Elopement

Here are the Best Places to Get Married Fast Around the World

February 1, 2023
9 min

Getting married quickly can have several advantages for some couples. For some, the strong emotions and excitement of being in love may lead them to want to take the next step and start their lives together as soon as possible. This can bring a sense of security and commitment to the relationship, solidifying their love for each other. Additionally, quick marriages can lead to more straightforward and simple wedding planning, which can be less stressful for the couple and their families. 

Furthermore, couples who get married quickly may have a greater understanding of what they want from their partner and from their relationship, which can lead to stronger and more fulfilling relationships. Overall, getting married quickly can bring a sense of excitement, security, and clarity to a couple's relationship, but it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks to ensure a healthy and happy future together.

Couple holding US passports

The most popular wedding destinations for getting married quickly

For couples in a hurry to get married, there are several popular wedding destinations that offer quick and convenient wedding options. Here are some of the most popular destinations for quick weddings.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is known as the "Wedding Capital of the World" and is a popular destination for couples who want to get married quickly. With a range of chapels and wedding venues, many of which offer quick and simple wedding packages, Las Vegas is a convenient option for those who want to tie the knot quickly.

One of the advantages of getting married in Las Vegas is the ease of the wedding process. Couples can obtain a marriage license and get married in as little as 24 hours, making it an ideal destination for those who want to get married quickly. Las Vegas also offers a variety of wedding venues, including traditional chapels, luxurious hotels, and outdoor locations, allowing couples to find the perfect setting for their special day.

Additionally, Las Vegas is known for its wide range of wedding services and experienced wedding planners, making it easy for couples to find the perfect vendors for their wedding. From flowers and decorations to photographers and entertainment, Las Vegas has everything that couples need to create a unique and memorable wedding experience.

Despite the ease and convenience of getting married in Las Vegas, it's important for couples to consider the long-term implications of their decision. Of all the destinations, Las Vegas is known for being the place where couples elope after making a hasty decision. While a quick wedding in Las Vegas can be a fun and exciting experience, it's important to thoroughly consider the commitment of marriage and the impact it may have on their relationship and future together.

ibrant welcome sign in Las Vegas, Nevada with bold typography

Denmark

A quick wedding in Denmark is an option for couples who want to get married in a hurry without sacrificing the beauty and uniqueness of a traditional wedding. Denmark is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming architecture, and rich history, making it a popular destination for quick weddings.

One of the advantages of getting married quickly in Denmark is the ease of the wedding process. Denmark has a straightforward and quick marriage procedure, which allows couples to obtain a marriage license and get married in as little as 24 hours. Additionally, Denmark offers a range of wedding venues, including historic churches, charming countryside locations, and modern city venues, providing a variety of options for couples who want to get married quickly.

Couples can also choose to have a simple and intimate wedding with just their closest family and friends, or opt for a more elaborate wedding with a larger guest list. Denmark is known for its high-quality wedding services and experienced wedding planners, making it easy for couples to find the perfect location, vendors, and services for their quick wedding.

Overall, a quick wedding in Denmark offers the beauty, convenience, and customization that couples need for a unique and memorable wedding experience. Whether couples choose to have a simple or elaborate wedding, Denmark offers a range of options for a quick and beautiful wedding that will last a lifetime.

Scenic view of boats moored at a canal dock, framed by picturesque, colorful buildings in Denmark

Gibraltar

Getting married in Gibraltar is a popular option for couples who want a unique and memorable wedding experience. With its stunning scenery, historic sites, and modern facilities, Gibraltar offers a variety of options for couples who want to get married in a beautiful and convenient location. It can be quite complicated to marry in Spain and it also requires a 2-year residency, so some couples take the leap in Gibraltar and head back to Spain for their reception.

One of the advantages of getting married in Gibraltar is the ease of the wedding process. Gibraltar has a straightforward and quick marriage procedure, making it easy for couples to obtain a marriage license and get married in a timely manner. There is no residency requirement and the only requirement is that you go to the registry 24 hours before your wedding with your passports and birth certificates. 

Additionally, Gibraltar offers a range of wedding venues, including historic buildings, outdoor locations with scenic views, and modern event spaces, allowing couples to find the perfect setting for their special day.

Aerial view of Sandy Bay Beach in Gibraltar with golden sands meeting the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters

New Zealand

New Zealand is another option that might work for you if you want a quickie wedding. One of the advantages of getting married quickly in New Zealand is the ease of the wedding process. They require very little paperwork and there are no residency requirements. You have the option of applying for your marriage license between three days and three months in advance. This makes it easy for couples to have a straightforward marriage.

Couples can also choose to have a simple and intimate wedding with just their closest family and friends, or opt for a more elaborate wedding with a larger guest list. New Zealand is known for its high-quality wedding services and experienced wedding planners, making it easy for couples to find the perfect vendors for their wedding. Party planners are equipped to help you work out the details in a little as one week’s notice!

