Step 1: Pre-Wedding Planning
☐ Choose a wedding date
☐ Create a wedding budget
☐ Book the ceremony & reception venue(s)
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Step 2: Premarital Pastoral Counseling
☐ Contact church/pastor to schedule premarital pastoral counseling
☐ Complete any required pre-marital forms, screening or questionnaires
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Step 3: Choosing and Working with an Officiant
☐ Choose the type of officiant: Pastor, Minister, Priest, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace, etc.
☐ Decide between a religious or secular ceremony
☐ Interview potential officiants
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Step 4: Get Legally Married
☐ Apply for your own state marriage license
• Where: Any County Clerk’s office (no residency required)
• Both partners must be present with valid government ID
• Fee: ~$100–$115 depending on county
• No waiting period in CA – valid immediately
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Step 5: Ceremony Day & Rehearsal
☐ Walk through processional, vows, and ceremony flow
☐ Confirm ceremony structure with officiant
☐ Confirm officiant has the marriage license to sign
☐ Have witnesses ready
• California requires at least one witness (the officiant counts as one witness) Celebrate your ceremony!
Step 6: After the Ceremony Seal It Legally
☐ Officiant signs the marriage license
☐ License is returned/filed with the County Clerk (by officiant or designated person)
