You want to get married online, but you’re not sure if it’s legal. Maybe you live far from your partner, or you’re planning a simple ceremony without the expense of a traditional wedding. Perhaps travel restrictions make an in-person ceremony difficult right now.
Here’s what you need to know: you can get married online legally in 2025, but only a handful of states currently offer this option. Most states still require everyone to be physically present for the ceremony.
This guide shows you exactly which states let you get married online and how each one works. You’ll learn the requirements, costs, and steps for making your virtual wedding legal and binding.
Why Online Marriage Became Popular
Virtual weddings exploded during the coronavirus pandemic when traditional ceremonies became impossible. States passed emergency orders allowing couples to marry via Zoom, Skype, and other video platforms.
Many couples discovered they preferred online weddings. Military families separated by deployment could finally marry. International couples avoided expensive travel. People with disabilities found ceremonies more accessible. Same-sex couples in countries that didn’t recognize their relationships could marry legally through U.S. states.
Most emergency orders expired after the pandemic. Many states that temporarily allowed virtual weddings have now ended those programs. The few states that continue offering online marriage services have made them permanent.
Online marriages save money compared to traditional weddings. You avoid venue costs, catering expenses, and travel for guests. You can get married in your living room wearing whatever makes you comfortable.
States Where You Can Get Married Online Right Now
Only a handful of states currently allow online wedding ceremonies: Utah, California, Arizona, Illinois, Texas, and Colorado. Each state has different rules and requirements.
Utah is the only state offering completely virtual weddings to couples anywhere in the world. You don’t need to be a Utah resident. You don’t need to travel to Utah. Everything happens online.
The other states have more restrictions. Some require you to be physically located within their borders during the ceremony. Others only allow certain counties to perform virtual weddings. A few limit online marriage to specific situations like military deployment.
Let’s break down exactly how online marriage works in each state so you can choose the best option for your situation.
Utah: The Easiest State for Getting Married Online
Utah County operates the most accessible online marriage program in America. Their system started in 2019, before the pandemic made virtual ceremonies necessary elsewhere.
You apply for your marriage license through Utah County’s website. Both partners complete the application online without visiting any office. You’ll provide basic information like names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers.
Your wedding officiant must be physically located in Utah during the ceremony, but you and your partner can be anywhere in the world. You join the video call from different states or even different countries if needed.
The ceremony happens through a video conference platform. Your Utah officiant performs the legal wedding ceremony while you exchange vows. You need at least one witness on the video call.
After the ceremony, your marriage license gets filed with Utah County, and you receive an official marriage certificate. This certificate is legally valid in all 50 states and recognized by the federal government.
In 2024, Utah updated its online marriage laws to add security measures. You can no longer use power of attorney to obtain a marriage license. Couples must sign an affidavit agreeing to Utah’s jurisdiction if they later divorce or annul the marriage.
Utah charges standard marriage license fees, typically around $50 to $100. Many online marriage companies operate through Utah because of its convenient system. You can hire these companies to handle the paperwork and provide an authorized Utah officiant.
California: County-by-County Virtual Wedding Options
California doesn’t offer statewide online marriage services. Instead, individual counties can choose whether to provide virtual marriage licenses and ceremonies.
Several California counties offer virtual services, including Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, San Diego County, and Orange County. Each county has its own rules and procedures.
If you get married online through a California county, both partners must be in the same room during the ceremony and physically located within California. You can’t be in different states or countries.
Some California counties let you apply for the marriage license online. Others require you to visit the clerk’s office in person for at least part of the process. Check with your specific county for their current requirements.
California’s virtual marriage services were extended through legislation, but these programs could end if the state changes its laws. Confirm the program is still running before making plans.
The process involves applying for a license through your county, scheduling a virtual ceremony with a county clerk, and having the ceremony performed via video call. Witnesses must join the video conference.
California doesn’t charge excessive fees for online marriages beyond the standard marriage license cost. Expect to pay $50 to $100 depending on your county.
Arizona: Limited Virtual Ceremonies Through Pima County
Arizona allows online wedding ceremonies through Pima County, which includes Tucson. This is currently Arizona’s only option for virtual weddings.
