Close-up of a bride and groom embracing with foreheads touching, highlighting a romantic moment. The groom is in a black tuxedo and the bride wears earrings.

THE RISE OF VIRTUAL WEDDING : HOW TO MAKE YOUR ONLINE CEREMONY SPECIAL

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Wedding couple posing outdoors in front of a church, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers, groom in a suit, and a historic building in the background.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL ONLINE WEDDING

BY ERIC RENE PENOY

LEGAL MARRIAGE

In recent years, virtual weddings have become more than just a trend—they’ve evolved into a viable alternative for couples looking to exchange vows in a world that’s increasingly interconnected through technology. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many couples to rethink their wedding plans, leading to the rise of online ceremonies. However, even as the world has adjusted, virtual weddings continue to be a popular option for couples, allowing them to include distant loved ones, save money, and tailor their ceremony to their unique style.

Virtual weddings offer countless advantages, but they also come with their own set of challenges. From managing streaming technology to ensuring that all the special details of a traditional wedding are included, it’s essential to think creatively to make an online ceremony feel just as meaningful and memorable as an in-person event. While it may seem like a less intimate option at first, virtual weddings allow couples to reach friends and family around the globe, making it even more special to include people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend.

When it comes to creating a memorable virtual wedding experience, it’s all about personalization. Think of your virtual ceremony as an opportunity to build a unique wedding atmosphere. From the choice of platform to decorations and music, there are many ways to replicate the emotions and connections of a traditional wedding. It’s all about finding innovative ways to make it feel intimate, personal, and full of love. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of virtual weddings, offering tips on how to make your online ceremony special, along with a detailed checklist to ensure that every aspect of your celebration is flawlessly executed.

Let’s take a deep dive into the essential components of a virtual wedding and how you can make the most out of your online celebration. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger-scale virtual ceremony, we’ve got you covered with all the key elements you need for an unforgettable day.

Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection

Bride and groom standing on a boat, exchanging vows.

Introduction

  1. First, if all, is it legal?

  2. Get Married online

  3. Assign less time for the Wedding

  4. Celebrate with your close friends and family

  5. Choose a suitable platform

  6. Find a photographer and your other providers

  7. In terms of Expenses

  8. Last but not least. Personal note.

Person adjusting laptop screen on boat with ocean view

First of all, is it legal?

Virtual weddings can be beautiful, but of course, most of them are not considered by local laws. Only some countries are allowing it. If you are religious, some clerk offices also allow it. This kind of ceremony is mostly unofficial but more meaningful, special, intimate, and private. Let’s commemorate your union and love after all Virtual Wedding is still a wedding with a twist.
Virtual Weddings are legal in some parts of the US States, but not in the UK simply because the officiant has to be physically present with you. Your option might be to consider an Elopement or a MicroWedding.


if your virtual wedding is legit you may need some official papers such as :

Proof of identity (check state requirement, typically a license or passport)

  • Witness (Not all states require)

  • Parental information (DOB, full name, birth state, dates of passing)

  • Certificate of the previous divorce or partner death (if applicable)

  • If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent present

  • Marriage license fee money

Couple smiling at a laptop on a boat.

Get Married Online

If you want to get married online, you can create a unique experience that can be aimed over Zoom, Facetime, and Skype. You can do it from anywhere as far as you have a good internet connection. Just for the two of you or with guests and family.
Find the perfect location for You.

You can stay home or go crazy and book, or rent a place you fancy with your partner. It can be a private house rented on Airbnb or a cute hotel, a Family House, a Castle in the middle of nowhere, a Tent, or somewhere in Nature. You can even combine it with the location for your Honeymoon. Under the northern lights, under a Hawaiian volcano, on a boat.
For the perfect private ceremony do as usual, write your vows, prepare yourself to share your emotions with your loved ones, and simply express yourself.

Couple on a yacht looking at wedding rings, woman in white dress and man in suit.

Assign less time for the wedding.

Typically, wedding planning takes almost 15 months to prepare before the wedding date. However, virtual weddings prepare everything for some weeks but aim at accomplishing a perfect live stream.
You can of course personalize it and prepare a solemn background, arch, flowers, bouquets, accessories. But logistically, it is less stressful or time consuming. You can talk to your minister before and exchange ideas about texts, religious aspects, read your vows, etc… the sky is the limit.

Celebrate with your close friends and family.

Generally, weddings have a long list of guests such as friends, long-lost high school friends, and distant relatives. For virtual, you need to cull the guest list and come up with a list of a few guests. Mostly, the guest list should have the closest friends and family members joining via the live stream.
Of course, if you are planning a virtual wedding, you can also have a proper time for your reception.
You can invite your friends and family to celebrate your wedding online with you using software like Zoom. Ask them to open a good bottle of Champagne from the other side of the world. Or even cut a cake.

A couple celebrating on a boat, the woman wearing a white strapless dress and the man in a suit, both looking happy with the ocean in the background.

Choose a suitable platform.

