7 States That Allow Online Marriages in the US: A 2026 Update

Are you considering getting married online in the US? Wondering whether a virtual wedding is actually legal? Or perhaps you’re trying to find out which states allow online marriages in the US without requiring you to visit a courthouse in person? Look no further than this detailed blog post.

This comprehensive guide explores 7 states that allow online marriages in the US, alongside their legal requirements and recognition value. But before that, let’s address some of the frequently asked questions related to online marriages in the USA.

Is Online Marriage Legal in the United States?

Yes, online marriage is legal in certain US jurisdictions that authorize remote marriage licensing, virtual ceremonies, or both. However, marriage laws are governed at the state level, meaning legality varies depending on where the marriage is performed. Couples should always verify current state regulations and documentation requirements before proceeding.

Can Non-US Citizens Get Married Online in the USA?

Yes, many online marriage programs are available to non-US citizens. States that permit remote marriage services often do not require either party to be a US resident. However, couples should verify whether their home country recognizes the marriage and whether additional documentation, such as an apostille, is required.

Can Same-Sex Couples Get Married Online in the US?

Yes, same-sex couples can legally marry online in states that permit remote marriage procedures. Following federal marriage equality protections, legally performed same-sex marriages generally receive the same recognition and legal treatment as opposite-sex marriages throughout the United States and in many international jurisdictions.

Seven States That Allow Online Marriages in the US

1. Utah

Surprisingly, Utah is the most accessible state in the US for online marriages. The couple, located anywhere in the world, can obtain a legal marriage certificate from Utah County. Virtual marriage ceremonies can be hosted by the County Clerk (physically located in Utah) via video conference (Zoom, etc.). This whole process is 100% online and roughly takes 30-40 minutes. Virtual marriages from Utah County are available only from Monday to Friday, with timings from 8 am to 5 pm.

Necessary Legal Requirements

• A minimum of 2 witnesses is required in the virtual wedding ceremonies.
• It is mandatory for the officiant to be physically present in Utah, while the couple and witnesses can be anywhere across the globe.
• Valid government-issued ID is necessary.
• If an individual who is getting married is divorced, he/she/they are required to present a copy of the divorce decree.

Fee (As of 2026)

$55 to $100 License Fee

Marriage License Validity:

Typically, the marriage license validity in Utah County ranges from 30 to 90 days. Suppose you receive your marriage license on June 1 and it is valid for 90 days. This is why you must complete or schedule your online marriage by approximately August 30. If you wait until September, the license may have expired, and you would need to apply for a new one.

Waiting Period

A waiting period is the amount of time you must wait after receiving your marriage license before you are legally allowed to get married. Taking an example of Utah County:

The waiting period is 2 weeks, while license validity is 30 to 90-days.

This means that if you receive your marriage license on June 1, you cannot get married online immediately. You must wait until June 15 ( 2 weeks of waiting period) for the official ceremony. At the same time, you must complete the wedding before the expiration of the license (30 to 90 days).

NOTE:

These examples are given to help you understand the waiting period and marriage license validity in a clear and simple way.

2. California

Many counties in California allow online marriages in the US, but their requirements may differ from each other. Some counties allow couples to schedule weddings virtually, while others require applicants to appear in person to obtain a marriage license.

As of 2026, there are only three counties in California that allow online marriages in the US: Alameda County, Orange County, & Santra Clara. Let’s discuss the legal requirements of each county in detail.

For Alameda County:

• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must appear together through a video conference to obtain a marriage license.
• Couples must present their valid government-issued photo ID.
• Applicants whose previous marriage ended within the last 30 days must show their official divorce or separation decree.
• Couples must be physically located in California during the virtual ceremony.
• Microsoft Teams are required to participate in the ceremony.

For Orange County

• Virtual marriage services are available by appointment only.
• Couples must purchase a marriage license before the ceremony.
• Both applicants must attend the same video call together.
• Applicants must be physically present in California during the appointment and ceremony.
• Each applicant must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Two working email addresses are required.
• Marriage license issuance and the civil ceremony are completed during the scheduled appointment.
• Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For Santa Clara County

• Couples must complete the marriage license application online before the ceremony.
• Applicants can choose either a confidential or a standard marriage license.
• Required supporting documents must be submitted electronically after the application is completed.
• A County Clerk representative will schedule a virtual appointment after reviewing the application.
• Both applicants must be physically located in California when the marriage ceremony is performed.
• The marriage license must be obtained before the virtual ceremony takes place.

Marriage License Validity

It is valid for 90 days after issuance.

Waiting Period

No waiting period. Couples can get married online once the license has been issued. 

3. Colorado

Colorado is one of the most unique states for online marriages in the US because it allows self-solemnization (meaning, couples can legally marry themselves without needing an officiant, judge, or religious representative). The availability of an online marriage license often depends on staffing and local county policies. As of 2026, the following counties have historically been more likely to offer virtual marriage license appointments:

• Denver County
• Boulder County
• Arapahoe County
• Jefferson County
• Broomfield County

Necessary Legal Requirements

• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• There is no Colorado residency requirement.
• Couples must obtain a valid Colorado marriage license before marrying.
• No witnesses are required.
• Valid government-issued photo identification for both applicants.

