Planning a Destination Wedding? Here’s Why You Should Get Married Online First
Dreaming of tying the knot on a beach in Mexico, beneath the Eiffel Tower, or in a vineyard in Tuscany? Destination weddings are romantic, unforgettable, and uniquely you—but they can also be a legal nightmare.
Hey, I’m one of the people behind Virtual Same Day Marriage, and I’ve helped thousands of couples legally get married online before heading off to their destination ceremony. Trust me—if you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll want to get your legal marriage certificate squared away in advance.
Here’s why.
The Legal Catch With Destination Weddings
Many couples assume that having a wedding in another country means they’re automatically married. But here’s the kicker:
Some countries don’t recognize marriages unless you’ve been in the country for a certain number of days
Others require paperwork translated, apostilled, or notarized
A few won’t recognize your ceremony unless it’s done by a government official
And most foreign marriages take months to be filed and recognized back home
That’s where we come in. At Virtual Same Day Marriage, we help couples legally get married online before their destination wedding—so when you’re sipping champagne oceanside, you can relax knowing you’re already legally married.
Why Couples Choose Virtual Same Day Marriage for Destination Weddings
We’ve worked with couples traveling to Mexico, Italy, Jamaica, France, Thailand, and dozens more. Whether you’re having a symbolic wedding abroad or something extravagant, getting married online first ensures your marriage is recognized back in the U.S. immediately.
Here’s what makes our service the go-to for destination wedding couples:
No courthouse visit – Get legally married from anywhere via Zoom
US-based marriage certificate – Valid in all 50 states and eligible for apostille if needed abroad
Works with immigration, name changes, and legal benefits
Same-day ceremonies available
Easy certified translations for international destinations
Privacy, speed, and full legal recognition
Here’s How It Works for Destination Wedding Couples
✅ Step 1: Submit Your Info
We collect your IDs and key details through a secure form.
✅ Step 2: We Handle the License
We issue your marriage license through Utah’s online marriage system—fully legal, 100% remote.
✅ Step 3: Get Married via Zoom
One of our authorized officiants performs your ceremony in a quick, heartfelt virtual session.
✅ Step 4: Receive Your Marriage Certificate
You’ll get a digital copy fast, and the official hard copy by mail. It’s legally recognized throughout the U.S. and abroad (especially with an apostille).
Is an Online Marriage Valid for a Destination Wedding?
Yes—absolutely. Here’s how it works:
You get legally married online via our service (recognized in all 50 states)
Your destination ceremony becomes symbolic or spiritual, while your real marriage is already on the books
You can use your U.S. marriage certificate for taxes, immigration, name changes, and more
We provide apostille services and certified translations for countries that need them
No headaches. No delays. No legal gray areas when you get home.
FAQs: Getting Married Online for a Destination Wedding
1. Can I legally get married online before my destination wedding?
Yes! In fact, it’s highly recommended. You’ll receive a valid U.S. marriage certificate, so you won’t have to deal with foreign bureaucracy.
2. Will this count as our “real” marriage?
Yes. Your Zoom ceremony and official certificate make you legally married. Your destination ceremony is symbolic or ceremonial.
3. Is this recognized in other countries?
Yes. Most countries recognize U.S. marriage certificates, especially if you order an apostille for international use.
4. Can we still change our names with this?
Absolutely. Your Utah-issued certificate works for name changes—just use our U.S. Name Change Kit.
5. Will this help with immigration after our destination wedding?
Yes. Your certificate can be used for I-130 petitions and adjustment of status—perfect for international couples marrying abroad.
Destination Wedding? Get Legally Married Online First
There’s nothing worse than coming home from your big wedding only to realize… you’re not technically married.
Virtual Same Day Marriage helps you lock in your legal marriage before your destination ceremony—so all you need to worry about is sunscreen and champagne.
📅 Ready to get married today? Book your online ceremony now
📞 Still have questions? Contact our friendly team — we’re here to help.