Everything You Need to Know about Online Marriage Certificates

In the past few years, more people are getting married online. Couples are now able to apply for their online marriage license from home, without going to government offices. You can even have the ceremony from different locations, a huge milestone for long-distance relationships. 

Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of online marriages is a significant draw. Traditional weddings can be costly with fees for the venue, catering, and other miscellaneous expenses. Online ceremonies and marriage certificate processes tend to be more affordable, allowing couples to allocate their resources more efficiently. 

In this article, we’ll go over the key things that you need to know about online marriage certificates, their legal requirements, and other important information.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

First, we need to make sure that you understand the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. This is crucial for anyone planning to get married. Both documents are essential, but they serve different purposes and are issued at different times.

A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to get married. Couples must obtain it before their wedding, and it includes essential information about them. The license is typically valid for a limited period, ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the jurisdiction​.

A marriage certificate is issued after the wedding ceremony and serves as an official record proving that the marriage occurred. It includes details about the ceremony, such as the date, location, and names of witnesses. Unlike the marriage license, the marriage certificate does not expire and remains valid unless the marriage is legally dissolved​.

Key Differences:

• Purpose: A marriage license authorizes marriage; a marriage certificate proves it.
• Timing: The marriage license is obtained before the ceremony, while the marriage certificate is issued after.
• Validity: The marriage license is valid for a limited time; the marriage certificate remains valid indefinitely.
• Information: The license contains information about the couple, while the certificate includes details about the ceremony​

Now that you know the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate, we can discuss how an online marriage certificate is a modern take on a traditional marriage certificate.

What is an Online Marriage Certificate?

First things first, let’s address some common questions about online marriage certificates. An online marriage certificate is a online or electronic version of a marriage certificate that is available and accessible through the Internet. It serves the same purpose as a traditional, physical marriage certificate, which is a legal document confirming the marriage of a couple.

To solemnize their union, the couple must electronically sign an affidavit or application affirming their legal capacity to marry. This online signature serves as their declaration of eligibility for marriage. The officiant, too, is required to electronically sign the marriage certificate. This signature confirms the officiant's authorization to perform marriages, the presence of two witnesses during the ceremony, and the attestation of both the officiant and witnesses to the couple's free and willing consent to marry.

The main difference is that online marriage certificates are stored and accessed digitally, making them more convenient for various purposes such as legal documentation, record-keeping, and sharing with relevant parties. Online marriage certificates are increasingly gaining traction in the digital era, streamlining the process of obtaining and managing marriage records.

An online marriage certificate is a legal document signed digitally by the couple and the officiant. Once all signatures are obtained, the document is certified and downloadable.

Online Marriage Certificates vs. Fake Marriage Certificates

It's important not to confuse a legally obtained online marriage certificate with fake marriage certificates that some websites offer for fun. Legal online marriage certificates, such as those issued by services like Courtly, are recognized by the government and carry the same legal weight as those obtained through traditional in-person ceremonies. In contrast, fake certificates are purely for entertainment and hold no legal validity. Always ensure that the online service you use is legitimate and that your marriage certificate is officially recognized.

What are the advantages of online marriage certificates?

Convenience: An online copy of your legal US marriage certificate streamlines the process of obtaining other important documents, such as a passport or driver's license, which frequently require a copy of a marriage certificate. With a digital copy, you can easily access and share your certificate whenever needed.

Accessibility: Online certificates eliminate the risk of losing or damaging physical certificates. A secure digital copy ensures you always have access to your important marriage certificate, safeguarding it from mishaps or wear and tear.

Enhanced Security: Online certificates are encrypted and stored in secure databases, making them far less susceptible to tampering or theft. This advanced security provides peace of mind for you and your partner, ensuring the integrity of your marriage certificate remains intact.

Already Married? Here's How to Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate Online

Married In the US

For those married in the U.S., you can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate by contacting the vital records office in the state where the marriage took place. They will provide information on the cost, required details, and whether you can obtain the certificate online, by mail, or in person.

If you need a copy of a marriage license, be aware that they typically expire within 30 days to a year, depending on the state. If it expires or is lost before the marriage, you will need to apply for a new one. You can usually apply for a marriage license at the county clerk or recorder’s office in the jurisdiction where the marriage will occur. It's best to contact the local government office where you plan to marry for specific application procedures.

Married Abroad

For marriages that took place abroad, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country where the marriage occurred to obtain marriage records. If your marriage abroad happened before November 9, 1989, you will need to reach out to the State Department to get a copy of the Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad.

Common Misconceptions about Online Marriage Certificates

As a relatively new development, it's natural that there is some confusion around online marriage. So, let's address some of the common myths we hear.

Myth 1: Online marriage makes it difficult to get divorced. 

A divorce typically begins when one spouse files a divorce petition. This petition is prepared by one spouse, known as the petitioner, and is then served on the other spouse. Afterward, the petition is filed in a state court, typically in the county where one of the spouses lives. Note that the location of your marriage doesn't affect the filing process, whether online or in person. Online marriage does not affect how or where you may get divorced. Divorce law is based on your residence, and would be handled by a family lawyer local to you. 

