Distant Weddings

2024 Wedding trends

How to Get Married Online in Arkansas (Complete 2026 Guide)

If you’re hoping for a fast, easy, and stress-free way to get legally married in Arkansas, an online wedding ceremony may be the perfect solution. Traditional weddings often involve travel to the county clerk’s office, scheduling appointments, and working around tight timelines.

With an online marriage, couples can skip the hassle and complete the entire process from home — legally, quickly, and without in-person steps.

This guide explains everything Arkansas couples need to know about getting married online, including legality, requirements, and how Distant Weddings streamlines the experience.

What Does “Getting Married Online” Mean in Arkansas?

Arkansas still requires in-person steps for a traditional marriage — such as applying for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s office and having an in-person ceremony with witnesses.

However, Arkansas residents can legally marry online using Utah’s fully digital marriage license and virtual ceremony system. Utah’s online marriage platform is recognized nationwide, making it possible for Arkansas couples to complete every step remotely.

As long as a marriage is legally performed in another U.S. state, Arkansas honors it — provided it follows federal and state laws.

This is the foundation that makes online marriage possible for Arkansans.

Are Online Marriages Legal for Arkansas Residents?

Yes, absolutely.

Here’s why:

Utah’s Fully Online Marriage Platform

In 2019, Utah County launched the first complete digital marriage system in the U.S. It allows couples to:

  • Apply for a marriage license online

  • Hold their ceremony via video

  • Have all documents filed electronically

  • Receive an official U.S. marriage certificate

You do not need to live in Utah to use this system — anyone can.

Valid Across All 50 States

Once a marriage is legally completed in Utah, it is recognized nationwide — including Arkansas.

This is the legal basis behind Distant Weddings.

Traditional Arkansas Marriage Requirements (In Person)

If you choose to get married traditionally in Arkansas, here’s what the process usually requires:

Required Identification

Both partners must appear in person and provide valid ID such as:

  • Driver’s license
  • State-issued ID
  • Passport
  • Military ID

(Some counties may request additional documents.)

Additional Information Needed

You will typically need to provide:

  • Legal name, date of birth, and birthplace
  • Parents’ names and birthplaces
  • Information about previous marriages
  • Your intended married name (optional)

License Validity

An Arkansas marriage license is valid for 60 days.

Ceremony Requirements

The marriage ceremony must take place in Arkansas, with the officiant and any required witnesses physically present.

County Differences

Fees, office hours, and procedures differ from county to county.

Because of this, many couples choose a faster, completely online option instead.

Online Marriage License vs. Online Marriage Ceremony

Here’s the distinction:

Online Marriage License

Some states let you apply for a license online, but still require:

✔ A ceremony in person
✔ Travel to the state
✔ Standard in-person requirements

Online Marriage Ceremony (Distant Weddings)

With a full online marriage:

✔ Digital license
✔ Virtual ceremony
✔ Remote officiant
✔ No travel required
✔ Valid U.S. marriage certificate provided

This is the simplest option for Arkansas couples seeking a completely remote process.

Why Arkansas Couples Choose Online Marriage

Feature

Traditional Arkansas Marriage

Online Marriage With Distant Weddings

Apply for license online

❌ No

✅ 100% online

In-person visit required

✅ Yes

❌ None

Ceremony location

Must be in Arkansas

Anywhere with internet

Witnesses required

Yes

We can provide them

Speed

Days–weeks

24–48 hours

Paperwork

Manual

Fully digital

Valid in Arkansas

Yes

Yes, nationwide

How to Get Married Online in Arkansas With Distant Weddings

Distant Weddings uses Utah’s official digital marriage process to offer Arkansas couples a fast, legally valid online wedding experience.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Create Your Distant Weddings Account

Sign up — it only takes a moment.
Once your account is active, you can begin the process immediately.

2. Choose Your Ceremony Style & Date

Pick the ceremony vibe you prefer: simple, symbolic, religious, or modern.
We’ll match you with a licensed U.S. officiant based on your preferred date and time.

3. Complete Secure Digital ID Verification

Your marriage license is processed through Utah’s secure online verification system.

✔ No paperwork
✔ No county visits
✔ No complicated forms

4. Attend Your Online Wedding Ceremony

Log in from any device — mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.
The ceremony usually takes about 15 minutes, and friends and family can join virtually.

5. Receive Your Official U.S. Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, you will receive:

  • A digital copy of your marriage certificate

  • A physical copy delivered by mail in 1–2 weeks

Your certificate is accepted across the entire United States.

Using Your Marriage Certificate Internationally (Apostille)

If one or both partners live outside the U.S., or if you plan to use your marriage certificate overseas, you may need an Apostille.
Distant Weddings provides step-by-step guidance to help you complete this requirement easily.

FAQs About Getting Married Online in Arkansas

Is an online marriage legal for Arkansas residents?
Yes. Arkansas recognizes marriages legally performed in any U.S. state, including Utah’s fully online marriage system.

Do we need to be physically in Arkansas during the ceremony?
No. You can be anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

Do we need witnesses?
If witnesses are required, Distant Weddings can provide them for you.

How fast is the process?
Most couples complete everything within 24–48 hours.

Is an online marriage valid for immigration purposes?
Yes. Immigration cases often require an Apostille, and Distant Weddings can guide you through that process.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Get Married Online in Arkansas

For couples seeking a simple, fast, and fully legal way to get married without courthouse visits or travel, Distant Weddings offers the easiest solution.
You can complete every step — the application, ceremony, and official paperwork — entirely online.

Focus on your celebration, and let Distant Weddings handle the rest.

Get Married Online

Get married online with Distant Weddings. We’ll guide you step by step through our 3-step process, ensuring the process is simple & easy.