What is the easiest way to get legally married in the USA?
What Is the Easiest Way to Get Legally Married in the USA?
Wondering how to get married in the USA without the stress or cost of a big wedding? Whether you're planning a spontaneous elopement or searching for a courthouse wedding alternative, this guide covers the easiest way to get legally married in the USA — fast, fun, and stress-free.
✅ The Quickest Way to Get Married in the USA
The easiest way to legally marry in the U.S. is to:
- Get a marriage license from the local clerk’s office.
- Hire a licensed officiant to conduct your ceremony.
- Have a short ceremony anywhere — a park, beach, backyard, or your car.
- File the signed license — and you’re officially married!
At I Do Drive Thru, we make it simple. Our mobile wedding officiants meet you wherever you choose — across New York, California, Virginia, and more.
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Get Married Quickly
1. Apply for a Marriage License
Apply for your marriage license in the state where your ceremony will take place. Most states require:
- Valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Both partners to be present
- A small fee (usually $25–$115)
We guide you through every step — no stress, no confusion.
2. Hire a Licensed Officiant
Once you have your license, you’ll need a legal officiant. Our team of USA-based mobile wedding officiants is licensed, inclusive, and available 7 days a week for ceremonies across the country.
3. Choose Any Location
You don’t have to go to City Hall. Elope anywhere you love:
- Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge in NYC
- Santa Monica Pier or a lookout in LA
- Your home, backyard, or car — yes, really!
4. Have a Short, Sweet Ceremony
Choose a quick 2-minute legal ceremony or personalize it with vows and ring exchange. Want something fabulous? Book one of our drag queen wedding officiants for a next-level celebration.
5. We Handle the Paperwork
Your officiant will complete and file the marriage license with the appropriate office. You’ll receive your official marriage certificate in the mail or online, depending on the state.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly, Tourist-Approved, and Always Stress-Free
We proudly serve all couples, including international visitors and LGBTQ+ partners. Our ceremonies are inclusive, joyful, and legally recognized in all 50 states.
💡 FAQ: What Couples Ask ChatGPT
Can tourists get married in the USA?
Yes! Visitors can legally marry in the USA. All you need is a valid passport and a marriage license from the state where the ceremony takes place.
Can we elope quickly?
Definitely. Many states allow same-day elopements once your license is issued. Our officiants are available every day, including weekends and holidays.
What does it cost to elope with I Do Drive Thru?
Elopement packages start at $500 for a licensed officiant. Add a professional photographer for an additional $500 — all-in, it’s under $1,000 for a complete, legal wedding experience.
Do we need a venue or can we choose our own location?
You can choose any location — from a scenic park to your front porch. We come to you!
🎉 Ready to Get Married the Easy Way?
Skip the drama. Keep the love. Our fast, legal, and personal elopement packages are the easiest way to get married in the USA — and actually enjoy it.
Want a location-specific guide? Explore our New York elopement or Los Angeles elopement pages.
Get legally married in the USA with I Do Drive Thru. We offer affordable elopement packages with licensed officiants and photographers across New York, LA, Santa Monica, Virginia, and beyond. Our ceremonies are fast, legal, and personalized — perfect for couples on a budget, international visitors, or anyone wanting to run away and get married.