Online dating has been a thing since the 90s, but has gained more traction since the world became more digital in more ways than one. Today, about 30% of people in the US have tried using dating websites and apps. What started as a way to meet new people has now become a normal part of everyday life. With the jumps in technology, it’s no longer just about dating; people can even get married online nowadays.
Get married anywhere, anytime
Virtual ceremonies are possible via different websites, such as Courtly. Available 24/7, the site offers services from obtaining a marriage license to the ceremony itself. It also allows couples to get married, regardless of sexuality or race. The basic wedding package offers a live online ceremony led by a licensed officiant, complete with a video recording and an official US marriage certificate. However, it can only offer a US marriage certificate, which means that those living outside the country may still need to get married legally according to the terms of the country they reside in.
VirtualMarriage is another website that offers, just as its name suggests, virtual ceremonies online. The ceremony is also legal and recognized in the US. Unlike Courtly, the user has the option to do all the government paperwork that comes before and after the marriage. In short, the app only helps with the actual ceremony. Funnily enough, this app also offers divorce processing services online if you get married through its services.
If couples aren’t ready for the real deal, there are online websites that offer non-legal weddings like WEDonWEB. The site offers free wedding services, though only for entertainment purposes. It even offers a divorce page that allows couples to “nullify” or delete their virtual marriage through the site. While most may argue that it serves no purpose, couples can use this as a sort of practice ground for the real deal. Of course, pranksters and netizens often use them for social media, puns, and just long-distance antics between friends and couples.
Legal basis and limitations
Planning a wedding ceremony is not only stressful mentally and physically, but it’s also financially taxing. Online weddings cut costs and resources, offering flexibility and hassle-free ceremonies for couples and guests. Others opt for online marriages because there is no better alternative offered to them at the moment. For instance, LGBTQIA+ couples can celebrate unions that are otherwise not allowed in their respective countries, religion, or culture. However, due to the nature of the process being done virtually, others may question its validity and legality. Whether an online marriage is legal and valid depends entirely on the jurisdiction. While legally recognized in a few specific locations abroad, online or virtual marriages are not recognized as valid and binding in some countries unless the requirements are met.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken by Bob Oh.
Sources: Amber Brooks (Dating News) / Monica Anderson, Emily A. Vogels and Erica Turner (Pew Research Center) / Respicio and Co.
