Here is an update on the validity of Utah Online marriages for Germany as we currently understand it.
The best news is that if both members of the couple, even if one is a German citizen, are NOT located in Germany at the time of marriage, it is still a valid way to get married! So we expect lots of holidaying ahead for our online marriage couples.
However, It is with great sadness that we have learned that the high court in Germany has ruled that Utah online weddings are NOT valid in Germany, if at least one member of the couple is located in Germany at the time of marriage.
Additionally, anyone undergoing this type of wedding who is a German citizen and is located in Germany at the time of marriage cannot then use the Utah marriage certificate, even with an apostille, for EU residency purposes for their spouse.
We hope that as the world moves forward, that this ruling will change, but as of now, there is a legal precedent for German citizens that their Utah marriage certificate could be invalid, based on whether they got married inside the borders of Germany or not. We hope that this ruling does not negatively impact our couples, and wish everyone all the best with their marriage journey.
We will keep this page up to date with all the news regarding this ruling.
News
November 27, 2024 – Heise Online – Federal Court of Justice: video conference marriage invalid in Germany