How to Get Married Online in North Dakota (Complete 2026 Guide)

If you’re searching for a quick, convenient, and legally recognized way to get married in North Dakota, an online wedding could be the perfect solution. Traditional ceremonies often require travel, county appointments, long paperwork, and a host of other steps that can take weeks to complete.

With an online marriage, you can skip the hassle and finalize everything from the comfort of home — quickly, safely, and legally.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married online in North Dakota, including legal considerations, requirements, and how Distant Weddings makes the process effortless.

What Does “Getting Married Online” Mean for North Dakota Couples?

Standard marriages in North Dakota usually involve in-person steps: visiting the Register of Deeds office for a license and holding a ceremony with witnesses present.

However, North Dakota residents can legally marry online using Utah’s fully digital marriage license and virtual ceremony system, which is recognized nationwide.

As long as a marriage is legally performed in another U.S. state, North Dakota law recognizes it, making online weddings a valid and convenient option for ND couples.

Are Online Marriages Legal for North Dakota Residents?

Yes — completely. Here’s why:

Utah’s Digital Marriage Platform

Launched in 2019, Utah County created the nation’s first fully online marriage system. It allows couples to:

• Apply for a marriage license digitally
  
• Conduct the ceremony online
  
• Have the officiant submit documents electronically
  
• Receive an official U.S. marriage certificate

You do not need to live in Utah or appear there in person.

Nationwide Recognition

Marriages legally performed in Utah are recognized in all 50 states, including North Dakota.

This is the legal basis for Distant Weddings’ fully online marriage option.

Traditional North Dakota Marriage Requirements (In-Person)

If you prefer a conventional approach in North Dakota, here’s what’s typically required:

ID Requirements

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

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

(Some counties may require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate.)

Information Needed

Counties usually ask for:

• Legal name, date of birth, and birthplace
  
• Parents’ names and birthplaces
  
• Previous marriage information
  
• Intended post-marriage name (optional)

   

License Validity

A North Dakota marriage license is valid for 60 days.

Witness & Ceremony Rules

• At least one witness is required
  
• The ceremony must be conducted in North Dakota
  
• County fees and appointment rules vary

Because of these requirements, many couples opt for the faster, fully online route instead.

Online Marriage License vs. Online Ceremony (Key Differences)

Online Marriage License

Some states allow couples to apply for a license online but still require:

✔ Physical presence for the ceremony
✔ In-state participation
✔ Traditional documentation

Full Online Marriage Ceremony (Distant Weddings)

With a complete online marriage:

✔ License issued digitally
✔ Ceremony conducted online
✔ Virtual officiant
✔ No travel or in-person visit required
✔ Valid U.S. marriage certificate

This is the simplest and fastest option for North Dakota couples who want a fully remote wedding.

Why North Dakota Couples Choose Online Marriage

Here’s how online marriage compares with a traditional ND ceremony:

How to Get Married Online in North Dakota With Distant Weddings

Distant Weddings uses Utah’s official digital marriage system to provide North Dakota couples a fast, secure, and legally binding online wedding. Here’s how it works:

1. Create Your Distant Weddings Account

Sign up in minutes and start the process immediately.

2. Choose Your Ceremony Style & Date

Pick a ceremony style that suits your vision — simple, symbolic, religious, or modern.

Distant Weddings pairs you with a licensed U.S. officiant based on your preferred date and time.

3. Complete Secure Online ID Verification

We handle your license verification digitally.

✔ No paperwork
✔ No county office visits
✔ No long forms

4. Enjoy Your Online Wedding Ceremony

Log in from any device — smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Ceremonies usually last around 15 minutes, and guests can join virtually if desired.

5. Receive Your Legal U.S. Marriage Certificate

You’ll receive:

• Instant digital copy of your marriage certificate
  
• Printed certificate delivered within 1–2 weeks

Your certificate is valid in all 50 states, including North Dakota.

Using Your Online Marriage Internationally (Apostille)

If one partner lives outside the U.S. or you need your marriage recognized abroad, you may require an Apostille certification. This officially authenticates your marriage for foreign governments.

Distant Weddings provides guidance to make this process simple.

FAQs About Getting Married Online in North Dakota

Is an online marriage legal for North Dakota residents?

Yes. ND recognizes any marriage legally performed in another U.S. state, including Utah’s online system.

Do we need to be physically in North Dakota during the ceremony?

No — you can participate from anywhere in the world with internet access.

Do we need witnesses?

If needed, Distant Weddings can provide witnesses for your ceremony.

How fast can we get married online?

Most couples complete everything within 24–48 hours.

Will the marriage be valid for immigration purposes?

Yes. Couples often need an Apostille for immigration purposes, and Distant Weddings can help with that.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Get Married Online in North Dakota

For couples looking for a fast, simple, and fully legal marriage option, Distant Weddings provides the easiest solution. You can complete your license, ceremony, and certificate entirely online — no county office visits required.

Focus on celebrating your love and leave the paperwork and logistics to us.