Love is love – and the law recognizes it. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision Obergefell v. Hodges affirmed that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry. Every state now licenses and recognizes gay and lesbian marriages just as it does opposite-sex unions. This nationwide marriage-equality ruling means couples enjoy all the legal rights of marriage – from tax benefits to hospital visitation, adoption rights, and more. U.S. immigration policy also treats valid same-sex marriages the same way as any other, so citizens and green-card holders can sponsor their spouses without discrimination.
Despite these advances, many LGBTQ+ couples still face practical hurdles. Some live or work abroad in countries that don’t allow gay marriage, creating long-distance challenges just to wed. Others worry about immigration paperwork or whether a foreign government will honor their marriage certificate. Many couples have also felt excluded or misunderstood by traditional wedding systems. Even within the U.S., busy courthouses or officiants unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ weddings can make marriage feel intimidating rather than joyful.
The good news is that new online options are changing the game. Utah has pioneered a fully digital marriage process that is open to everyone. Couples can apply for a Utah marriage license online without U.S. residency or citizenship requirements. Once the digital license is issued, a licensed officiant can perform a live video ceremony, with witnesses and guests joining from anywhere in the world. This online process is convenient, secure, and fully legal, providing couples with a certificate that is recognized nationwide.
How Get Vowed works for you:
We leverage Utah’s fully legal online marriage system to guide LGBTQ+ couples every step of the way. With Get Vowed, you can:
- Apply for your license online: Complete the Utah marriage license application from anywhere in the world.
- Plan a virtual ceremony: Connect with a licensed officiant who will host your wedding live via video, including witnesses and guests.
- Receive your marriage certificate: After the ceremony, receive a certified copy of your license that is fully legal in the U.S.
The result is a fully legal U.S. marriage, from the comfort and safety of your home. No long drives, no unfamiliar ceremonies, and no questions about whether your union is valid – it is, by Utah and U.S. federal law. Today, Get Vowed makes it possible for LGBTQ+ couples everywhere to marry with ease, safety, and recognition.
Start your journey today. You deserve a wedding process that is simple, supportive, and affirming. With Get Vowed, love is recognized and celebrated on your terms. Take the first step now – apply for your marriage license online and say “I do” to your future together.
--
Sources:
U.S. Supreme Court, Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015): https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2015/06/26/obergefellhodgesopinion.pdf
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Same-Sex Marriage and Immigration Rights: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2
Utah County Clerk’s Office – Online Marriage Licenses and Virtual Ceremonies: https://www.utahcounty.gov/dept/clerk/marriage/marriagelicense.html
Government of Utah – Official Press Release on Digital Marriage System: https://www.utahcounty.gov/news/177/utah-county-clerk%E2%80%99s-office-receives-national-award-for-online-marriage-licenses
Academic and news coverage on virtual weddings for LGBTQ+ couples: https://www.wsj.com/articles/same-sex-couples-from-china-say-i-do-in-utah-over-zoom-11665496079
Despite these advances, many LGBTQ+ couples still face practical hurdles. Some live or work abroad in countries that don’t allow gay marriage, creating long-distance challenges just to wed. Others worry about immigration paperwork or whether a foreign government will honor their marriage certificate. Many couples have also felt excluded or misunderstood by traditional wedding systems. Even within the U.S., busy courthouses or officiants unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ weddings can make marriage feel intimidating rather than joyful.
The good news is that new online options are changing the game. Utah has pioneered a fully digital marriage process that is open to everyone. Couples can apply for a Utah marriage license online without U.S. residency or citizenship requirements. Once the digital license is issued, a licensed officiant can perform a live video ceremony, with witnesses and guests joining from anywhere in the world. This online process is convenient, secure, and fully legal, providing couples with a certificate that is recognized nationwide.
How Get Vowed works for you:
We leverage Utah’s fully legal online marriage system to guide LGBTQ+ couples every step of the way. With Get Vowed, you can:
- Apply for your license online: Complete the Utah marriage license application from anywhere in the world.
- Plan a virtual ceremony: Connect with a licensed officiant who will host your wedding live via video, including witnesses and guests.
- Receive your marriage certificate: After the ceremony, receive a certified copy of your license that is fully legal in the U.S.
The result is a fully legal U.S. marriage, from the comfort and safety of your home. No long drives, no unfamiliar ceremonies, and no questions about whether your union is valid – it is, by Utah and U.S. federal law. Today, Get Vowed makes it possible for LGBTQ+ couples everywhere to marry with ease, safety, and recognition.
Start your journey today. You deserve a wedding process that is simple, supportive, and affirming. With Get Vowed, love is recognized and celebrated on your terms. Take the first step now – apply for your marriage license online and say “I do” to your future together.
--
Sources:
U.S. Supreme Court, Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015): https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2015/06/26/obergefellhodgesopinion.pdf
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Same-Sex Marriage and Immigration Rights: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2
Utah County Clerk’s Office – Online Marriage Licenses and Virtual Ceremonies: https://www.utahcounty.gov/dept/clerk/marriage/marriagelicense.html
Government of Utah – Official Press Release on Digital Marriage System: https://www.utahcounty.gov/news/177/utah-county-clerk%E2%80%99s-office-receives-national-award-for-online-marriage-licenses
Academic and news coverage on virtual weddings for LGBTQ+ couples: https://www.wsj.com/articles/same-sex-couples-from-china-say-i-do-in-utah-over-zoom-11665496079