How to Elope in California as an International Couple

You found California on Pinterest. Or in a film. Or a friend sent you a photo of golden boulders at sunrise and you thought — that's it. That's where we want to get married.

And then the questions started.

Can we legally get married in California if we're not US citizens? What documents do we need? How does a marriage license work when you're planning from 5,000 miles away? Will our California marriage be valid back home?

These are the right questions. And the answers are almost entirely good news.

I'm Mariela, and I've been photographing elopements and micro weddings across California for over a decade. I've worked with couples from the UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and across the US — and I walk every single one of them through this process. This post covers everything you need to know.

Can International Couples Get Married in California?

Yes — completely and legally. California has no residency requirement, no citizenship requirement, and no waiting period for a marriage license. You do not need to be a US citizen. You do not need to live in California, or even in the United States. If you can travel here, you can get married here.

This trips people up because they assume getting married in a foreign country requires complicated paperwork or legal hoops. California genuinely doesn't. The process is designed to be accessible.

What You Need to Get a California Marriage License

Here's the complete list:

• Both partners present at the county clerk's office

• Valid government-issued photo ID for each person (a passport works perfectly)

• The marriage license fee (varies by county — typically $35 to $100 USD)

• A licensed officiant to perform the ceremony

That's it. No blood tests. No waiting period. No proof of residency. No US social security number required. Most county clerk offices process licenses in under an hour, and your license is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued.

One practical note: you and your partner need to visit the clerk's office together. You can't send one person ahead to handle the paperwork solo. Plan for a quick trip to the office a day or two before your ceremony — I can help you identify the closest and most convenient county clerk for wherever you're eloping.

Which County Clerk Office Should You Use?

You can get a California marriage license from any county clerk's office in the state, regardless of where you're planning to hold your ceremony. So if you're eloping in Joshua Tree but flying into Los Angeles, you can get your license in LA County before you drive out to the desert.

Some counties are quicker and more convenient than others. When you book with me, I'll send you a complete step-by-step guide with the specific county I recommend based on your itinerary and timing.

Will Your California Marriage Be Recognized Back Home?

In most cases, yes. The majority of countries — including the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and most of Europe — recognize marriages legally performed abroad, including California marriages.

The general process for international recognition involves registering your California marriage certificate with the relevant authority in your home country. For UK couples, this typically means notifying the General Register Office. For Australian couples, it means registering with the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry in your state.

I always recommend confirming this with a local solicitor or registry office in your home country before you travel — not because it's typically a problem, but because every country's process is slightly different and it's worth knowing the steps in advance. For the vast majority of my international couples, their California marriage has been fully recognized at home without any complications.

What an Elopement in California Actually Looks Like

Here's how the typical timeline works for international couples I photograph:

Arrive in California. Take a day to settle in, adjust to the time zone, and actually enjoy being here. California is worth experiencing before the ceremony, not just during it.

Visit the county clerk's office together. This takes about an hour, sometimes less. Bring your passports, pay the fee, and leave with your marriage license in hand.

Your ceremony day. We meet at your chosen location — whether that's Joshua Tree at golden hour, the ancient sequoias of Kings Canyon, or the cliffs above the Pacific. I handle the timeline, the logistics, and the photography. Your officiant handles the ceremony. You handle showing up and being present.

After the ceremony. I'll walk you through how to get your signed certificate back and what to do with it when you return home.

The whole experience — from landing to leaving — is genuinely simpler than most couples expect.

Where Can You Elope in California?

Almost anywhere. The options range from national parks (Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia) to private desert estates, alpine lakes, ancient redwood forests, and dramatic coastal headlands. Each requires different permits and planning, and some are better suited to different seasons.

The locations I photograph most often for destination and international couples:

Joshua Tree National Park — 2.5 hours from LA. Desert boulders, extraordinary golden hour light, and a landscape that photographs unlike anything else in California.

Yosemite National Park — the California landmark. Half Dome, El Capitan, valley waterfalls. The one international couples ask for by name most often.

Eastern Sierra / Alabama Hills — ancient, cinematic, completely uncrowded. The landscape that old Westerns were filmed in. Unexpectedly extraordinary.

Kings Canyon + Sequoia — the world's largest trees and dramatic Sierra canyon gorges. Less known than Yosemite and every bit as epic.

Northern California Redwoods — ancient forest and rugged NorCal coastline. Otherworldly and deeply moving on film.

How Early Should You Start Planning?

For most California elopements, 3–6 months of lead time is comfortable. For peak-season dates at popular national parks like Yosemite (spring and fall especially), 6–12 months is better — permits become competitive and my availability fills.

If you're planning a Two-Day Experience — 14 hours across two days, which is my most popular package for international couples — I'd suggest reaching out even earlier, as I limit these to one or two per month.

The honest answer: reach out as soon as you know you want to do this. Even if your dates aren't set yet. The earlier we start talking, the more options we have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international couples legally get married in California? Yes — California has no residency requirement and no citizenship requirement for a marriage license. You do not need to be a US citizen or a US resident. A valid passport is sufficient ID. The license is issued the same day and is valid for 90 days.

What documents do you need to get a California marriage license as an international couple? Both partners must be present at the county clerk's office together, with valid government-issued photo ID (passports work perfectly). You'll pay a fee of $35–$100 USD depending on the county. No blood tests, no waiting period, and no US social security number is required.

Will a California marriage be recognised in the UK? Yes — California marriages are recognised under UK law. After returning home, you'll register the marriage with the General Register Office using your signed California marriage certificate. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few weeks.

Will a California marriage be recognised in Australia? Yes — California marriages are recognised in all Australian states and territories. You'll register your marriage with the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry in your home state after returning. Each state's process varies slightly but all accept foreign marriage certificates.

Can you get married in California on a tourist visa? Yes. Getting married in the US on a tourist visa or visa waiver is legal and common for citizens of the UK, Australia, EU countries, and most other nations. You do not need to notify an embassy or consulate before you travel.

How far in advance should international couples plan a California elopement? For most California locations, 3–6 months of lead time is comfortable. For peak-season dates at competitive locations like Yosemite, 6–12 months is better. Reaching out early gives you the most location and date options.

Ready to Start Planning?

Fill out my inquiry form and tell me where you're dreaming of, when you're thinking of coming, and where you're traveling from. I respond within 24 hours with availability, location ideas, and honest advice on what the process looks like for couples coming from your specific country.

Planning from abroad is more straightforward than you think — and I'll be with you through every step of it.

→ Start your inquiry at marielacampbell.com/contact

How to Elope in California as an International Couple(Legal Requirements + What to Expect)