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What Happens at a Utah Virtual Wedding Ceremony: A Complete Walkthrough

Exactly what to expect on your ceremony day — from joining the Zoom call to receiving your “You are now married” pronouncement.

Before the Ceremony: What to Prepare

Once your Utah marriage license has been issued and your ceremony date is confirmed, here is what you need to have ready:

• Device: A laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone
• Internet: A stable connection (wired or strong WiFi — avoid mobile data if possible)
• Zoom: Install the latest version of Zoom ahead of time and test your camera/mic
• Location: Choose a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted
• Your ID: Have your passport nearby — the officiant may verify your identity at the start
• Witnesses: Two witnesses (18+) must also be on the call — they join via their own devices

Step-by-Step: The Ceremony Itself

1. Joining the Call

You will receive a Zoom meeting link before your ceremony. Join 5–10 minutes early. Your officiant will be physically located in Utah and will be the host of the call. Your witnesses also join at this time.

2. Identity Verification

The officiant will ask each party to hold their passport or ID up to the camera for visual verification. This is a standard legal requirement to confirm you are who you say you are. The officiant will also confirm the names match the marriage license.

3. Witness Confirmation

The officiant will confirm the identities and ages of your two witnesses. Both witnesses must state that they are 18 years of age or older and that they understand they are witnessing a legal marriage ceremony.

4. Opening Declaration

The officiant opens the ceremony with a brief statement identifying the date, the parties, and that this is a legal marriage ceremony being conducted under the laws of the State of Utah.

5. The Declaration of Intent — Required by Utah Law

This is the most important part of the ceremony under Utah Code § 30-1-4.5 (updated May 2024). Each party must verbally declare their intent to marry, freely and without coercion. The officiant will ask each of you, individually:

“Do you, [Name], take [Partner’s Name] to be your lawfully wedded [spouse], and do you willingly and freely enter into this marriage?”

You respond with: “I do” or a similar affirmation.

6. Optional Vows

While not legally required beyond the declaration of intent, many couples choose to exchange personal vows at this point. You may read from a card, speak from memory, or keep it simple. Your officiant can guide you if you wish to include additional vows.

7. Ring Exchange (Optional)

If you have rings and wish to exchange them during the ceremony, you may do so. Simply hold your ring up to the camera as you place it — a meaningful gesture even through a screen.

8. Pronouncement

The officiant formally pronounces you married: “By the authority vested in me by the State of Utah, I now pronounce you married.” At this moment, you are legally husband and wife (or spouses) under Utah law and, by extension, under Philippine law through Article 26(1).

9. Signing the Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, the marriage certificate is executed. In Utah’s online system, this is handled electronically or by the officiant on your behalf, per the county clerk’s established procedures. Both parties and witnesses may be asked to e-sign or confirm.

10. What Happens After

The signed certificate is returned to the Utah county clerk, who issues an official certified copy. This certified copy is then apostilled by the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s office and couriered to your Philippines address.

Tips for a Smooth Ceremony

• Test Zoom the day before. Confirm your camera, microphone, and internet are working properly.
• Brief your witnesses. Tell them what to expect and confirm they will be available and on time.
• Choose a quiet time. Early morning or late evening often has fewer interruptions.
• Dress up if you want to. Many couples dress formally for the call — it feels more special, and you may want a screenshot or recording as a keepsake.
• Account for time zones. Your ceremony is at the scheduled Utah time. Calculate what time that is in your location.
• Relax. The officiant will guide you through every step. There is nothing to memorize.

Can We Record the Ceremony?

Yes — we encourage it. A recording of your ceremony can serve as a personal keepsake and, in some cases, as additional evidence of the marriage. Inform all participants before recording, as courtesy requires.