Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in California

Question 1

Can we get married on the same day in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Qualifying couples can obtain a California marriage license through our marriage license service and have their wedding ceremony on the same day. Same-day weddings are available based on appointment availability.

Question 2

How do we get a marriage license in California?

Accepted Answer

You can obtain a California marriage license from a County Clerk’s Office. Qualifying couples may also be able to obtain their marriage license through our authorized marriage license service. This allows many couples to receive their marriage license and have their wedding ceremony during one convenient appointment at our Long Beach wedding chapel.

Question 3

Can we get married without going to the courthouse?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You do not have to get married at a courthouse or County Clerk’s Office. You can get married inside our Cute Little Wedding Chapel, on our outdoor Tropical Terrace, at the beach, in your home, at a hotel, at a private venue, or at many other locations throughout Southern California.

Question 4

What documents do we need to get married in California?

Accepted Answer

Both parties generally need valid, unexpired, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable identification may include a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, military identification, or another approved government-issued ID. You must also have a valid California marriage license before your wedding ceremony can be legally performed.

Question 5

How much does it cost to get married at Cute Little Wedding Chapel?

Accepted Answer

Our wedding packages start at $299. The final price depends on the ceremony package, number of guests, date and time, marriage license needs, photography, decorations, and any additional services selected. Contact us for current pricing and package availability.

Question 6

Do we need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cute Little Wedding Chapel is open by appointment so we can make sure an officiant and ceremony space are ready for you and that another wedding is not taking place at the same time.

Question 7

Can you issue our marriage license?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are authorized to issue California marriage licenses to qualifying couples who are getting married in California. Eligibility requirements apply, and both parties must provide acceptable identification.

Question 8

What is the difference between a Public and Confidential Marriage License?

Accepted Answer

Both a Public Marriage License and a Confidential Marriage License create a legally valid California marriage. A Public Marriage License requires at least one witness at the ceremony, and the marriage record becomes publicly available. A Confidential Marriage License does not require a witness, and the marriage record is not available to the general public. California eligibility requirements apply.

Question 9

Can out-of-state couples get married in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You do not need to be a California resident to get married in California. Couples visiting from any U.S. state may marry in California as long as they meet California’s marriage license requirements and have a valid California marriage license.

Question 10

Can international visitors get married in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. International visitors may marry in California as long as they meet California’s marriage license requirements and provide acceptable identification.

Question 11

How long does a wedding ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Most wedding ceremonies at Cute Little Wedding Chapel last approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A short and simple ceremony may take about five minutes, while a personalized ceremony may take up to 30 minutes.

Question 12

How many guests can the chapel accommodate?

Accepted Answer

Our indoor wedding chapel and outdoor Tropical Terrace can accommodate up to 30 guests. The exact number permitted may depend on the ceremony space, package, appointment time, and building requirements.

Question 13

Do we need witnesses?

Accepted Answer

Witness requirements depend on the type of California marriage license. A Public Marriage License requires at least one witness to be present and sign the license. A Confidential Marriage License does not require witnesses, and witnesses may not sign it.

Question 14

Can you provide a witness if needed?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. If you have a Public Marriage License and need a witness, please tell us before your appointment so we can confirm availability. A witness fee may apply depending on the appointment and staffing requirements.

Question 15

Are LGBTQ+ and same-sex weddings welcome?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Cute Little Wedding Chapel proudly welcomes LGBTQ+ couples. Every couple deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, warmth, and respect. We are honored to celebrate love in all its beautiful forms.

Question 16

Are you open 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Cute Little Wedding Chapel is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by appointment. We do not operate as an unscheduled walk-in chapel. Please call first so we can confirm availability and prepare for your ceremony.

Question 17

Can we bring our children?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Children are welcome, and we love helping couples include them in the celebration. Children can walk down the aisle, carry the rings, participate in a family vow, join a unity ceremony, give a reading, or simply enjoy the special moment with you.

Question 18

Can we bring our dog or another pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Well-behaved pets are generally welcome with advance approval. Please tell us what type of pet you plan to bring so we can confirm that the ceremony space and appointment time will be suitable.

Question 19

Do you offer wedding photography?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Photography packages are available. Depending on the package selected, we can take ceremony photographs, posed couple photographs, family photographs, ring photographs, and pictures throughout the chapel or Tropical Terrace.

Question 20

Is the wedding chapel already decorated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our indoor wedding chapel is decorated and ready for your ceremony. Our outdoor Tropical Terrace also offers decorative options. Additional arch decorations, flowers, colors, themes, and customized décor may be available for an additional fee.

Question 21

Can we book a last-minute wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Last-minute and same-day weddings are one of our specialties. Call us at 562-435-4000, and we will check whether a Wedding Officiant, marriage license appointment, and ceremony space are available.

Question 22

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free parking is generally available in the parking area beneath the building, and free street parking may also be available nearby. Parking availability is not guaranteed, so please arrive early.

Question 23

Is the chapel wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

The chapel is located on the second floor, and the building has an elevator. Please tell us about any mobility or accessibility needs before your appointment so we can help you plan your arrival.

Question 24

What happens to our marriage license after the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

The Wedding Officiant completes the required sections of the marriage license and returns it to the appropriate county office for recording. A certified copy is not always mailed automatically. When applicable, we can help you submit the proper request and payment for certified copies.

Question 25

How long is a California marriage license valid?

Accepted Answer

A California marriage license is valid for 90 days beginning on the date it is issued. Your wedding ceremony must take place before the license expires.

Question 26

What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

A marriage license gives you legal authorization to marry. After the completed license is returned to the county and officially recorded, you can order a certified marriage certificate. The certificate is the official proof that the marriage was recorded.

Question 27

Where is Cute Little Wedding Chapel located?

Accepted Answer

Cute Little Wedding Chapel is located at 3740 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201, Long Beach, California 90807. Weddings are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding Help Center

Marriage License Information

Wedding Chapel and Ceremony Packages

Booking and Payment

Your Wedding Ceremony

Guests and Family

Photography, Video, and Livestreaming

Music and Decorations

Same-Day Weddings and Elopements

LGBTQ+ Weddings

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

Children and Pets

Arriving at the Chapel

After Your Wedding

Still Have Questions or Ready to Get Married?

Our Clients Loves Us

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Map to Wedding Chapel

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