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You get your marriage certificate from the county clerk, and specifics are different in each state (cost different in each county). It looks like CA is different than WA - here the marriage license is good for 60 days, and there is a 3-day waiting period. In CA I don't see anything about a waiting period, but the license is good for 90 days, and MUST be returned to the county offices within 10 days of the ceremony. I think that everywhere in the US the license must be notarized. Here is a CA website that gives requirements.
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/chs/OVR/Marriage/GeneralInfo.htm
I would call your county clerks' office and ask some questions. I don't think your officiant in India can necessarily legally sign your CA marriage license - and then I wonder if you would be able to get it notarized and returned in 10 days. It maybe easier to have a civil ceremony here before you leave or after you return.
The US State Department also has information about marriage of US citizens abroad:
http://travel.state.gov/law/info/marriage/marriage_640.html
It looks like, in general, a marriage legally recognized in India would be legally recognized here. Although then you would have to figure out how to get all the appropriate paperwork issued and filed in India, which maybe the Indian Consulate, or some relatives in India could help you with.
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I'm getting married abroad in late December in India but I want to get a marriage certificate in the US prior to going. I live in CA currently. Anyone know the procedures or any websites that might be helpful? Also, should I get it early Dec, right before I go etc- Basically I want to know if any of you know how long the process takes? Thanks!
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