Marriage License Validity

A Colorado marriage license remains valid for 35 days from the date of issuance.

Waiting Period

No waiting period

4. Arizona

Pima County is currently the only county in Arizona known for allowing virtual wedding ceremonies through Zoom after applicants obtain a valid marriage license. Even in Pima County, the process is not fully online because couples must first obtain a marriage license through an in-person appearance.

Important Details for Online Marriages in Pima County

• Appointment availability varies throughout the year, and booking is strongly recommended.
• No-Cost Virtual Weddings: Available on Tuesdays and Fridays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, excluding government holidays.
• The Justice of the Peace (JP) is a judicial officer authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies.

Necessary Legal Requirements

• Couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from Pima County.
• Both applicants must appear in person to obtain the marriage license.
• Marriage licenses can be issued through the Pima County Superior Court or the Ajo Justice Court.
• Both partners must be physically present in the state of Arizona during the virtual wedding ceremony.
• Two witnesses are required to attend the ceremony.
• The wedding ceremony is conducted via Zoom by a judge or authorized judicial officer.

Marriage License Validity

Usually, it is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

Waiting Period

No waiting period

5. Illinois

Illinois does not currently offer a statewide online marriage system. But Cook County provides virtual marriage licenses and online wedding ceremonies. The virtual weddings are conducted by an authorized judicial official at the Cook County Marriage and Civil Union Court. It is a little challenging for applicants to obtain an online marriage license from Cook County due to the high demand for appointments. Thus, it is better to book as early as possible.

Necessary Legal Requirements

• Both applicants must meet Illinois’ legal marriage requirements.
• Couples can begin the process by pre-registering for a marriage license through the Cook County Clerk’s online system.
• After pre-registration, applicants receive an appointment date and a secure link to complete the online application process.
• Both parties must participate in a virtual video appointment to verify their identities and complete the marriage license application.
• A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required for identity verification.
• Both applicants must be physically present in Cook County during the virtual ceremony.
• The marriage license must be obtained before scheduling a virtual wedding ceremony.

Marriage License Validity

The marriage license from Cook County remains valid for 60-days from the date of issuance.

Waiting Period

A 24-hour waiting period.

6. Texas

Like other states, Texas does not officially recognize a fully remote online marriage process in the same way as Utah. But the state laws do not specifically prohibit officiants from conducting such marriages. As of 2026, there are only two counties in Texas that have adopted virtual wedding options. And these counties are Tarrant and Travis County.

IMPORTANT INFO:

Applicants can obtain a marriage license from any Texas county and use it in Tarrant and Travis counties to complete their online wedding ceremonies.

For Tarrant County

Tarrant County has been one of the more accessible jurisdictions for online marriages in the US.

Necessary Legal Requirements

• Virtual ceremonies are offered through Justice of the Peace Court 1.
• Ceremonies may be scheduled seven days a week, typically between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Couples must possess a valid Texas marriage license before scheduling the ceremony.
• The marriage license can be obtained from any county clerk’s office within Texas.
• The mandatory 72-hour waiting period must be completed before the ceremony can take place.
• Couples can schedule the ceremony directly through Justice of the Peace Court 1.
• Video conferencing technology is used to conduct the ceremony remotely.

For Travis County

Certain courts in Travis County have historically offered virtual wedding ceremonies for eligible couples.

Precinct 3 Requirements

• A valid Texas marriage license is required.
• The marriage license must be delivered to the court at least three days before the ceremony.
• Couples may schedule ceremonies by phone, email, or in person.
• Traditional ceremonies involving the exchange of vows and rings are generally scheduled on weekends.

Precinct 5 Requirements

• Ceremonies are available by appointment only.
• Appointments must be scheduled directly with the court.
• Couples must provide a valid Texas marriage license before the ceremony.
• The license must be received by the court at least three days before the wedding date.
• Ceremonies may be available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, subject to advance arrangements.

Marriage License Validity

It remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Waiting Period

A 72-hour waiting period.

7. Florida

Only Lee County provides a virtual marriage ceremony option for couples in Florida.

Necessary Legal Requirements

• Both applicants must obtain a valid Lee County marriage license before scheduling a virtual ceremony.
• Couples must complete the Marriage License Online Application.
• Applicants are required to read the Family Law Handbook as part of the licensing process.
• A completed Marriage License Virtual Packet must be submitted to the county clerk for review.
• The packet should be emailed unsigned, as signatures are completed during the virtual appointment.
• The county clerk will contact the couple to schedule a Zoom appointment to finalize the marriage license.

Marriage License Validity

A Lee County marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

Waiting Period

No waiting period.

Distant Weddings: Your Trusted Partner for Online Marriages in the US!

Reading up to this point, you now know that getting married online in the US can involve various legal requirements, paperwork, and state-specific regulations. While the process is convenient, managing everything on your own can be time-consuming.

That’s where Distant Weddings can help. Our goal is to make your special day simple, memorable, and stress-free. Whether you’re planning a virtual wedding, living in different countries, or need assistance with marriage licenses and legal documentation, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Instead of worrying about paperwork, let us handle the details while you focus on celebrating your love.

Ready to get married online? Contact Distant Weddings today and start your journey toward a seamless, legally recognized marriage.