From your first question to “I do”
A live video ceremony, clear steps and help getting ready.
You can join together or from different locations. Here’s how the license, your ceremony and the documents afterward fit into your plans.
See what you’ll need ↓Still exploring? You don’t need to create an account to read this guide.
Start with the essentials
Before choosing a date, check what you need to apply for a license and join the video call. Also check that your marriage certificate will be accepted where you plan to use it.
Using your certificate in another country, for immigration or for military paperwork? Ask the office handling your paperwork what it needs before you book.
See if you qualify ↗Start with the basic requirements. If you’re unsure about your situation, ask our team.
Your preparation checklist
Check off items as you get ready. Nothing is sent to us, and checking a box does not confirm that you qualify.
Your online marriage, step by step
Our ceremonies take place live by video. Your marriage license is issued by the government office handling your application. An officiant, the person authorized to perform your marriage, leads the live ceremony with you, your partner and your witnesses.
Choose your document support
Choose the ceremony package on its own, or include apostille authentication for your marriage certificate. If you’ll use your certificate in another country, check which documents are required.
Before you book, tell us about your preferred date, where you’ll each be joining from, and any language or accessibility needs.
Compare ceremony options ↗Get your license ready
Follow the instructions in your portal to complete the marriage license application. Enter each partner’s information, confirm your identities and pay the license fee. You can each complete your part from a different location.
Save your license details and follow the instructions for sharing them with your officiant. Check when the license expires so you can hold the ceremony before that date.
Meet live
You, your partner, an officiant and two adult witnesses join the video call. You can be in the same room or different locations.
Choose a quiet place where you can see and hear clearly. Test your connection and confirm the appointment time in everyone’s time zone. Have your photo ID ready as instructed.
Your officiant guides you through the live ceremony. Ask the team how guests can join.
After the ceremony
Your officiant submits the marriage paperwork to the clerk’s office. Follow the instructions for getting your official marriage certificate, and check how it will be delivered.
Using your certificate in another country? Ask the office that will receive it whether you need an apostille, another type of official verification or a translation.
Learn about apostilles and other document checks ↗Two documents. Different jobs.
People often mix up these terms. Here’s what each one means.
Gives you permission to marry before the license expires. Apply and complete the required checks before your ceremony.
Provides an official record of your marriage after the ceremony and paperwork are complete. Ask the office receiving it which type of certified copy and extra checks it needs.
Planning around a date?
Your ceremony date and the day you have every document in hand may be different.
Ask about your intended date ↗| Step | What to plan around |
|---|---|
| License approval | Time to check your ID, including any review by a staff member. Check when the license will expire before deciding when to apply. |
| Live ceremony | Available appointments, witnesses and the time zones of everyone joining. |
| Certificate | Time to record the marriage, prepare the certificate you need and deliver it. |
| Extra document checks | Any apostille or other verification required by the office receiving your certificate. Allow extra time for processing and shipping. |
Have a move, deployment or travel date?
Tell the team what you need by that date: the ceremony, your certificate or any extra document checks. Booking a ceremony does not guarantee that your documents will arrive by the same date.
Before you choose
Know what to expect before choosing a date or package.
You can join from different locations if you meet the requirements. Check the rules where you live and where you plan to use your certificate before booking. Read our information for international couples.
You do not have to live in the state or be a U.S. citizen to apply through this process. You still need to meet the marriage and ID requirements. Your officiant must be in the state that issues the license during the video ceremony.
Our ceremony packages start at $399, with the government license fee paid separately. Compare the current packages and prices, including document support and any delivery charges, before booking.
Two adult witnesses join the ceremony to see and hear you get married. Our current packages include witnesses if you need them. Let us know ahead of time. If you bring your own, share the joining instructions with them.
The answer depends on where you’ll use your certificate and what you need it for. Some countries may not accept a marriage performed by video. Before booking, check with the office that will receive your certificate or a qualified legal adviser. An apostille does not guarantee acceptance.
Yes. You can keep the legal ceremony intimate and plan a larger celebration separately. Allow enough time for your ceremony and any documents you need.
Ready for your next step?
Compare ceremony lengths, what’s included and help with documents before you book.
More guidance for your plans
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