Myth 2: Online marriage certificates are not legally valid.

In 2020, the United States fully embraced online marriage ceremonies, thanks to pioneering efforts in Utah County. However, for the marriage to hold legal validity, the officiant must physically be present in Utah during the ceremony. The resulting marriage certificate will indicate that the ceremony occurred in Utah, regardless of the couple's actual location.

Myth 3: Online marriage is not accepted for immigration.

The impact of an online wedding on a spouse visa application can vary depending on the policies of the countries involved. In such scenarios, immigration authorities may demand supplementary evidence of the marital relationship as part of the visa approval process. An application is more likely to be rejected because the official has doubts about the authenticity of a couple’s relationship rather than how the marriage took place.

Myth 4: Online marriage certificates are not accepted internationally.

In the US, virtual marriage ceremonies performed via Courtly or other platforms are legally recognized and treated the same as in-person unions. In general, marriages performed legally in one country are accepted in other countries. Nonetheless, some foreign officials may not recognize these unions for various reasons. In most cases, official recognition may simply require a certified copy of the foreign marriage certificate, usually through apostille certification or embassy authentication. Ultimately, marriage rules and procedures vary from country to country, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines relevant to your chosen location.

Future Trends in Online Marriage Certificates

Online marriage certificates have transformed the way marriages are registered and documented. Other countries have since followed the trend. In Singapore, online marriage became a permanent option, following their successful introduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singaporean couples are now issued a online certificate via email after the ceremony, which serves as proof of marriage.

In the United Arab Emirates, officials streamlined the process and reduced admin work when they adopted policies which allow non-muslims to get completely married online. Couples are now able to apply for a marriage license online, use video conference document signing, and have a remote online wedding.

As more and more countries have become open to this idea of modernization, we predict several potential developments in the future of online marriage certificates:

‍Enhanced Security with Blockchain Technology

As digital documents gain prominence, ensuring the security and authenticity of online marriage certificates becomes paramount. Blockchain technology, with its tamper-proof and verifiable nature, could be instrumental in creating fraud-resistant marriage certificates.

Accessibility and Convenience at Your Fingertips

Digitalization will continue to make online marriage certificates more accessible and convenient for both government agencies and individuals. Online portals and mobile apps will streamline the application and retrieval process, putting marriage certificates within easy reach.

Interoperability for Cross-Border Recognition

To facilitate seamless cross-border marriages and legal recognition, efforts are likely to be made to standardize the format and authentication of online marriage certificates. International agreements and conventions could pave the way for global consistency.

Automation and Integration for Streamlined Processes

Online marriage certificates may become integrated with other administrative processes, such as name changes, tax filings, and immigration applications. Automation could streamline these processes, reducing paperwork and expediting procedures.

Prioritizing Privacy and Data Protection

With the increased use of online marriage certificates, concerns about data privacy and protection will continue to grow. Governments and organizations must implement robust data security measures to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Process of Getting Married Online

Getting married online is a straightforward process that can be completed with ease.

To begin, couples must apply for their marriage license on the Utah County website and pay the required fee. Both parties must provide proof of being over 18 years old, like a driver's license or passport information, when applying.

Once the couple gets their marriage license, they can have an online wedding ceremony. Note that the marriage license must be used within 32 days of approval.

If you’d like assistance, Courtly can provide an expert who will guide you through the entire process step-by-step. In general, here are the steps to get married online through Courtly:

1. Couples can use Courtly's concierge service to get their marriage license. The concierge will make sure everything is in order and work with the authorities.
2. Couples can choose a date and time for their online ceremony after getting the license. Courtly will then match them with a legally certified officiant from their network.
3. The online ceremony lets the couple marry from wherever they want, as long as they have good internet access.
4. After the online ceremony, the couple will get a copy of their US marriage certificate online. Additionally, a printed copy will be delivered to them within 1 to 2 weeks.

Getting married online is usually straightforward, but each state has different requirements and fees for an online marriage certificate. Utah County is currently the most comprehensive option for online marriage, but other states have applied varying degrees of digitization, as well. Before submitting your application, it is important to do thorough research and make sure you meet all the criteria. This is because most states do not give refunds after the service fee is paid.

For a valid online marriage, couples should learn their state's requirements and follow them. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient process for obtaining the online marriage certificate without any unnecessary complications.

Conclusion

Marriage has undergone a online revolution with the advent of online marriage certificates. Couples can now apply for marriage licenses from the comfort of their homes, a significant shift away from traditional means. In an age when marriage prices have continued to rise, the cost-effectiveness of online marriages has also become a compelling factor.

‍Online marriage certificates offer enhanced convenience, accessibility, and security. They simplify various processes and are more secure than paper certificates. As the digital era reshapes the institution of marriage, online marriage certificates promise exciting things for couples in the years to come.