How to Avoid Getting a Fake Online Marriage Certificate

With the rise in popularity of online weddings, the risk of encountering fake marriage certificates has become a real concern for couples. Mary and Lulu, a same-sex couple from the Philippines, believed they had successfully tied the knot through an online church that promised them a certificate recognized internationally. When they discovered that the document wasn’t legally valid, it left them heartbroken and scrambling to find a legitimate solution. 

Unfortunately, their experience isn’t unique—many couples fall victim to scams, thinking their marriages are legally recognized when they are not. Here's how you can protect yourself from falling into the same trap.

Warning Signs of a Fake Marriage Certificate

1. Look for Official Government Seals

A legitimate marriage certificate will always feature an official seal from the government agency that issued it. Whether you’re receiving a U.S. certificate or one from another country, these seals are a sign of authenticity. If the marriage certificate lacks an official seal or has a suspiciously placed one, this is a red flag.

2. Verify the Apostille Certification

If you plan on using your marriage certificate internationally, you’ll need an apostille to prove its validity. Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State and authenticate the document for use in countries that are part of The Hague Apostille Convention. A fake certificate may lack this crucial apostille or have one that appears tampered with.

Check for the following to ensure the apostille is genuine:

• The apostille should be issued by an official state body.
• Look for phrases like “Copy” or “Copy of Original” in red or black ink—this means the document is a duplicate and not the original certificate.

3. Confirm with the Issuing Government Agency

Before you begin the marriage process, always contact the local government office to verify that your marriage will be recorded and recognized. Many fake certificates go unnoticed until couples try to use them for official purposes, such as applying for visas or changing legal documents like Social Security information.

4. Be Cautious of Scams

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and fake marriage certificates can look very convincing. To protect yourself, always use a reputable platform like Courtly, which ensures that all marriages are legal and certified by licensed officiants. Avoid platforms that seem too good to be true, lack reviews, or don’t provide clear information about their legal process.

Why an Apostille Is Crucial for International Recognition

If you plan to use your marriage certificate abroad, it may be required to have an apostille or embassy authentication. These certifications ensure that your marriage is recognized internationally. Without an apostille or authentication, you may face delays or refusals when attempting to register your marriage in a foreign country. Contact our team to find out if your marriage certificate will need an apostille.

Common Misconceptions about Online Marriage Certificates

1. Myth: Online marriages are not legally valid.
   In fact, online marriages performed through certified platforms like Courtly are legally valid in the U.S. For example, marriages conducted through Utah County's online system are recognized across the U.S.​
   
   
2. Myth: Online marriage certificates are hard to verify.
   As long as you receive a certificate with all necessary seals and apostille (if needed), verifying your marriage certificate is straightforward. You can always contact the issuing authority to check its authenticity​. Many will also have a public records database that is searchable online. 

Final Tips: Avoid Scams and Trust the Right Platform

When navigating online marriages, the key to avoiding fake documents is using trusted, well-known services. Platforms like Courtly provide legally recognized certificates and offer all necessary documentation, including apostilles, to ensure your marriage is valid both in the U.S. and abroad.