Getting married was always part of our plan — we just didn’t expect to do it from different time zones.
When you’re in a relationship separated by distance, especially with military deployment, everything online wedding gets more complicated. Paperwork, travel restrictions, planning — even picking a date can feel impossible.
We wanted to start our life together. But a traditional wedding just wasn’t realistic.
Then we found out we could say “I do” over Zoom — for real.
At first, we thought it was only symbolic. But after researching, we learned that states like Utah allow fully virtual marriages — with a licensed officiant and official paperwork — and they’re recognized across the U.S..
We decided to go for it.
Here’s how it worked for us:
- We submitted our documents and filled out a quick form.
- We reserved our wedding time with an officiant who was licensed for online ceremonies.
- We invited our closest friends and family to join via Zoom.
- And when the day came, we joined the call, said our vows, and just like that — we were married.
I said “I do” from my apartment. My fiancé said it from their temporary station.
It was real. It was stress-free. And it was ours.
The officiant guided us through everything. The ceremony was short but meaningful. And we received our legal marriage certificate right after — no courthouse, no plane tickets, no headaches.
Since then, we’ve used our online marriage to handle insurance updates, and every agency has recognized it — no issues at all.
If you’re dealing with distance, don’t wait. Online marriage is recognized, and it’s a modern way to start your future — even if you’re not in the same place.
We’re proof that marriage can happen anywhere — and that what matters most is the vows.