short-notice nuptials

what you need to know for fast-turnaround services

signing the marriage contract * photo by Ryan Phillips Photography

Short-notice ceremonies are not usually ideal but sometimes necessary. When a couple needs immediate legal protection due to illness, insurance, taxes, immigration, etc. we work hard to make it happen fast.

However, short-notice ceremonies are burdensome and disruptive for providers, so we reserve the right to add appropriate surcharges depending on the circumstances. Short-notice appointments must be paid in full upon booking, and all fees are completely nonrefundable/nontransferable.

As of May 2023 we no longer provide on-demand confidential marriage licensing. Please see our Getting A Marriage License page for details about marriage licensing via the RR/CC or our affiliated authorized notary.

Some couples without urgent legal or medical need decide to get married rapidly on a whim. No judgment, but please bear in mind that your whirlwind plans don't constitute an emergency, and experience shows that short-notice non-emergency weddings have an incredibly high abandonment rate. More than half of those who make hasty plans bail on those plans almost immediately, leaving wedding providers in the lurch.

This is why we require non-refundable non-transferable payment in full upon booking of short-notice services--it obliges all parties to be responsible and show up as agreed, and not waste each other's time and energy.

Wedding officiants have a high duty of care. I cannot assist you with a short-notice marriage if you do not already have your marriage license, will not be available by phone or email from the time of booking until the time of your appointment, or are unable to provide the required proof of identity at your ceremony.

So please don't book an appointment until you're certain you have everything that's needed. I'm happy to answer questions to help you get ready and I endeavor to make the process as easy and quick as possible, but please return the favor by providing your contract information and payment quickly, preferably immediately, but otherwise within two to four hours of our initial contact.

Last-minute officiation services are easy to arrange and prepare for. Often just a single phone call or email will suffice.

Please review these safety guidelines before contacting us for Safer Elopement service.

  • Please do not book wedding services before you have obtained your final divorce decree. We will not calendar your wedding until your divorce orders are final, signed by a judge, and in your hand. For short-notice events you must be prepared to scan or fax your paperwork immediately along with your ID and completed marriage license application.

  • Complete any other needed legal procedures (like pre-nups) before you make arrangements with us. We are not liable for delays or cancellations that occur because you or your attorneys did not complete pre-marriage procedures in a timely way. Consult with your attorney before you make your appointment and verify your wedding date will be in keeping with your legal goals. Your fees will not be refunded if you choose to cancel.

  • Your fee must be paid in full via PayPal upon booking to reserve short-notice services. ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Your fees will be forfeit if you cancel a short-notice booking. If you want to cancel and rebook for later date, understand that it's not possible to change dates or other information on the marriage documents. New paperwork has to be issued, and a new payment in full is required as each appointment requires a separate time commitment and a new set of documents.

  • You agree to submit your non-refundable retainer payment, marriage license application, any divorce or name-change documentation, and copies of your IDs in a timely manner--within two to four hours after you receive your service agreement for same-day or next-day service, unless otherwise agreed. This allows us adequate time to review your documents to be sure they are valid, and to prepare your marriage license paperwork in a responsible way.

  • Once your paperwork is prepared (usually the same day you book your appointment) it cannot be changed or corrected. Proofread until your application is perfect.

If you are unable to commit to a ceremony date and time in good faith, there are other providers in California who will accept walk-in wedding appointments....and there's always Vegas.

We're happy to answer your questions about our services and safety procedures with no obligation.

Please call 310.288.6658 or email us for a rate quote.

Thanks for your understanding, and hope to be of service to you soon (maybe really, really soon!)