Hiker strolling through a lush grass field beside a serene lake and mountainscape in Queensland, New Zealand

Online Wedding from Anywhere

Or, you could skip the expensive travel and choose to have an online wedding from literally anywhere in the world! Online marriage has been legal in the US since 2020, and it’s accessible to anyone around the world–you don’t even have to be a US citizen! 

An online wedding also gives you the flexibility to choose a creative location for your ceremony with ease. Couples have had online weddings on the beach, on top of a mountain, or just from the comfort of their homes! With an online wedding, you can have the flexibility to choose a place that feels special for you.

Cons of getting married too quickly

Despite all the perks of choosing one of the locations listed above as your dream wedding, it can come with many disadvantages as well. Getting married quickly, without proper planning and consideration, can have several disadvantages:

  1. Lack of Preparation: When getting married quickly, there may not be enough time for thorough planning, which can lead to inadequate preparation for the long-term commitment of marriage.
  1. Financial Pressure: Quick marriages can put financial pressure on a couple, as they may have to pay for a wedding in a short period of time and adjust to the costs of living together.
  1. Inadequate Communication: A rushed marriage can mean that important conversations and issues, such as future goals, expectations, and beliefs, may not have been fully discussed. This can lead to misunderstandings and relationship difficulties in the future.
  1. Missing Out on Dating and Learning Experiences: When getting married quickly, individuals may miss out on the dating and learning experiences that can help them understand themselves and what they want in a partner.
  1. Reduced Time for Personal Growth: A rushed marriage can also limit the time and opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery, which are essential for maintaining a healthy relationship.

Overall, quick marriages can lead to a lack of preparation, financial pressure, inadequate communication, missed experiences, and reduced personal growth, which can all contribute to relationship difficulties and increase the risk of divorce.

This is where an online marriage service may work for you! Courtly can be done at the ease of your own home. Couples can be thousands of miles away from each other and still be able to get hitched. Once you have decided to get married, the process on Courtly is easy and affordable. The expenses for flights and accommodations could pile up in a destination wedding, but with Courtly, even family and friends can join in your wedding via the internet.  All they need is an invite from you! 

What are the benefits of getting married online?

Online marriages offer several advantages over destination weddings. Here are the top 5 benefits of getting married online:

  1. Cost-effectiveness: Online marriages are often much more affordable than destination weddings as they eliminate the need for travel and accommodation expenses for both the couple and their guests.
  2. Convenience: With an online marriage, couples and their guests can participate from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the stress and hassle of traveling to a distant location.
  3. Flexibility: Online marriages offer greater flexibility as they can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for all participants and can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of the couple.
  4. Inclusivity: Online marriages allow individuals who may not be able to attend a destination wedding due to financial, health, or personal reasons, to participate and witness the ceremony.
  5. Eco-friendliness: Online marriages are a more environmentally-friendly option as they reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel and accommodation.

Is online marriage legal?

There are a few things that may be on your mind when you start considering online weddings. For instance, you might be wondering if online weddings are even legal. The short answer is: yes! Several states in the US recognize and perform online marriages, and the couple will receive a legal and authentic US marriage certificate (with a US government stamp) in the mail (you can get some more information about how online weddings are recognized in the state of Utah here). You can also find more steps about obtaining a legal marriage license here.

What is the process of getting married online?

Using Courtly, couples may do the entire process online from any place. A legitimate U.S. marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and in most cases, in less than 48 hours, without any documentation.

1. Create an account

To get started, simply create an account by clicking the "Get Married" icon in the top right corner of the Courtly website. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-up procedure and gain access to your account.

2. Decide on the format, setting, and officiant

Once your information is verified, you can decide on the format, setting, and officiant for your ceremony. Choose a venue and ceremony style that suits your preferences. Courtly will match you with a legally qualified U.S. officiant based on your selected time and day.

3. Make your payment

After selecting your wedding package and making the payment, you will receive an email confirmation from Courtly. This confirms your booking and sets the stage for your upcoming wedding. For complete information on our available wedding packages and add-ons, please check our Pricing Page.

4. Celebrate your online marriage

On your special day, gather your family and friends online to celebrate your marriage. The online ceremony typically takes around 15 minutes to complete and can be done from the comfort of your home or any location with a reliable internet connection.

Following the ceremony, you will receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate within 24 hours. A printed copy will be delivered to you within 1-2 weeks. You can download your digital marriage license soon after the wedding.

The process is really that straightforward. This method has fewer, seamless, simple, and easier-to-follow steps. A valid email address, a form of identification, and your payment card details are all you need. Visit our website for more information about how Courtly is making convenient online marriage possible.

Overall, online marriages offer many benefits over destination weddings and are an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking an affordable, convenient, and personalized wedding experience. From the convenience of getting married from the comfort of your own home, to the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of virtual weddings, online marriages offer a modern, flexible, and inclusive alternative to traditional destination weddings. 

Additionally, online marriages are 100% legal, making it a viable option for couples seeking a quick and meaningful wedding experience. Whether you are seeking a low-cost, low-stress, or personalized wedding experience, an online marriage may be the right choice for you!

Let us handle the paperwork.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online, including providing a licensed officiant who can perform a remote ceremony.

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