Can You Get Married Virtually?
A virtual wedding is a lot different than a traditional wedding. But choosing to host a virtual wedding can be special in its own unique way. Even if your favorite people aren't able to be there in person, they can still be part of your wedding day. But what exactly goes into planning a virtual wedding? Does your state allow virtual weddings? And how much will a virtual wedding cost you? Let's talk about the ins and outs of virtual wedding planning!
What is a virtual wedding?
A virtual wedding is exactly what it sounds like, a ceremony where guests or an officiant participate virtually. Nowadays, with the help of technology, weddings can be planned, hosted, and celebrated entirely online. But why opt for a virtual wedding in the first place?
Having a virtual wedding allows you to share your special day with family and friends that can't attend in person, no matter the reason. Additionally, you can get married from the comfort of your own home without worrying about the logistics or financial stress of a traditional wedding. For these reasons and more, virtual elopements are becoming more popular due to their ease and affordability, allowing couples to put their own unique spin on their special day!
Are virtual weddings legal?
The good news is that a handful of states allow fully virtual weddings, with the officiant also being virtually present. However, some do not and require you to physically fill out and sign your marriage license. Nonetheless, your virtual wedding is still legal if you obtain a marriage license before or after the ceremony. If you decide to elope, you can still invite all your friends and family and have only your officiant and other wedding vendors present.
States that allow virtual weddings
Listed below is the latest information on where you can file for an online marriage license or perform a fully virtual marriage ceremony. Legislation regarding virtual weddings is subject to change, so be sure to do your own research on the laws in your state and county before jumping into the planning process.
Alabama
Can apply for a marriage license online. No officiant is needed.
Arizona
Can apply for a marriage license online if you're an Arizona resident. Virtual marriage ceremonies can only be conducted through the court system in Pima county, but may not be available everywhere in the state.
California
Can apply for a marriage license online in select counties at the discretion of the County Clerk’s Office. Virtual ceremonies are also available in some counties, at their discretion. These services will remain available until January 1, 2024.
Colorado
Can apply for a marriage license online via video conference provided you and your partner are in the same room, at the same time, and in the state of Colorado for the appointment. These services will remain available until December 31, 2023.
Michigan
Not all counties in Michigan offer virtual marriage licenses. Couples in Washtenaw County can schedule a live video appointment to apply for a marriage license online. Check with your county clerk for the most updated information.
New York
Can obtain a marriage license remotely via online video conference.
Ohio
Can apply for a marriage license online in some counties, but not all. Some counties require couples to have 'verifiable medical concerns that make them unable to appear in person prior to scheduling a video conference. Check with your county clerk for the most updated information.
Oregon
Can apply for a license online and get their document by mail.
Pennsylvania
Some counties in Pennsylvania offer video conference appointments for marriage license applicants.
Tennessee
Can apply for a marriage license online before picking it up in person.
Texas
Can apply for a marriage license online only in counties where a county clerk has been certified by the Texas Judicial Council. In other counties, you can begin the application process online but will need to complete the process in person. Contact your county clerk directly to inquire about their certification status.
Utah
Can apply for, sign, and record their marriage license online. An officiant, the couple, and two adult witnesses must attend the ceremony (all can attend virtually from different locations) in real time at a physical location within the state.
Wisconsin
Couples living in Dane County can apply for a marriage license through a Zoom call scheduled through the Clerk’s office. Not all counties in Wisconsin offer video appointments. Contact your local clerk's office for the most updated information.
How to plan a virtual wedding
If you’re ready to start planning your virtual wedding, but you're unsure where to begin, I've put together a simple ten-step guide to help you get the ball rolling:
Check your local county and state laws in regards to virtual weddings and if they allow them.
If you live in a state where a fully virtual wedding is allowed, decide if your wedding will be completely virtual or if you’d like a traditional wedding live streamed.
Find an officiant willing and able to perform your virtual or in-person ceremony.
