For all my fellow homebodies out there: Did you know you can get married online these days? That’s right, in the digital age, love knows no boundaries, not even physical ones! So, if you’re considering getting married and saying “I do” from the comfort of your own home, or maybe you’re just curious about this modern twist on an age-old tradition, you’ve come to the right place. From prenups to the “I dos,” we’ve got it all covered below.
First stop: Getting an online prenup
Before we get into online marriages, we want to take a moment to discuss the precursor to an online marriage: an online prenup! With HelloPrenup, you can get a state-compliant prenup in under 2 hours. We even have attorneys in most states to help you at flat-rate, discounted prices, and, yes, the interactions with the attorneys are all done (you guessed it) online!
Here’s how it works: you sign up for HelloPrenup and then invite your partner. Next, both of you will individually complete our comprehensive prenuptial questionnaire. This user-friendly questionnaire guides you through a series of questions that shape the contents of your prenup. For instance, you’ll address critical matters like whether alimony should be waived. You will have the option to add on flat-rate, discounted legal services for questions that may arise during the questionnaire.
Once both of you have finished the questionnaire, a negotiation phase follows. During this stage, you and your partner will privately address any discrepancies in your questionnaire. For example, if one of you prefers to waive alimony while the other does not, these differences can be resolved during the negotiation phase.
Once the negotiations are successfully completed, you have the option to enhance your experience with optional flat-rate legal services. These services can include addressing specific legal questions or even securing legal representation.
Next up: Getting married online–is it legal?
Now, onto the main event: online marriages. Can you really get hitched via the internet? A Zoom call wedding? A Skype soiree? The answer is a resounding yes! With the advent of technology and the recognition of the internet as a legitimate tool for various legal processes, you can now legally get married online with Distant Weddings. The way it works is you have to fill out a marriage license from the state of Utah. This means that you’re technically getting married in Utah, but that still creates a valid marriage all over the U.S. It’s just like if you went to Hawaii to get married, but lived in Illinois. It’s like taking a trip to Salt Lake City and getting hitched, except you’re doing it online.
Steps to get married online
So, how does one go about getting married online? It’s easy! We’ve broken it down for you, step-by-step, so you can take the guessing game out of how you can get married online.
Step 1: See if you qualify
Unfortunately, there are some people that will not qualify for online marriages, this may depend on your age, your location, and your partner’s location. But don’t worry, there’s a simple way to see if you qualify, just fill out Distant Wedding’s questionnaire here, and you’ll know in seconds if you can walk down the virtual Zoom wedding aisle.
Step 2: Prepare to fill out marriage application
You’ll need to make sure you have the requisite documents that will help you in filling out your marriage license. This may include your passport, your birth certificate, and/or your social security card.
Step 3: Fill out the marriage application
Distant Weddings makes it simple: you can fill out the marriage license application in under 20 minutes! Just like a traditional marriage application, it will ask you things like social security number, address, etc.
Step 4: Invite your guests
The beauty of online marriages is that you can invite friends and family from all over the world to witness your special day via video call. No need for travel, hotel, or other added expenses–just have your guests log in, make some popcorn, pop open some champagne, and sit back to enjoy your special moment.
Step 5: Say “I Do” virtually
Now this is the fun part–actually getting married! During the online ceremony, you’ll recite your vows and exchange rings. Just because you’re not in the same physical location doesn’t mean the moment is any less special!
Step 6: Receive your marriage certificate
After your online ceremony, you’ll receive a marriage certificate soon after. Remember, you are technically getting married in Utah, so the marriage certificate will be from Utah.
Why get married online?
From connecting US military couples to simple cost savings, there are an abundance of reasons to wed on the interweb. Let’s dive into all of the compelling reasons why you should get married online.
Convenience
Let’s face it: online marriages are convenient. No need for the headaches of wedding planning anymore. No money spent on venues, invites, or ceremonies. You can say your vows from the comfort of your own home, making it the most convenient wedding option of them all!
Cost-Effective
With Distant Weddings, you can get married for just $299! Compare this to the average in-person wedding, which falls at a whopping $29,195. That’s a whole $28,896 that you’re saving. You can use that for a down payment on a house or maybe put it towards retirement! With an online wedding, you’re not only getting a joy-filled wedding day, but you’re also creating a firm foundation for your future together. It’s a win-win situation where love and savings go hand in hand.
Global connectivity
Online marriages transcend geographical boundaries. If you or your partner are in different parts of the world or have family and friends scattered across the globe, an online ceremony allows you to get married with ease.
Flexibility
Online marriages offer unmatched flexibility–I mean, come on, you can get married anywhere, anytime, what is more flexible than that? Whether you prefer a sunrise ceremony, a sunset wedding, or something in between, it’s entirely within your control.
COVID-Friendly
Even though we’re technically post-COVID, we now live in an era where health and safety have become paramount, and everyone is much more conscious of that. Online marriages allow you to celebrate your love while adhering to social distancing and other health guidelines.
Eco-Friendly
Not only are online marriages cost-effective, convenient, flexible, and COVID-friendly, but they’re also eco-friendly! No more paper wasted on invitations or O2 emissions on travel. Online weddings remove the excessive energy consumption associated with large gatherings.
From getting your prenup to walking down the aisle, everything can be done legally online!
In short, online marriages are a legitimate way to get married online. From getting a prenuptial agreement in place to saying your vows virtually, the legal landscape is adapting to accommodate this growing trend. So, whether you’re planning an intimate backyard wedding or a grand online ceremony with loved ones from around the globe, remember that love, commitment, and legalities can coexist in the digital age.
Cheers to the future of love, and as always, consult with a legal professional in your jurisdiction for specific advice on your unique situation. Love conquers all, even Wi-Fi connections!
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: [email protected]
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