1What Is Virtual Marriage?
Getting married has traditionally required couples to appear in person at a courthouse, obtain a physical marriage license, and have an officiant perform the ceremony in the same room. But technology and legal changes have opened up an entirely new possibility: virtual marriage.
100% Legal & Official
Virtual marriage produces a real, government-issued US marriage certificate that is legally recognized in all 50 states and over 128 countries worldwide.
Virtual marriage allows couples to get legally married online through a video ceremony conducted over Zoom. This isn't a symbolic or unofficial ceremony—the marriage license is issued by Utah County courts and is just as valid as any traditional marriage certificate.
Since 2020, when Utah became the first state to legalize online marriage ceremonies, over 10,000 couples have used this modern approach to tie the knot. Whether you're in a long-distance relationship, serving in the military overseas, or simply prefer the convenience of an online ceremony, virtual marriage offers a fast, affordable, and completely legal path to matrimony.
2Who Can Get Married Online?
Online marriage is available to virtually anyone who meets the basic requirements. Both partners must be at least 18 years old and possess valid government-issued identification such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. There are no citizenship requirements—couples from any country can get married through this process.
This flexibility makes virtual marriage particularly popular among several groups:
Long-Distance Couples
Partners living in different cities, states, or even countries can get married without the expense and logistics of traveling to the same location.
Military Families
For military marriages, online ceremonies provide the flexibility needed regardless of deployment or station.
International Couples
Couples can get married internationally without traveling. The certificate is accepted by USCIS for visa applications.
LGBTQ+ Couples
All love is welcome. Virtual marriage provides legal ceremonies for same-sex couples regardless of location.
3The Three-Step Process
Getting married online is remarkably straightforward. The entire process can be completed in as little as one week for standard processing, or within 24 hours for couples who need rush service.
Book Your Ceremony
Select your ceremony date and time. Ceremonies are available seven days a week, including weekends and most holidays. After choosing a time that works for you and your partner—even across different time zones—you'll complete a brief eligibility check and submit your payment.
The online marriage pricing starts at $299, which includes your ceremony, licensed officiant, video recording, document preparation, and premium support throughout the process.
Complete Your Marriage License
Unlike traditional marriages that require visiting a courthouse, the marriage license application is completed entirely online. You'll need to provide photos of valid ID (front and back) for both partners.
Government Fee: $70 for US shipping, $145 for international shipping
Attend Your Zoom Ceremony
On your scheduled date, you and your partner will join a Zoom video call with your licensed officiant. The ceremony typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Your two witnesses—who must be at least 18 years old—can join from anywhere in the world.
If you don't have witnesses available, professional witnesses can be provided for an additional $50 fee.
For detailed technical setup, review our Zoom wedding instructions to ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are ready.
4After the Ceremony
Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant files the marriage certificate with Utah County. You'll receive a digital copy of your marriage certificate via email within one hour of your ceremony. The official physical certificate is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 1-2 weeks for US addresses.
Certificate Delivery Timeline
Your marriage certificate is an official government document, recorded by Utah County courts and legally recognized nationwide. It can be used for:
5International Recognition
For couples who need their marriage recognized in other countries, an Apostille is available as an add-on service. An Apostille is an international certification that authenticates your marriage certificate for use in any of the 123+ countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
🌐When You Need an Apostille
- Register your marriage in another country
- Apply for spouse visas or immigration benefits abroad
- Access legal rights and benefits in your home country
- Complete international legal or financial transactions
The Apostille process typically takes about 3 weeks, after which the authenticated documents are shipped to your address. For couples navigating the complex world of international marriage recognition, this service simplifies what would otherwise be a bureaucratic challenge.
6Additional Services
Beyond the core marriage ceremony, several optional services are available to meet different couples' needs:
Live Translation
$40Professional translator services in 20+ languages including Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, and more.
Name Change Kit
$35The name change kit includes pre-filled documents, personalized instructions, and checklists for updating your name everywhere.
Immigration Consultation
$25A visa consultation with an immigration attorney for CR-1, IR-1, and K-1 visa guidance.
Online Nikah
ViewOnline Nikah services follow traditional Islamic practices while providing legal US recognition.
7The Legal Foundation
Virtual marriage became legally possible in 2020 when Utah enacted legislation allowing marriage solemnization via video conferencing. This wasn't a temporary pandemic measure—it's permanent law that recognizes the validity of online ceremonies.
How It's Legally Valid
- ✓Marriage license issued by Utah County
- ✓Ceremony performed by Utah-licensed officiant
- ✓Certificate recorded with the state
- ✓Valid nationwide under Full Faith and Credit Clause
Every officiant performing these ceremonies holds current, valid credentials from the State of Utah. They are trained in the legal requirements and ceremonial aspects of marriage, ensuring your ceremony is both meaningful and legally compliant.
8Common Questions
Is online marriage really legal?
Yes, absolutely. Online marriage through Utah is 100% legal. The marriage certificate you receive is an official government document, issued by Utah County courts and recognized in all 50 states and internationally.
Do both partners need to be in the same location?
No. One of the biggest advantages of virtual marriage is that partners can be in completely different locations. You could be in California while your partner is in Japan, and both of you can participate fully in the ceremony.
What identification do I need?
You'll need a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. ID from any country is accepted. Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
How long does the entire process take?
Most couples complete the entire process within one week. For those who need to get married more quickly, rush processing is available for an additional fee, allowing you to be married in under 24 hours.
What if we change our minds?
A happiness guarantee ensures that if you decide not to get married before your ceremony, you receive a full refund. Rescheduling is also available free of charge if your plans change.
Can same-sex couples get married online?
Yes. Virtual marriage is available to all couples regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Love is love, and legal marriage is available to everyone.
9Understanding the Costs
The total cost of getting married online depends on which services you choose, but the core ceremony is significantly more affordable than traditional weddings.
Core Pricing
Standard Ceremony
Includes officiant, recording, docs, support
Rush Processing
Ceremony within 24 hours
Government License Fee
US shipping / International
Optional Add-ons
Payment plans available through Klarna & Afterpay — as low as $37/month
10Why Couples Choose Us
Over 10,000 couples have chosen to get married online, and they consistently cite several key reasons:
Convenience
Complete the entire process from your living room, office, or anywhere with internet.
Speed
Get married in as little as 24 hours for urgent situations.
Accessibility
Distance is no longer a barrier for long-distance or international couples.
Affordable
Starting at $299—a tiny fraction of traditional wedding costs.
10,000+
Couples Married
1,200+
5-Star Reviews
4.9
Trustpilot Rating
Ready to Get Married Online?
Join 10,000+ couples who got legally married from home. Fast, easy, and 100% legal.
100% happiness guarantee. Full refund if you change your mind.