You order takeout, stream your favorite shows, and maybe even shop for groceries online these days. But what about tying the knot? In our technologically advanced world, it’s natural to wonder if exchanging vows can be done with a few clicks too. The answer is YES – and online marriages are becoming more popular than you might think! Forget the stuffy courthouse or expensive venues. With services like Distant Weddings, you can say “I do” from the comfort of your home with a legally recognized ceremony.
But, hey, don’t take it from us… check out hundreds of couples who got married online and their reviews of the process!
The Short Answer
Yes, you can get married online. Forget the courthouse – with a little technological magic, you can say “I do” from the comfort of your home! Online marriages are a growing trend, offering convenience and flexibility. Here’s how it works with services like Distant Weddings:
- The Utah Connection: While you may be miles away, the legal framework comes from Utah. Applying for a Utah marriage license makes your virtual wedding official across the entire United States.
- Destination Weddings, Reinvented: Think of it like a destination wedding without the travel! Just like getting married in Hawaii and returning home to Illinois, your online marriage has nationwide validity. It’s a virtual trip to Salt Lake City for your wedding vows.
- Double Proxy Weddings: While this one is very niche and typically only applicable to military couples and Montana residents who can have a double proxy wedding where they hire two people to “stand in” for them as proxies.
How to get married online
What are the ways in which you can get married online? Well, it really boils down to two different options: online marriage via the Utah exception or double proxy marriage via the Montana exception. Both of these states have loopholes that allow certain people to get married virtually. Let’s discuss.
Fully Online Marriages
In Utah, you can complete the entire marriage process online. This includes obtaining a marriage license, conducting the ceremony via videoconference, and receiving your marriage certificate digitally.
Double Proxy Marriages
If you or your partner are unable to be physically present for the ceremony, Montana allows for something called a double proxy wedding, which allows members of the Armed Forces and Montana residents to get married virtually…with the help of real human stand-ins for you.
What requirements do you need to meet to get married online?
We spoke with our friends over at Distant Weddings, and they let us in on a little secret: getting married online isn’t much different than getting married in real life, the only real difference is having the ability to get on a Zoom call.
Here are the formal requirements to get married online:
- Identification: One form of government-issued ID from each partner (such as a passport, driver’s license, state ID, or military ID). Why? Because this is used for filling out the marriage license application and is also presented at the ceremony to verify identities.
- Age requirement: Both need to be legal adults (18+).
- Witnesses: Two witnesses are required. The witnesses can either be physically present with the couple, or they can join in via video conference from another location. These witnesses can be from either partner, they are just required to be legal adults (18+).
- Internet access: They need the ability to get on a video call. The couple may be physically in the same room or in separate locations. Typically, this is done over Zoom, Google Meets, or WhatsApp.
- Marriage license time frame: A key consideration is that the marriage license is valid for 33 days after it is issued, so the couple must get married within that time frame.
- Recent divorce decree: If they’ve been divorced within 60 days of their planned virtual wedding ceremony date, then a divorce decree is needed.
The best news? What you don’t need to worry about with online marriage companies like Distant Weddings is finding the officiant, filing the marriage license, and registering the paperwork afterward. Distant Weddings (i.e., an online marriage company) does all of that work for you!
Online weddings: Why Zoom “I Dos” are on the rise
Sure, it’s 2024, and technology has reshaped countless areas of our lives – so why not weddings? Couples are increasingly choosing to ditch the traditional wedding narrative in favor of virtual ceremonies… for more reasons than you may think! Let’s break down the appeal:
- Beat the Logistics: Imagine exchanging vows without endless venue searches, finding an officiant, guestlist drama, or worrying about last-minute catering disasters. Online weddings streamline the process, putting you back in control.
- My Wedding, My Way: Post-2020 lockdown, everyone’s become a homebody, right? Or is it just us? Well, if you are like us, and you dream of never leaving your cozy abode for your wedding, online weddings give you the freedom to make your vision a reality.
- Family Inclusivity Matters: Share your special day with far-flung family and friends, no matter the distance. Do you have cousins in Amsterdam? No problem, they can watch you say “I Do,” too!
- Accommodate for Other Issues: Online ceremonies can offer a lifeline for couples facing health concerns, mobility limitations, unpredictable military deployments, or even if one partner is incarcerated.
- Budget-Friendly: Let’s be real, traditional weddings can break the bank. By opting for an online ceremony, you can potentially save big and allocate your budget towards other priorities, whether that’s your dream honeymoon or a down payment on a house.
- Takeaway: In a world where we connect globally via technology, it’s only natural that love should find a way too. Online weddings symbolize the way modern couples embrace flexibility, personalization, and inclusivity in their commitment to each other. Plus, who says you need a dance floor and an open bar for a great wedding? If your idea of a perfect party is exchanging vows with your soulmate in comfy pajamas, then online marriage is definitely calling your name.
Is online marriage right for you?
Before jumping on the online marriage bandwagon, it’s important to honestly assess whether it aligns with your desires and circumstances. Here are some key questions to help you decide:
- Do We Meet the Requirements? Depending on which type of online marriage you go for (i.e., double proxy marriage), there may be specific eligibility factors like residency (think Montana’s double proxy marriage requirement). Also, consider age restrictions and potential technology needs (like being able to access internet and get on a Zoom call to metaphorically walk down the aisle).
- What Kind of Wedding Do We Want? Do you dream of a big gathering with all the trimmings, or is an intimate, personalized ceremony more your style? If tradition holds a deep meaning for you, an online wedding might not feel like the right fit.
- Tech-Savvy Enough? Are you both comfortable navigating video conferencing, ensuring a smooth and stress-free virtual ceremony? If tech causes anxiety, or if access to reliable internet is an issue, an online approach might add unnecessary complications.
- Takeaway: Before signing up for that Zoom call wedding, do a “tech compatibility” check on your relationship! Do you meet the requirements, love the idea of getting married in your PJs, and have internet access? Well, then an online marriage might just be for you!
Online weddings: The future of “I Do”
Getting married online is no longer just a quirky idea – it’s a real and growing trend! Services like Distant Weddings streamline the process, offering a convenient, flexible, and legally recognized alternative to traditional ceremonies. Whether it’s due to busy schedules, geographical distance, or the desire for a unique experience, online weddings are changing the way couples say, “I do.” While it might not be for everyone, the technology and legal frameworks are evolving, opening up exciting possibilities for the future of matrimony. If you want to ditch the courthouse without sacrificing legality, online marriage might just be the perfect solution for your modern love story!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about online marriages
We get that this is a relatively new concept so you probably have some questions!
Q: How much does an online wedding cost?
A: Costs vary depending on the service provider and your chosen package. Generally, online weddings are significantly more affordable than traditional ceremonies, especially if you factor in venue, catering, and other expenses. With Distant Weddings, you can get the job done for just $299.
Q: Where can I find more information about online marriages?
A: Companies like Distant Weddings have detailed resources on their websites.
Q: Do I need witnesses for a virtual wedding?
A: Yes! You need 2 witnesses who may be physically present with you or logged onto the internet from a different physical location. And they must be 18 or older
Q: Do I need to have a SSN?
A: With Distant Weddings, you do not need an SSN. It’s unclear if this is the case for other online wedding providers.
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]
0 Comments