Online Marriage:

Complete Guide to Getting Legally Married Online

Everything you need to know about getting legally married online: how it works, what's required, and how to get your U.S. marriage certificate from anywhere in the world.

What is online marriage?

Online marriage lets you complete every step of getting legally married from your own home. Apply for your license, have your ceremony with a licensed officiant, and receive your certificate all without visiting a courthouse or traveling anywhere. Courtly handles the paperwork and coordination so you can focus on the moment itself.

Why Utah online marriage matters

Is online marriage legal? Ask any of the thousands of couples we've married since 2021. No shortcuts, no gray areas. We know exactly what it takes to get your certificate right.
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Fully-licensed Utah online marriage

All Courtly officiants are Utah-licensed and certified to perform remote ceremonies, so your marriage is valid no matter where you're joining from.
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Fast document support from start to finish

Not sure about the difference between a marriage license vs certificate? Courtly helps you achieve both completely online.
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Recognized wherever you go

Courtly provides end-to-end apostille support for recognition. Our marriage certificates are accepted across the US and in 150+ countries.

Who online marriage is best for

Whether you need a last-minute elopement, a ceremony during military deployment, help with visa paperwork, or full legal recognition for same-sex couples, Courtly delivers a seamless online US ceremony and all required documents, all in the comfort of your own home.
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Long-distance Couples
long distance wedding
Destination Wedding Couples
elopement wedding
International Couples
immigration wedding
Immigration Couples
civil wedding
Same Sex Couples
same sex wedding
Military Couples
military couple
Long-distance Couples
long distance wedding
Destination Wedding Couples
elopement wedding
International Couples
immigration wedding
Immigration Couples
civil wedding
Same Sex Couples
same sex wedding
Military Couples
military couple
Long-distance Couples
long distance wedding
Destination Wedding Couples
elopement wedding
International Couples
immigration wedding
Immigration Couples
civil wedding
Same Sex Couples
same sex wedding
Military Couples
military couple

What documents are needed

Detailed step by step application process
1

Proof of Identity and Age

Bring a government photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc). You must be at least 18 years old.
2

Proof of Divorce

If you were previously married, present a final divorce decree. If widowed, you may need to show a death certificate.
3

Application Fees

Utah County charges $70 for a marriage license and this is paid directly to them.
4

No Waiting Period

Good news—there’s no waiting period! You can get married immediately after license issuance.

Timeline

From application to certificate, get legally married online in under an hour. Ceremony and paperwork all handled for you.
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10 minutes

Get your marriage license

Begin your marriage license application with Courtly. We'll guide you through every step.
10 minutes

Select your ceremony preferences

Tell us exactly what you want to happen during your ceremony. We'll make sure it's perfect.
15 minutes

Have your ceremony online

Our licensed officiant will host you and your guests online. The legal ceremony is quick but you're welcome to celebrate for longer. Congratulations you're married!
1 day

Receive your digital certificate

After the ceremony, you'll receive a blockchain-verified marriage certificate. Perfect for never losing this important record.
1 week

Receive your physical marriage certificate

You should receive your paper certificate in the mail within a week.

Pricing

Marriage doesn't have to cost thousands.

Get married for just $199 plus state license fees.

No Hidden Fees

Packages start at $199 and include everything you need to get married.

Licensed & Legal

Every ceremony is performed by a licensed officiant and fully recognized by law.

Married in Minutes

Book today and get married online in as little as 15 minutes.
Get Married Online

Recognition and limitations

Online marriage is legal and widely recognized, but the process still has real steps and real paperwork. If you're not sure about recognition in your country, contact us.
Recognized in all 50 states
Your certificate, issued through Utah County, is legally valid and recognized nationwide.
International recognition
Recognized in most countries; some may require an apostille for official use abroad.
Apostille for use abroad
We help you get your certificate with an apostille or embassy authentication.
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Name change eligibility
Your certificate works for legal name changes just like an in-person marriage certificate.
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Military and deployment cases
Accepted for active-duty service members. Ask about our military discount.
What online marriage doesn't cover
Online marriage doesn't replace immigration processes; those still require separate steps.

Online marriage vs proxy marriage

Both let you get married without being in the same room, but they work differently.

Features

Online Marriage

Proxy Marriage

Both Spouses Present

Live via video call

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No Power of Attorney

No legal stand-in needed

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Available Nationwide

Recognized in all 50 states

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Same-Day Ceremony

Get married the day you book

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Flat-Rate Pricing

One fee, no legal add-ons

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Features

Online Marriage

Both Spouses Present

Live via video call

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No Power of Attorney

No legal stand-in needed

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Available Nationwide

Recognized in all 50 states

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Same-Day Ceremony

Get married the day you book

checkmark

Flat-Rate Pricing

One fee, no legal add-ons

checkmark

Features

Online
Marriage

Both Spouses Present

Live via video call

checkmark

No Power of Attorney

No legal stand-in needed

checkmark

Available Nationwide

Recognized in all 50 states

checkmark

Same-Day Ceremony

Get married the day you book

checkmark

Flat-Rate Pricing

One fee, no legal add-ons

checkmark

Features

Proxy
Marriage

Both Spouses Present

Live via video call

No Power of Attorney

No legal stand-in needed

Available Nationwide

Recognized in all 50 states

Same-Day Ceremony

Get married the day you book

Flat-Rate Pricing

One fee, no legal add-ons

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FAQs

Can you get married online legally?
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Yes, it is. As of 2020, online marriage is 100% legal in the US through Utah. Now, people around the world can get married completely online. There’s no need to put ink to paper or step foot in the courthouse to get a legal, US marriage certificate!
Is Courtly legit?
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Courtly is the leader in online marriage services, making it possible for any couple around the world to get legally married online, 24/7. From obtaining a marriage license to performing the ceremony, Courtly brings the aisle online for couples in the 21st century—regardless of their nationality, sexuality, or physical location.

In addition to facilitating online marriages, Courtly also offers comprehensive name change kits and other marriage-related services to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for newlyweds.
Can international couples use Courtly?
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Couples who have an online marriage with Courtly are considered legally married in the United States. That U.S. marriage certificate can often be used in other countries to prove marital status. While most countries do not require couples to officially register a marriage performed abroad, some may have specific requirements.

For couples with international ties, we have compiled a list of countries where government officials have previously indicated they do not accept U.S. marriage certificates if the ceremony was conducted online. Note: While we strive to keep this list up to date, it may not always reflect the latest changes. This information is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
Can same-sex couples use Courtly?
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Absolutely! We’ve married thousands of same-sex couples around the world! Many couples use Courtly to bypass anti-LGBTQ+ laws in their country. It’s useful because a marriage certificate from Courtly will be valid in any country that currently allows same-sex marriage. Here’s a full list of countries that allow same-sex marriage. Although it won’t be valid in countries that have not legalized it yet, it is still a strong, symbolic, and legally-binding document that represents a lifetime commitment.
Can this be used for immigration?
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Yes, it is. As of 2020, online marriage is 100% legal in the US through Utah. Now, people around the world can get married completely online. There’s no need to put ink to paper or step foot in the courthouse to get a legal, US marriage certificate!
Does the certificate say online?
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Yes, it is. As of 2020, online marriage is 100% legal in the US through Utah. Now, people around the world can get married completely online. There’s no need to put ink to paper or step foot in the courthouse to get a legal, US marriage certificate!

Use Courtly to make it official.

From securing your marriage license to performing your ceremony, Courtly is bringing the courthouse to your house and is committed to uniting couples worldwide.