Marriage Legality - My Way Weddings

Are Online Marriages Legal?

We often receive the question “Are online marriages really legal?”

… and the answer is: YES!

In the United States, a marriage is considered legal if the following was done:

Legally apply for and receive a marriage license
Have an official marriage ceremony that meets the requirements of the state in which it is performed
Have the county or town clerk register or “stamp” the marriage according to the specific guidelines

Once you have gone through those steps, and the state has recorded the marriage, both state and federal laws consider a couple to be legally married!

Every wedding that we arrange goes through all of these steps, so there’s no worry that your marriage will not be officially recognized.

Click here for more details on the whole process or click the “Get Started” button to start the application

Is The Marriage Certificate Valid Internationally?

When considering the validity of your marriage certificate from an online wedding conducted in Utah, it’s crucial to understand its international recognition. In the United States, such marriages are legally recognized nationwide. However, if you intend to use your marriage certificate outside the country, especially in jurisdictions that require additional validation, such as an apostille, you may need to take specific steps to ensure its acceptance abroad.

You will need an Apostille
Apostilles are certifications used to verify the authenticity of documents, including marriage certificates, for international use. In the context of online weddings conducted in Utah, your marriage is legally recognized within the United States. However, if you plan to use your marriage certificate internationally, you may need an apostille to validate it abroad.

Requirements for international recognition
Many countries have specific requirements for recognizing marriages conducted in another country. While Utah legally recognizes online weddings, some international jurisdictions may require additional documentation, such as an apostille, to acknowledge the validity of your marriage certificate.

Process of obtaining an Apostille

To obtain an apostille for your Utah marriage certificate, you will typically need to follow these steps:
– Contact the Utah Office of Vital Records or the county clerk where your marriage was registered.
– Request an apostille for your marriage certificate.
– Pay any applicable fees and provide necessary documentation.
– Once issued, the apostille will verify the authenticity of your marriage certificate for international use.

Other considerations

Before planning to use your marriage certificate internationally, consider the specific requirements of the country in question regarding the recognition of marriages conducted online and the need for an apostille. If you have any questions or need assistance with obtaining an apostille for your Utah marriage certificate, feel free to contact us for guidance.