Common Questions about Digital Marriage Certificates

Marriage is a significant commitment and an important part of any couple's life. Historically, couples have had to visit a courthouse or physically attend a wedding ceremony to obtain a legal marriage certificate. But with advancements in technology, couples can now obtain a legal US marriage certificate from the comfort of their own home and even from anywhere around the world.

At Courtly, we help couples obtain a legal US marriage certificate, making the process quick, easy, and stress-free. After your wedding ceremony, you will receive a digital copy of your marriage certificate within 24 hours, and a physical copy will be sent to you via mail within a week or two.

What are the benefits of having a digital marriage certificate?

Convenience:  Having a digital copy of your legal US marriage certificate can simplify the process of obtaining other important documents, such as a passport or driver's license, which often require a copy of a marriage certificate.

Accessibility: Digital certificates are easier to store and access than physical certificates, which can get lost or damaged. With a digital copy of the marriage certificate, you can have access to their certificate at all times.

Security: Digital certificates are encrypted and stored in a secure database, making them more difficult to tamper with or steal. This added security provides peace of mind for you and your partner.

How is the digital marriage certificate signed?

The process is streamlined, convenient, and secure. The couple is required to sign a digital affidavit/application, attesting to the fact that there are no lawful reasons why they cannot be married. This signature serves as a declaration of their eligibility to tie the knot.

The officiant is also expected to sign the digital marriage certificate. This signature serves as a confirmation that the officiant is authorized to perform marriages, that two witnesses were present during the ceremony, and that both the officiant and witnesses can attest to the fact that the couple got married of their own free will and choice. The digital signature also confirms that the requirements set forth in Utah Code 46-4-201 have been met.

Do online weddings say “online” on the marriage certificate?

The question of whether online weddings result in a certificate that states "online" is a common one. The answer is no, the marriage certificate received by couples who obtain their license through Courtly is the exact same certificate that is issued to all other couples. This has been the case since January of 2020 when Utah County transitioned to a fully digital system for issuing marriage licenses.

As a result, all licenses are issued digitally and signatures are captured electronically. This modern approach to issuing marriage licenses has made the process more efficient and secure. Couples no longer need to worry about losing or damaging a physical certificate, as their digital certificate will be stored in a secure database.

Overall, obtaining a marriage license and certificate through Courtly under Utah County is a straightforward process that results in a certificate that is just as valid and official as one obtained through a traditional, in-person process.

Is an online wedding recognized by other U.S. States?

The recognition of online weddings by other U.S. states is a matter that is governed by the law of each individual state. However, it is generally recognized that a marriage legally performed in one state will be recognized in all other states, regardless of their specific marriage laws. This principle is based on the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which requires each state to recognize the legal acts and judicial proceedings of every other state.

If a couple is married in an online ceremony, how does that affect immigration or travel?

The impact of an online wedding on immigration or travel can vary depending on the policies of the countries involved. While having a certified and apostilled marriage certificate may make travel easier during general travel bans, it may not be sufficient documentation for immigration purposes. In these cases, immigration officials may require additional proof of the marriage relationship in order to approve a visa application.

Therefore, it is important for couples who have been married in a web-conference ceremony to understand the specific requirements and policies of the countries they wish to travel to or immigrate to. They should be prepared to provide any additional documentation or evidence that may be requested by immigration officials.

What is the legality of an online marriage?

The weddings done via Courtly and the marriage certificates issued and certified by Utah County undergo a thorough process to ensure their validity. This includes the legal application and issuance of a marriage license, a legally binding wedding ceremony within the state, and the official registration of the marriage with the County. Once a couple has received a certified copy of their marriage certificate, they are legally recognized as married under the laws of both Utah and the United States. This ensures that their marriage is valid and recognized by the state and the country.