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Montana flag – how to get married online in Montana guide

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

If you’re hoping for a quick, convenient, and stress-free way to get legally married in Montana, an online wedding ceremony might be the perfect solution. Traditional weddings often require travel, clerk appointments, scheduling conflicts, and plenty of paperwork.
With an online marriage, you can skip all of that — and complete the entire process from home, legally and efficiently.

This guide explains everything you need to know about getting married online as a Montana resident, including legality, requirements, and how Distant Weddings makes the process incredibly simple.

What Does “Getting Married Online” Mean in Montana?

Montana’s marriage process typically requires in-person steps — including appearing at a county clerk’s office for licensing and holding a physical ceremony with witnesses.
However, Montana residents can legally marry online using Utah’s fully digital marriage license system, which is recognized nationwide.

Any marriage legally performed in another U.S. state is automatically valid in Montana, as long as it meets federal and state rules.
That legal recognition is what allows online marriage for Montana couples.

Are Online Marriages Legal for Montana Residents?

Yes — here’s the reason why.

A Modern Digital Marriage System

Utah County created the country’s first fully online marriage platform in 2019. Through this system, couples can:

  • Apply for a marriage license online
  • Hold an online ceremony
  • Have their officiant file everything electronically
  • Receive an official U.S. marriage certificate

No one needs to be a Utah resident to use the system.

Nationwide Recognition

All 50 states — including Montana — recognize marriages legally completed in Utah.
This is the legal backbone that Distant Weddings uses to offer valid online ceremonies.

Traditional Montana Marriage Requirements (In-Person)

If you decide to marry the conventional way in Montana, here’s what you’ll usually need:

ID Requirements

Both partners must appear in person and show one of the following:

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport
  • Military ID
    (Some counties may request a birth certificate.)

Additional Information Needed

  • Legal name, date of birth, birthplace
  • Parents’ names and birthplaces
  • Details on previous marriages or divorces
  • Optional post-marriage name choice

License Validity

A Montana marriage license is generally valid for 180 days once issued.

Witness & Location Requirements

Montana ceremonies must be conducted in person with an officiant and at least one witness present.

County Variations

Fees, appointment availability, and required documents can differ by county.
Because of this, many couples opt for an online wedding instead — which tends to be much faster and easier.

Online Marriage License vs. Full Online Marriage: What’s the Difference?

Online Marriage License

Some states let you apply for your license online, but still require:
✔ In-state ceremony
✔ Physical presence
✔ Standard in-person rules

Full Online Marriage (What Distant Weddings Offers)

With an online ceremony through Distant Weddings:
✔ License issued digitally
✔ Ceremony performed online
✔ Officiant joins virtually
✔ No in-person requirements
✔ Valid U.S. marriage certificate provided

This is the most convenient option for Montana couples who prefer a completely remote process.

Why Montana Couples Choose Online Marriage

Comparison Table

Feature

Traditional Montana Marriage

Online Marriage With Distant Weddings

Apply for license online

❌ Usually no

✅ Yes

In-person visit required

✅ Yes

❌ No

Ceremony location

Must be in Montana

Anywhere with internet

Witnesses required

Yes

Provided if needed

Processing speed

Days–weeks

Often 24–48 hours

Paperwork

Mostly manual

Fully digital

Valid in Montana

Yes

Yes, nationwide recognition

How to Get Married Online in Montana With Distant Weddings

Distant Weddings uses Utah County’s official digital marriage system to provide Montana couples with a fast, fully legal online wedding experience.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Create Your Distant Weddings Account

Sign up — it only takes a minute. Once your account is set up, you can begin right away.

2. Choose Your Ceremony Style & Date

Pick the type of ceremony you want: simple, spiritual, religious, romantic, or modern.
We automatically connect you with a licensed U.S. officiant who matches your chosen date and time.

3. Complete Secure ID Verification

We handle the licensing using secure digital identity checks.
No paperwork.
No clerk visits.
No lengthy forms.

4. Attend Your Online Ceremony

Join from your laptop, phone, or tablet.
Most ceremonies last around 10–15 minutes.
Family and friends can join virtually to celebrate with you.

5. Receive Your Legal U.S. Marriage Certificate

You’ll get:

  • Instant digital copy of your marriage certificate
  • A printed certificate mailed to you within 1–2 weeks

Your certificate is valid in Montana and everywhere else in the United States.

International Use: Getting an Apostille for Your Marriage Certificate

If either partner lives abroad — or if you plan to use your marriage certificate in another country — you may need an Apostille. This certifies your U.S. marriage for international use.
Distant Weddings provides guidance to make this process simple.

FAQs About Getting Married Online in Montana

Is an online marriage legal for Montana residents?

Yes. Montana recognizes marriages legally performed in any U.S. state — including fully online marriages from Utah.

Do we need to be physically in Montana during the ceremony?

No. You can be anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access.

Do we need witnesses?

If witnesses are required, Distant Weddings can provide them for you.

How fast can we complete everything?

Most couples finish the process within 24–48 hours.

Is an online marriage valid for immigration?

Yes. Immigration cases may require an Apostille, and we can guide you through that step.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Get Married Online in Montana

If you want a fast, simple, and convenient way to get married legally, Distant Weddings is the easiest option available. You can complete the entire process — from application to ceremony to certificate — entirely online without visiting any Montana county office.

Skip the stress and focus on what matters most: celebrating your relationship.

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.