Set a date and time for your virtual wedding.
Invite your virtual guests either by email, social media or send paper invites. If you choose to set up a gift registry, this is when you send it out!
Hire any additional vendors that you’d like to be a part of your wedding day.
Hire an elopement photographer and/or videographer to capture the best moments from your special day.
Apply for and obtain your marriage license.
Test your internet connection and the streaming capabilities of the platform that you will be using to live stream your ceremony. Rehearse to nail your blocking so that your virtual guests can enjoy an unobscured view of your ceremony!
Enjoy your virtual ceremony and have fun! You did it!
How much does a virtual wedding cost?
How much a virtual wedding costs depends on how involved you and partner want to be in the process. This price can easily go up or down depending on the number of guests, if you choose to invite your guests to attend your ceremony in person, if you want to hold a reception after your ceremony, the type of platform used to host your virtual ceremony, and any additional vendors or services you may need, such as a photographer or caterer.
Investing in a professional wedding planner can take the stress out of coordinating multiple vendors and activities, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day. In lieu of or in addition to a wedding planner, premium live streaming services offer packages that include an officiant and technical support to make sure your virtual wedding ceremony runs smoothly.
But if you’re eloping and only inviting a handful of people to your virtual wedding, you can avoid these expenses altogether. The process can be as simple as sending your guests a Zoom link when the ceremony starts! Easy peasy and hassle-free!
Best platforms to host your virtual wedding
You have no shortage of options when it comes to broadcasting your wedding day. Some live streaming platforms offer everything from planning to technical support and even their own team of officiants. While on the pricier side, if you want something refined and reliable with tech assistance on hand to mute that one family member who has a hard time navigating technology, these platforms may be worth looking at.
On the other end, you have social media and communication apps like Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. While not as sophisticated as professional live streaming services, most are free and easy to use, especially if you have someone on standby during your ceremony to help with any technical difficulties.
I've rounded up some of my favorite live streaming platforms for hosting your virtual wedding below!
1. LoveStream
Designed specifically for virtual weddings, LoveStream is a live streaming platform with everything you need to host a flawless virtual elopement. Enjoy easy streaming access for all your guests, easy setup, multiple camera angles, along with lots of extras to make your elopement a breeze. If you're looking to invest in a high-quality virtual elopement experience for your guests, look no further than LoveStream!
2. Lovecast
If you’re looking for a wedding streaming service similar to LoveStream but don’t require all the bells and whistles that come with it, Lovecast is the perfect happy medium! Lovecast is a wedding live stream mobile app that alerts guests when it's time to tune in and celebrate. It also allows unlimited guests to view your ceremony live stream (no app download required), with a live chat so your guests can send you all of their love, and in crisp 1080 HD so your loved ones can appreciate just how stunning you and your partner look on your special day.
3. Zoom
While it wasn't made with the explicit purpose of broadcast weddings, Zoom is still a great option for people looking for a simple, accessible, and (mostly) free video hosting solution for their elopement. Simply create a meeting and share the link with your guests. Their free plan allows up to 100 participants, but calls cannot exceed 40 minutes, so I recommend upgrading to their Pro plan to avoid feeling rushed at the altar.
4. Facebook Live
Finally, if you'd rather live stream without asking your guests to call in or download software, Facebook Live offers real-time event streaming with unlimited participants and 8 hours of uninterrupted streaming, allowing you to broadcast everything from your vows to your last dance of the evening. Guests only need to keep their Facebook tab open to engage with you!
Ready to plan your virtual wedding?
Hopefully, this guide provided you with some valuable information and ideas for planning the elopement of your dreams, virtual or otherwise. Your elopement day can still be a breathtaking experience even if you choose to elope virtually. I’d love to tell your wedding day story with stunning photography that you'll treasure for a lifetime. Ready to tie the knot? Reach out to me today, and let's start planning your virtual wedding day!