How to Get Married Online in Indiana (Step-by-Step Guide)

Indiana offers beautiful wedding venues, from the elegant Indianapolis Central Library and historic French Lick Resort to the scenic Indiana Dunes. For those preferring a natural setting, the rolling hills of Brown County and the vistas of Clifty Falls State Park provide stunning backdrops.

Online weddings are also gaining traction, allowing couples to tie the knot from anywhere. Whether choosing a remote location or a serene virtual setting, this guide helps you navigate the process of planning an online wedding in Indiana, making your special day memorable regardless of location.

In-Person Wedding Requirements in Indiana

Planning an in-person wedding in Indiana involves understanding several key legal requirements to ensure your marriage is recognized by the state. First, both applicants must appear in person at the county clerk's office where they intend to apply for the marriage license. This is crucial, as Indiana law mandates that both parties present identification and complete the application process together.

Indiana residents can obtain a marriage license for a fee of $25, while out-of-state applicants are required to pay $65. Additionally, some counties may charge extra for providing official copies of the marriage certificate. It's advisable to check with your specific county for any additional documentation fees.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. However, individuals aged 16 or 17 can marry with parental consent. If either party is under 16, marriage is generally not permitted unless specific legal exceptions apply.

The license is valid for 60 days, and the marriage must be solemnized within this period. After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the completed license to the issuing office for recording.

How to Apply for a Marriage License Online in Indiana 

Indiana offers a convenient way to apply for a marriage license online, making it easier for couples to manage their wedding plans. This process is particularly useful for those with busy schedules or those who prefer handling documentation from home.

1. Start Online Application: Complete the marriage license application through the Indiana Court Information Technology Extranet (INcite) system. This system is accessible for free and allows you to enter all required details online.
2. Review and Verification: After submitting the online application, both applicants must appear in person at the county clerk's office to finalize the application, verify identities, and pay the applicable fee.
3. Fee Payment: Pay the marriage license fee, which varies by county. This fee is necessary to complete the application process.
4. Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must take place within this period.
5. Post-Ceremony Submission: After the wedding, the officiant must submit the completed marriage license to the issuing county for official recording.
6. For Out-of-State Residents: If you are not a resident of Indiana, you must apply for the marriage license in the Indiana county where the marriage will take place.

Online License vs. Online Marriage

Obtaining an online marriage license and having an online marriage are completely different. An online marriage license is a document that gives couples legal permission to marry. Some states allow this license to be acquired online, which streamlines the process. However, despite obtaining an online marriage license, the actual ceremony must still take place in person.

In contrast, an online marriage, such as those arranged through Courtly, permits the entire process to be completed online. This means both the legal paperwork and the ceremony can be done virtually. This provided a modern and convenient alternative to the traditional in-person wedding.

Courtly: Simplifying the Online Marriage Process in Indiana

Courtly simplifies the marriage process by allowing couples to handle everything remotely, making it easier and less cumbersome. The platform provides a seamless way to secure a U.S. marriage certificate without extensive paperwork.

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Marriage in Indiana with Courtly

1. Setup an Account

Start by creating an account on Courtly. Click the "Get Married" button located in the top right corner of the website and follow the instructions to complete the account setup, which grants access to Courtly’s services.

2. Select Ceremony Details

Choose the type of ceremony, venue, and style that suits your preferences. Based on your chosen date and time, Courtly will assign you a legally certified officiant.

3. Payment and Confirmation

After selecting your wedding package, proceed with the payment. Once your payment is processed, you will receive an email confirming the start of your wedding arrangements.

4. Online Wedding Ceremony

Host your wedding online with friends and family. Whether from your home or another location with internet access, the virtual ceremony usually takes around 15 minutes to complete.

After the ceremony, you'll receive a digital version of your marriage certificate. A printed copy will be mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks. The digital marriage license will be available for download within 24 hours following the wedding.

The Legality of Online Marriages in Indiana

Previously, many jurisdictions mandated that both the couple and the officiant must be present in person for a marriage to be legally valid. Additionally, couples were required to visit the county clerk's office in person to obtain a marriage license.

In 2019, Utah County revolutionized this process by introducing a fully digital marriage license application system. This new approach allows couples to handle the entire process online, eliminating the need for in-person visits to the county clerk’s office for obtaining and returning the license.

A key advantage of Utah’s online marriage system is its accessibility to all individuals, irrespective of their residence. Marriages legally conducted through this system in Utah are recognized across the United States, adhering to both state and federal regulations. This means that couples who marry online using Utah’s platform will have their marriage acknowledged by other states as well.

The Legality of Online Marriages Outside the US

To ensure your marriage is recognized internationally, you may need an Apostille certification. An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the legitimacy of your marriage license, confirming its validity and acceptance in all countries that are signatories to The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. This certification provides international validity and facilitates easy verification of your marriage document.

While U.S. court officials are authorized to conduct online marriage ceremonies, such ceremonies might not be accepted in other countries. This can be particularly relevant if your spouse is from a different country. You might need to follow additional steps to comply with the specific regulations of the foreign country.

Obtaining an Apostille can help ensure that your marriage license is recognized abroad. However, it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities or embassies of the country where you intend to use your marriage certificate to understand their specific acceptance requirements.

Conclusion

In Indiana, whether you choose to marry in person or online, following the proper legal steps is crucial. For couples considering an online marriage, services like Courtly can greatly simplify the process. Courtly facilitates the connection with a qualified officiant and handles the paperwork, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and your marriage certificate is issued promptly.

Although Indiana does not yet offer a fully online marriage application process, Courtly's support can help streamline other aspects of your wedding. You will need to visit the county clerk's office to apply for a marriage license in person, but Courtly can assist with the pre- and post-ceremony documentation to make the experience smoother. 

FAQs

Can we get married online in Indiana?
Yes, you can get married online through Courtly using a marriage license from Utah County, the only place in the world that allows fully online marriages. A marriage recognized in one state is legally valid throughout the entire United States.

Can I use this marriage certificate to change my name after marriage?

Yes, your marriage certificate can be used to change your name. Each state has different requirements, so you may also consider using a Courtly Name Change Kit to quicken the process. Each kit contains essential documents and instructions for changing your name after marriage.

How long is a marriage license valid in Indiana?

In Indiana, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Couples must marry within this timeframe, or the license will expire, necessitating a new application.

Are there specific counties in Indiana that offer online marriage license applications?

Indiana allows couples to complete an online marriage license application, but the process typically requires an in-person visit to the county clerk's office to finalize the application and obtain the license.

Do we need to appear in person for any part of the marriage license process in Indiana?

Yes, you need to appear in person at the county clerk's office to complete the application process, review your application, and receive the marriage license. Online applications streamline the initial steps but require a final in-person visit.

What do we do with the marriage license after the ceremony?

After the ceremony, you must return the completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office that issued it. The license must be filed with the clerk to legally record the marriage.

Is it possible to expedite the application process?

Yes, it is possible to expedite the marriage license application process by submitting your application online first. Visit the Indiana Judicial Branch website to begin the process.

If you need to get married as soon as possible, you may also consider using Courtly’s Rush Processing service which allows you to get married online in less than 24 hours. You can learn more about adding this service on our Pricing Page.