You must appear in person at Pima County Superior Court or Ajo Justice Court to obtain your marriage license. The license application can’t be completed entirely online. Both partners need to visit the courthouse.
After getting your license, you can have a virtual ceremony through Zoom with a judge from the Superior Court. You need to provide two witnesses for the ceremony.
Both partners must be physically present in Arizona during the virtual ceremony. You can’t join from another state. This limits who can use Arizona’s online marriage option.
Pima County offers “no cost” virtual weddings on Tuesdays and Fridays between 8am and 5pm, excluding government holidays. These free slots fill up quickly and have limited availability.
You can pay for a private virtual wedding Monday through Friday beginning at 5pm through the Justice of the Peace. This option has shorter wait times but costs more.
Availability is limited, with courts sometimes scheduled months in advance. Plan ahead if you want to use Arizona’s online marriage services.
Illinois: Virtual Weddings in Cook County Only
Illinois offers virtual marriage ceremonies through Cook County, which includes Chicago. Other Illinois counties don’t currently provide online marriage services.
You can pre-register for a marriage license on the Cook County Clerk’s website. The clerk’s office emails you an appointment time and a link to submit your online application.
During your scheduled appointment, the clerk contacts you via phone and video meeting to complete the marriage license process. You don’t need to visit the office in person.
After receiving your license, you must wait 24 hours before your wedding ceremony. Illinois law requires this waiting period. Your license remains valid for 60 days after issuance.
Both partners must be physically present in Cook County when having the virtual ceremony. You can’t join from other Illinois counties or from other states.
The Cook County Marriage and Civil Union Court performs virtual weddings on Mondays and Tuesdays. You schedule appointments by calling the court directly.
The court limits how many online weddings they perform, so appointments can be hard to get. Call as early as possible to secure your preferred date.
Illinois charges standard marriage license fees around $60 to $80 depending on whether you complete premarital counseling.
Colorado: Self-Solemnizing Marriage Without an Officiant
Colorado offers a unique option called self-solemnizing marriage, where couples marry themselves without needing an officiant. This makes the process simpler than traditional ceremonies.
You can get your Colorado marriage license online or in person, hold your own ceremony via video call with witnesses, and file the paperwork yourself. You control every aspect of the process.
Self-solemnizing marriage means you don’t need to find an authorized officiant. You don’t need to hire a judge or get a friend ordained online. You simply declare yourselves married in front of witnesses.
Colorado doesn’t require you to be a Colorado resident to use self-solemnizing marriage. You can be from any state or country. This makes Colorado’s system accessible to many couples.
You still need witnesses for your ceremony. Colorado typically requires at least one witness, though two is safer. These witnesses join your video call and verify that both partners consent to the marriage.
After your ceremony, you complete the marriage license paperwork. Both partners and your witnesses sign the document. You file the completed license with the Colorado county clerk where you obtained it.
Colorado charges around $30 to $40 for marriage licenses. Some counties charge slightly more. The self-solemnizing option doesn’t cost extra beyond the basic license fee.
The main limitation is that both partners must be in the same location during the ceremony. Colorado’s self-solemnizing law requires both parties to be present together, not in separate locations.
Special Cases: Montana, California, and Texas Proxy Marriages
Montana and California allow proxy marriages for active-duty military members. These aren’t typical online weddings but serve similar purposes when partners can’t be together.
In a proxy marriage, a representative stands in for one or both partners during the ceremony. The absent partner doesn’t need to attend at all.
Montana permits double proxy marriages where neither partner attends the ceremony. Representatives act on behalf of both people. This helps deployed service members who absolutely can’t travel.
Montana requires military documentation proving eligibility for proxy marriage. You can’t use this option just for convenience. You must be on active duty and unable to attend for legitimate military reasons.
California allows proxy marriages when one partner is in the military and stationed overseas or unable to attend for valid reasons. The absent partner signs an affidavit authorizing someone to stand in during the ceremony.
Texas also offers proxy marriage for military members. The process involves more paperwork than virtual weddings, but it solves real problems for couples separated by deployment.
Proxy marriages work differently than online weddings. You’re not joining a video call—you’re authorizing someone else to participate on your behalf. These marriages are completely legal and recognized nationwide.
