valid immediately and can be used the same day. Licenses expire after 90 days if not used.

• Alaska requires a 3-day waiting period between application and license issuance. Once issued, the license is valid for 90 days. You’ll also need one witness at your ceremony.

• Washington and Oregon both issue licenses the same day, but there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period before you can legally wed. In Oregon, some counties may waive this wait.

• Utah has no waiting period, so your license is valid immediately and you can marry the same day you obtain it.

• Destination elopements beyond the U.S. each come with their own set of rules. France requires residency, published banns, and paperwork translations, making it challenging for non-residents. Italy allows foreigners to marry legally, but it involves documentation and translations. In Mexico, civil marriages are handled through registry offices, with no U.S.-style license process.

Tip: Always check the legal logistics early when planning your international elopement. Once you have your license, bring it to your ceremony and keep it safe until it’s signed.

2. Finding an Officiant or Self-Solemnizing

While a traditional wedding typically requires an officiant, elopements give you more flexibility depending on where you tie the knot.

If you’re eloping in most U.S. states, you’ll need a legally recognized officiant. This could be a religious figure, a judge, or even a close friend ordained online. We’ve worked with amazing officiants in places like Alabama Hills, Yosemite, and the Eastern Sierras who help create meaningful ceremonies.

Some states allow self-solemnizing, which means you do not need an officiant. Colorado and Pennsylvania are the most well-known examples. In these states, you and your partner simply sign the license yourselves, making it perfect for a truly private ceremony. Nevada and Alaska do not allow full self-solemnization, so an officiant or marriage commissioner is still required there.

Tip: Even if you don’t need an officiant, you might still need witnesses, so plan accordingly.

3. Witnesses and Signing the Marriage License

Witness requirements vary depending on where you elope.

• In California, a public marriage license requires at least one witness and allows for up to two. However, a confidential license in California does not require witnesses.

• Alaska requires one witness at the ceremony.

• Washington and Oregon require two witnesses.

• Utah requires two witnesses as well.

• If you’re eloping in a remote location like Glacier Point in Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, it’s common for your photographer or another vendor to step in as a witness if needed.

Tip: Always confirm witness requirements when applying for your license so you know who to bring along or arrange in advance.

4. Submitting Your Marriage License and Getting Your Certificate

After your ceremony, your signed marriage license must be submitted to the local county or state office. In most states, this is the officiant’s responsibility, but in some cases, the couple may need to file it themselves.

Once it’s filed, you can request your official marriage certificate. This is the document you’ll need for things like name changes, taxes, and insurance. Processing times vary. In California or Utah, you can usually receive your certificate within a few weeks, and some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

Tip: If you haven’t received your certificate within the expected timeframe, follow up to make sure it hasn’t been delayed or lost.

5. Elopement Locations and Legal Considerations

When planning your elopement in a scenic location, you’ll also want to be mindful of special legal considerations.

• National Parks like Yosemite or Grand Teton require a special use permit for ceremonies. Each park has its own rules to protect the natural landscape. We can guide you through this process so everything is set up smoothly.

• For international elopements, requirements vary widely. In France, couples must legally marry in a town hall before holding a private ceremony. In Scotland, ceremonies must take place in approved venues. Always verify with local authorities or work with a planner who is familiar with the region.

Tip: Double-check permit and legal requirements for your chosen elopement spot well in advance to avoid surprises.

We’re Here to Help You Navigate the Legal Side of Your Elopement

As elopement photographers and planners, we’re here not just to capture your adventure but also to help with the logistics that make it legally binding. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal California elopement, Utah’s desert arches, or Oregon’s misty forests, we’ll help you secure the right paperwork, connect with officiants, and ensure your marriage is recognized so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your love.

Contact us today to start planning your adventure elopement. We’ll make sure every detail is covered so your day is just as official as it is unforgettable.