Congratulations…you are now officially married! Now that you are married, here are some details on what happens next.

 

Here are some details about the wedding license, photos and other details.

 

Your Photos

How long will it take to get my photos?

It can take up to 30 days to get your photos. We take our time to edit your photos and probably have other weddings to finish up also. You will receive a link to an online gallery to view the photos and send to family and friends. If your package includes a flash drive, that will be mailed out once we confirm your mailing address.

 

Can I download the photos?

Yes, the online link allows you to download the photos – all of them on them individually.  There will be a photo at the top of your photo gallery. Can you click on the arrow and line button to download all the photos.

 

Can I order a flash drive?

Yes, if your package didn’t come with a flash drive you can order one.

 

Marriage License

What happens to the marriage license?

On your wedding day, you gave us your unofficial wedding license.  The officiant will take care of making the marriage legal by filling out the license paperwork and filing it with the county you got the license from.  The officiant has 10 days to file the license. By law, the officiant has to file the license.

 

Do we need to do anything with the license the day of the wedding?

No, there isn’t anything the two of you need to do the day of the wedding.

 

Here’s the marriage license details and how to get a copy of the official license.

  • We take care of filing the wedding license – this means we send the license back to the County Clerk where you got the license from
  • You don’t automatically get a copy of the license (that would be too easy lol!)
  • Each County is different so they may do things a little differently, with that said, here is the general process with the official license
  • Some Counties take a week to finalize the license and others take 10 weeks (smaller Counties take less time and larger ones take longer)
  • When the County Clerk gets the license from us in the mail, they stamp it and sign it, that makes it official. The official license is what you need to change your name
  • If the County had you fill out a Copy of the Wedding License form, and you paid for the copies, the official license will be mailed to you once the County stamps and signs the license
  • Some Counties (like LA County) has you pay the fee for the license copy and complete the copy paperwork at the same time.  If you pay for the license copy, please make sure to ask what you need to do next. 
  • If you don’t remember filling out the form or paying for the copies you can always call the County Clerk’s office where you got the license from and ask them
  • Here’s an example of the form for the Copy of the Wedding License from San Luis Obispo County. Each County has a different form, so visit the website of the County you got the license from  https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Clerk-Recorder/Forms-Documents/Document-Copy-Requests-(Birth,-Death,-Marriage,-Mi/Marriage-Record-Copy-Application-Form.aspx

 

What do I need to do to show proof of marriage or change my  name?

Your official marriage license, provided to you by the County you got the initial paperwork from.

 

What are the steps to change your name?

  • Get the official license from the County Clerk (it will have a stamp on it)
  • Contact Social Security (some places require an appointment, while others just do a walk in) for a new card.  Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5).  Have your official license, driver’s license or passport, and birth certificate (might want to double check on the birth certificate)
  • Once your card arrives, contact the DMV for an appointment to change your name (I think you might also need a new picture, so come dressed and ready!)
  • Next, you will want to change your name with other places like your job, bank account, and credit cards.  Below is a list of places that might want to know about your name change
  • Most places will want a copy of the wedding license to make the change

 

Places to notify about name change

  • Post office – maybe a change of address
  • Bank
  • Credit card company
  • Insurance – car and medical
  • Cell phone company
  • Utility bills – gas, water, electric
  • Telephone and Utility Companies
  • Passport office

 

 

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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