States That No Longer Offer Online Marriages
New York offered emergency virtual marriages from March 2020 through June 2022, but Governor Cuomo’s executive order expired. The state legislature hasn’t passed permanent authorization for online weddings.
New York couples now need in-person ceremonies again. Bills keep getting proposed to restore virtual options, but none have passed into law yet.
Virginia temporarily allowed video witnessing of marriages, but the governor’s emergency order ended in July 2021. Current Virginia law requires physical presence for all ceremonies.
Illinois permitted remote witnesses during lockdowns, but that flexibility ended when emergency orders expired. Standard rules now apply outside of Cook County’s limited program.
Ohio let officiants conduct ceremonies via video temporarily, but the state returned to pre-pandemic requirements in 2021.
Many couples who planned virtual weddings in these states found themselves scrambling when the laws changed. Always verify current requirements before making non-refundable plans.
Contact your county clerk’s office for the most accurate information. State laws can change quickly, and what was true last year might not be true today.
How to Choose the Right State for Your Online Marriage
Think about your specific situation when choosing where to get married online. Utah offers the most flexibility if you and your partner live in different locations or outside the United States.
Choose California if you both live in California and your county offers virtual services. The in-state requirement limits who can use California’s system, but it works well for California residents.
Pick Arizona only if you can easily travel to Tucson to get your marriage license in person. The requirement to visit the courthouse makes Arizona less convenient than Utah.
Select Illinois if you live in the Chicago area and prefer a government-run program. Cook County’s system is reliable but has limited appointment availability.
Consider Colorado if you like the idea of marrying yourselves without an officiant. Self-solemnizing ceremonies appeal to couples who want complete control over their wedding.
Look into Montana or California proxy marriages only if one partner is active-duty military and absolutely cannot attend the ceremony. These require specific documentation and more complex processes.
Cost matters less than convenience for most couples. All these states charge similar marriage license fees. Your biggest considerations should be residency requirements and whether you can complete everything remotely.
Your Marriage Certificate Works Everywhere
A common question is whether other states recognize online marriages. The answer is yes. Interstate recognition happens automatically under constitutional law.
A valid marriage in Utah is valid in Florida, California, and everywhere else in the United States. Your marriage certificate from an online ceremony has the same legal power as a traditional wedding certificate.
Federal agencies recognize online marriages for taxes, Social Security benefits, immigration applications, and all other purposes. Your marriage certificate proves you’re legally married regardless of how the ceremony happened.
Some countries might not recognize U.S. online marriages for immigration purposes. If you plan to use your marriage certificate abroad, check with that country’s embassy before getting married online.
Most countries accept U.S. marriage certificates. You might need additional documentation like an apostille stamp to verify the certificate’s authenticity. Your county clerk can provide this service for a small fee.
Steps for Getting Married Online Successfully
Start by choosing which state you’ll use for your online marriage. Review the requirements for your chosen state carefully. Make sure you meet any residency or location requirements.
Gather your documents before applying for the marriage license. You’ll need valid identification like a driver’s license or passport. If either partner was previously married, bring divorce decrees or death certificates.
Apply for your marriage license through the proper channel. Utah handles everything online. Other states might require phone calls or in-person visits. Follow the instructions exactly to avoid delays.
Schedule your ceremony date after obtaining your license. Pay attention to any waiting periods. Some states require you to wait 24 hours or more between getting the license and holding the ceremony.
Arrange for witnesses before your ceremony date. Most states require at least one witness, many require two. Make sure your witnesses know when to join the video call and have reliable internet connections.
Test your technology ahead of time. Confirm your video conferencing software works properly. Check your internet speed and audio quality. Technical problems during the ceremony can be stressful.
Dress however makes you happy. Online weddings don’t require formal attire unless you want it. Many couples wear casual clothes or even pajamas for their virtual ceremonies.
Exchange vows during your ceremony. You can write personal vows or use traditional ones. Make sure you include the declaration of intent that your state requires. Your officiant will guide you through the process.
Complete all paperwork immediately after the ceremony. Sign your marriage license along with your witnesses and officiant. Double-check that everyone signs in the correct places.
Verify that your officiant files the completed license with the appropriate county clerk. Most officiants handle this automatically, but confirm the timeline. You need the license filed to receive your official marriage certificate.
