Online Marriage License System and Web-Conference Weddings

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

As part of a 2018 campaign promise to bring the Utah County Clerk/Auditor’s office into the 21st century, the Marriage License Office and the Information Technology Division developed a completely digital end-to-end marriage license issuance and recording process. Using the system, couples apply for a marriage license, have their identities verified online, complete their application, and then pay the required fee through a web browser. The license is issued to the couple by email using a unique URL and QR code in the place of a paper document. Wedding officiants submit the information for the marriage certificate online. No one needs to visit an office or put ink to paper. The collection of digital signatures allows wedding parties to gather for their wedding via video conference technology. What began with a simple goal to streamline processes and create convenience for residents of Utah County became invaluable as government offices throughout the state, nation, and world were forced to close in response to COVID-19. The Utah County Online Marriage License System has helped thousands of couples obtain marriage licenses and be legally married despite challenges posed by distance, office closures, and travel restrictions.