How to Marry Someone in Prison: A Complete Legal Guide (2026)

Love doesn’t stop at a prison gate. Each year, thousands of couples across the United States navigate the process of getting married while one partner is incarcerated, and thanks to changes in both federal law and online marriage services, it’s not just possible. It can be done entirely remotely.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the legal framework, how prison marriage approval works, your options for an online ceremony, what documents you need, and what rights marriage actually grants an incarcerated person.

Do incarcerated people have the right to marry?

Let’s clear up a common myth first: being incarcerated does not take away a person’s right to marry. The US Supreme Court confirmed this back in 1987 in a case called Turner v. Safley. In that ruling, the Court said that inmates retain the constitutional right to marry, as long as the marriage doesn’t create a security problem for the facility.

That said, getting married in prison is not as simple as filing a form. Prison administrators have the power to set their own rules. Some facilities are more open about it than others. Federal prisons, state prisons, and county jails can all have different processes and different timelines.

Does Every State Allow Prison Marriages?

Most states do allow inmates to marry, but the rules can look very different from one place to another. Some facilities require a formal written request from the inmate. Others need approval from the warden. A few may limit who can be present at a ceremony, or restrict what kind of ceremony can happen on-site.

This is exactly where online marriage comes in. Instead of trying to navigate a facility’s in-person ceremony requirements, couples are now choosing to get married online with far fewer hurdles.

Can You Get Married Online If Your Partner is Incarcerated?

It depends on the facility, but it is absolutely possible. Services like Distant Weddings operate under Utah state law, which allows both parties to participate in a legal wedding ceremony via video call.

Utah’s marriage laws are among the most flexible in the country. The marriage certificate that comes from this process is recognized in all 50 states. So whether you’re in Texas, Florida, New York, or anywhere else, the legal result is the same, i.e., you’ll be married.

For people who are married to a prisoner or working toward it, the key first step is always to check with the facility. Some prisons are fully equipped for video calls. Others may only allow supervised calls at specific times. Either way, it’s a conversation worth having because the legal framework to make it work already exists.

How to Get Married Online to Someone in Prison? 

If you’re figuring out how to marry an inmate in prison using an online service, here’s a straightforward breakdown of how the process works:

• Check your partner’s facility rules. Call or write to the prison to confirm they allow marriage and find out if video call access is available for ceremonies.

• Get prison administration approval. Your partner will need to submit a formal request to the warden or facility administrator. This step can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so plan accordingly.

• Sign up with Distant Weddings. Create your account, pick a package, and choose a ceremony date and time that works around the facility’s video call schedule.

• Complete the marriage license application. This is done fully online and takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Both of you will need a valid government-issued photo ID.

• Join the virtual ceremony. You and your partner will join a video call with a US-recognised officiant from Utah. Your partner joins from inside the facility, with the prison’s permission.

• Receive your marriage certificate. A digital copy arrives immediately after the ceremony. A physical copy comes by mail within 3 to 10 business days.

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Make sure both of you meet these basic requirements before you book anything:

What are the Challenges of Getting Married in Prison Online?

Being informed about potential obstacles is just as important as knowing the path forward. Here are the most common hurdles couples run into and how to get ahead of them.

Facility Restrictions on Video Calls

Not every prison presents easy video call access. Some only allow video visits through specific platforms, and not all of those are compatible with a wedding ceremony setup. It’s worth calling the facility ahead of time and asking specifically about video access for a legal ceremony.

Administrative Delays

The prison approval process moves at its own pace. Depending on the facility, it could take days or weeks before your partner gets formal permission to marry. Start that process early, don’t wait until everything else is ready.

ID Verification for the Incarcerated Partner

Most correctional facilities give inmates their own identification cards. You should check if these cards are accepted as valid ID when applying for a marriage license. 

Online Marriage vs. Traditional In-Prison Ceremony

Wondering how the two options compare? Here’s a clear side-by-side look:

Why Choose ‘Distant Weddings’ for Marrying a Prisoner?

Distant Weddings was built for exactly these kinds of situations. Their service helps couples who cannot be together in person. This includes military families, international couples, and people whose partners are in prison. Here’s what makes them a good fit for this specific situation:

• Their process is 100% legal, issued through the state of Utah, and recognised in all 50 states.
• Both parties can join remotely via video, so no facility transfer is required.
• Their support team is available 7 days a week and is experienced with complex circumstances.
• Ceremonies can be scheduled to work around a facility’s approved video call windows.
• Pricing starts at $299, making it one of the most affordable legal options available.
• Rush orders are available for couples who need to move quickly.

For anyone navigating the process of marrying a prisoner, having a team that has done this before is genuinely worthwhile.

The bottom line

Getting married to someone who is incarcerated is a legal right, not a privilege. The process takes patience,  primarily in waiting for facility approval, but it is straightforward once you know the steps.

If an online ceremony fits your situation, confirm your partner’s facility allows video access, start the approval process early, and choose a service experienced with this specific circumstance. The legal framework already exists to make your marriage valid in every US state.

FAQs

Does my incarcerated partner need to physically leave the prison for an online wedding?

No. Your partner participates via video call from inside the facility with an online service. They do not need to be transported or released as long as the prison allows video access for the ceremony.

Is the marriage certificate from an online wedding legally valid?

Yes. Distant Weddings issues a Utah state marriage certificate, which is legally recognised in all 50 US states. The fact that one partner is incarcerated does not affect the certificate’s legal standing.

How long does the whole process take?

The online application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. The main variable is how long the prison takes to approve the marriage. Once that’s in place, Distant Weddings can typically schedule your ceremony within 3 to 7 days or the same day with a rush order.

What kind of ID does an incarcerated partner need?

Most facilities issue inmate identification cards. Whether these meet the ID requirements for the marriage application varies. 

Can I get married online to a prisoner if I live outside the US?

Yes. Distant Weddings serves international couples with no residency restrictions. If you want your certificate to be recognized in another country, you can get an Apostille stamp for an extra fee. This stamp makes the certificate valid in any country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.