Order multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate when it arrives. You’ll need these for changing your name, updating insurance, filing taxes, and many other legal purposes.
Making Your Online Wedding Special and Memorable
Your online marriage can be just as meaningful as a traditional ceremony. The legal requirements are simple, but you can add personal touches that make the day special.
Decorate your space for the ceremony. Set up flowers, candles, or meaningful decorations in your background. Create an atmosphere that feels special even if you’re in your living room.
Invite guests to join the video call. Most video conferencing platforms support dozens or hundreds of participants. Share your joy with family and friends who can watch the ceremony live.
Hire a photographer to screenshot or record the ceremony. Many professional photographers now offer virtual wedding photography services. You’ll want photos to remember your special day.
Write personal vows that reflect your relationship. Take time to express what your partner means to you. These words will make your ceremony feel personal and emotional.
Play music during the ceremony. Most video platforms let you share audio. Choose songs that are meaningful to you both. Music adds atmosphere to any wedding.
Plan a small celebration after the ceremony. Open champagne, cut a cake, or order your favorite takeout. You don’t need a huge reception to celebrate your marriage.
Send announcements to friends and family. Share your happy news with everyone you care about. Digital announcements work perfectly for virtual weddings.
Legal Considerations After Getting Married Online
Update your name with Social Security if you’re changing it. You’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. The Social Security office processes name changes free of charge.
Change your name on your driver’s license and passport next. Each agency requires certified copies of your marriage certificate. Start these processes as soon as you receive your certificate.
Update beneficiaries on all accounts. Review life insurance policies, retirement accounts, bank accounts, and investment accounts. Marriage changes your default beneficiaries for many financial instruments.
Revise your will and estate planning documents. Marriage affects inheritance laws in most states. Meet with an estate planning attorney to update your documents properly.
Combine or update insurance policies. You might save money by joining car insurance policies or adding your spouse to health insurance. Contact your insurance providers to discuss options.
Update your employer about your marriage. You may need to add your spouse to benefits, change your tax withholding, and update emergency contacts. Your HR department handles these changes.
File your taxes correctly next year. Your marital status on December 31st determines how you file. Most married couples choose to file jointly because it often reduces taxes.
Common Mistakes When Getting Married Online
Don’t assume all online marriage services are legitimate. Research any company you hire to help with your virtual wedding. Verify they work with properly authorized officiants in states that allow online marriages.
Don’t forget about license expiration dates. Most marriage licenses expire 30 to 90 days after issuance. Schedule your ceremony with plenty of time before expiration.
Don’t skip reading your state’s specific requirements. Each state has different rules. What works in Utah doesn’t work in California. What works in California doesn’t work in Arizona.
Don’t ignore residency or location requirements. Some states require you to be physically present within their borders during the ceremony. Check these rules before making plans.
Don’t forget to arrange witnesses ahead of time. Having your witnesses no-show can derail your entire ceremony. Confirm their attendance multiple times.
Don’t leave paperwork to chance. Make sure your officiant knows they need to file your completed marriage license promptly. Get confirmation that filing happened successfully.
Don’t assume countries outside the U.S. will recognize your online marriage. Check with foreign embassies if you need your marriage certificate for immigration or other purposes abroad.
You may also read: U.S. States Allowing Online Marriage: 4 Proven Options Explained
Your Path to Legal Online Marriage
You now know exactly which states let you get married online and how each program works. Utah offers the most accessible option for couples anywhere in the world. California, Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado provide alternatives with more restrictions.
The process is straightforward: apply for a marriage license, schedule your ceremony, exchange vows via video call, complete the paperwork, and receive your official marriage certificate. Your online marriage is just as legal as any traditional wedding.
Thousands of couples have gotten married online successfully. You can join them by following the steps outlined in this guide. Choose the state that fits your situation best, gather your documents, and start planning your virtual ceremony.
Your love deserves recognition regardless of how you choose to get married. Online weddings remove barriers that keep some couples apart. Distance, disability, budget constraints, or personal preference—whatever your reason for choosing a virtual ceremony, you can make it legal and binding.
Take the first step today by researching your chosen state’s requirements. Contact the county clerk, gather your documents, and start your application. Your online wedding awaits, and your legally recognized marriage is closer than you think.