How to Get a Marriage Certificate Completely Online: A Step-By-Step Guide

In today's digital age, it's possible to tie the knot online, just like you would buy a book or book a flight.

Getting married online is a big decision, but it can also be a rewarding one. It's faster, cheaper, and requires less planning than a traditional wedding. But it's important to be aware of the challenges that come with online marriage, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the potential for technical difficulties.

Ultimately, whether or not to get married online is a personal choice. But if you're considering it, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

How do you get a legal marriage certificate online?

Online marriage is an increasingly popular option in the 21st century. An online marriage involves tying the knot digitally. In other words, you and your partner might not be physically proximate, or you might be a same-sex couple looking to get married while avoiding the wrath of local laws; you could be a long-distance couple, stranded due to sanctions related to the pandemic, or the visa processes of your respective countries of stay aren't allowing you to be together to get married. Or, you might not even fall under any of these circumstances but still want to get married online because it saves money, energy, and time. 

What are the benefits of getting married online?

1. You can get married in less than 24 hours. 

2. You don't have to worry about finding a place to tie the knot or inviting your friends and family for an elaborate affair.

3. You don't have to deal with the stress of wondering if you should put on perfume or not, if you should shave your legs or not, or if your socks match your shoes.

4. Virtual weddings save time and money. You can spend less time on the wedding day and more time with your spouse.

5. You can bypass local anti-LGBT laws and still be together by getting married online. It’s important to note, however, that your marriage certificate will only be recognized in countries that have already legalized same-sex marriage. But even if your country might not recognize it, a marriage certificate is still useful to have. 

How much does it cost to get married online?

If you're looking to get married online, you're in luck! It doesn't have to cost a fortune and you can actually get married for less than $500. 

The first thing you'll need is a local officiant. If you choose to get married at a courthouse or church, you can make your appointment with the county clerk's office. If you prefer to have an online marriage ceremony performed in a more intimate setting, though, you'll need to book an officiant through one of the many online wedding sites that offer this service, like Courtly.

You will also want to consider what kind of wedding rings you want—and where they should be purchased. If you are a long-distance couple, chances are you will be buying your own unique engagement rings and wedding bands. However, it’s important to keep your partner’s choice and preference in mind.

Virtual marriages can be as lavish or modest as you want, and you can budget accordingly.

Can I get a copy of my marriage certificate online?

Yes, you can often get a copy of your marriage certificate online if you get married with a service that provides online weddings. The process may vary depending on your location and the services available.

Couples that get married with Courtly can access their digital marriage certificate anytime. Courtly is dedicated to simplifying the marriage process, offers a unique and convenient solution for couples. Courtly provides a dedicated dashboard for couples, where they can access their digital marriage certificate at any time. This means you'll have a secure and easily accessible copy of your marriage certificate right at your fingertips. You no longer need to worry about misplacing or losing your official document.

What are the steps involved in getting married online in the US?

Online marriage was completely legalized in all 50 US states in 2020 through government innovation by Utah County. To obtain a valid US marriage certificate, you don't even have to put pen to paper or enter a courtroom!

Here are the steps involved in getting married online:

1. Begin your marriage liense application with Utah County or choose a reputable online marriage service.
2. Provide a government ID like a passport or driver’s license. It can be from any country.
3. Pick the wedding package that you want. Costs can range from $499 all the way to $3,000. Many sites will also offer add-ons, like witnesses or rush service. 
4. Fill out the forms, pay for your package, and wait for your application to be processed!
5. While the actual virtual marriage ceremony won't take long, you might want to include special traditions like a toast or an online reception for family and friends. You’ll also be able to invite anyone you want to call in to your ceremony.

At the end of the easy process, you could receive a legal, digital marriage certificate that looks like this:

What documents do you need to get married online?

First, you’ll need to apply for a license online. The marriage license gives you permission to get married. You may receive it digitally or in paper form, if you get it at the courthouse. 

To get the marriage license online, you will need to provide some form of identification, like a passport or your driver's license. You do not need to be a United States citizen to be eligible for this service. The US does not require citizenship to get married.

That’s the only document you’ll need to provide! You will have to provide other information, like your parents’ name and birthplace and your residential address, but you don’t need to provide proof of either. 

Look for a service that will help you with the marriage license application. Even though it seems simple, it can be a confusing and tedious process when done wrong.

Once you have the marriage license, you’re ready to move on to the next step–planning the ceremony.

Skip the bureaucracy and headaches. Get married with Courtly and we'll coordinate with the authorities for you. Courtly ensures your online wedding is a smooth and enjoyable process!

The process of getting married online with Courtly

1. Create an account and complete the sign-up process.

Simply click on the 'Get Married’ button on the top right and complete the sign-up process by completing a few simple steps. You should be able to access your account immediately after creating it.

‍2. Select your ceremony type, location, and officiant.

Pick out the location and type of ceremony you want. Choose a time and date, and we'll match you with one of the Courtly's legally qualified US officiants.

‍3. Pay for your wedding package, and receive a confirmation email.

Make the payment and wait for the email confirmation from Courtly. This confirmation indicates that everything is in motion, and your wedding plans are progressing.​​ For complete information on our available wedding packages and add-ons, please check our Pricing Page.

‍4. Celebrate your nuptials with your friends and family online!

Finally, enjoy your online wedding ceremony in the presence of your family and friends!

Relax in the comfort of your own home or any location with a stable internet connection. The ceremony typically takes around 15 minutes to complete. After your online wedding, you will receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate immediately, with a printed copy delivered to you in 1 to 2 weeks. And that's it! You're married!