The final step in planning for the virtual wedding involves choosing the most appropriate platform to use. For example, a couple could decide to use the Zoom platform since it offers free and paid subscriptions and can host 100 people. Also, it provides 1GB of MP4 of clouding, which can last for 24 hours.  There are many platforms; the couple can select the most suitable depending on the virtual wedding requirements.


Find a Photographer.

Did you ever envision doing a Virtual photo session online, using Zoom, or FaceTime?

In 2020 and the COVID-19 around, it has been very difficult for photographers to document simple life, simple moments.
Here is some little advice for you if you are planning such things :
Get the Right Gear Together: Better using Software such as Zoom, or Facetime. The photographer and the Couple should have the same software.
It would be better to use a good phone, like the latest iPhones or equivalent, iPad, or even your Laptop. The better camera quality you have better it is.
Perfect if you have a tripod for your phone, but if you have just simple tape get crazy and creative to try different angles.
Prepare your environment, and clothing (avoid white preferably but of the contrast), and work with your photographer on telling a story, your story.
Every photographer is different but the story matters more than one unique photograph.
Be ready to listen to an expert and let it go. Let’s get arty together.

Couple on a boat dressed in formal attire, woman in a white dress and man in a suit, looking at their hands, background of water and sailboat.

In terms of expenses.

As you probably imagine, Virtual weddings are cheaper than inviting 300 guests. Traditional weddings can cost a fortune. Maybe you can spend a fraction of this budget to celebrate love together or maybe use this money differently by traveling somewhere you never anticipated, buying a more expensive dress, or longer honeymoon.

Last but not least. Personal note.

Different weddings for different people. I understand that during Covid time, people feel the need to celebrate love differently and that is all that matters. We understand the world is changing, and evolving with or without us. For me writing this article makes me realize that no matter the form I want to get married, I just simply want to be married to my special person. Of course, I want to celebrate it with my family and friends and I am sure that my partner feels the same. But We also understand that love is more important. So if my partner wants a Virtual Wedding maybe just symbolic for the two of us, well I don’t especially care if the minister is physically or not with us.

Blurred black and white image of person writing on paper with a pen, glass and chocolate bar nearby on a table.

Virtual Weddings :
How to Make Your Online Ceremony Unforgettable

1. Choosing the Right Platform for Your Virtual Wedding

The first step in planning a virtual wedding is selecting the right platform to host your ceremony. Options range from video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet to more sophisticated, dedicated wedding platforms such as Livestream and Hopin. When choosing a platform, consider factors such as the number of guests, ease of use, and the ability to integrate other features like music or live streaming. Make sure the platform allows for seamless communication, including video and chat functions, so your guests can interact with you throughout the ceremony.

Checklist Tip: Test the platform ahead of time to ensure compatibility with your guests' devices and internet connections. Provide clear instructions for attendees to avoid technical hiccups on the big day.

2. Setting the Scene: Virtual Wedding Decor

One of the most significant differences between a traditional wedding and a virtual wedding is the location. Since your wedding will be streamed from your home or a designated venue, it’s important to set the scene. Virtual wedding decor doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it should reflect the vibe of your ceremony. A beautiful backdrop with flowers, candles, or even a custom virtual background can add visual interest and elevate the ambiance. The setting should feel as personal and intimate as an in-person wedding, so consider incorporating meaningful elements like family heirlooms, photos, or a special piece of art.

Checklist Tip: Pay attention to lighting when setting up your space—good lighting is essential for creating a professional and visually appealing atmosphere for both you and your guests.

3. Choosing Your Virtual Wedding Officiant

Selecting the right officiant is crucial for setting the tone of your virtual ceremony. Whether you choose a religious leader, a close friend, or a professional officiant, it’s important that the person conducting your ceremony is comfortable with technology and knows how to engage your virtual audience. A skilled officiant can make a huge difference in ensuring that the ceremony feels meaningful and personal, even if it’s being streamed online.

Checklist Tip: Schedule a practice session with your officiant to familiarize them with the platform and test the audio and video setup to ensure a smooth ceremony.

4. Music and Sound: Creating the Right Atmosphere

One of the most impactful ways to elevate your virtual wedding is through music. From the pre-ceremony playlist to the first dance and the walk down the aisle, music plays an important role in setting the mood. Consider incorporating live music, a pre-recorded playlist, or even a virtual band or DJ to entertain your guests. Make sure your platform supports high-quality sound so the music plays clearly for everyone.

Checklist Tip: If you’re using pre-recorded music, make sure to test the audio levels beforehand to avoid any issues with sound distortion or echoing during the ceremony.

5. Engaging Your Virtual Guests

Unlike traditional weddings, virtual weddings require extra effort to keep guests engaged. Since your guests won’t be physically present, it’s important to create an interactive experience for them. You can encourage participation through live polls, virtual games, or even pre-recorded messages from loved ones. Incorporating chat features where guests can leave comments or share their thoughts will also help create a sense of connection during the ceremony.

Checklist Tip: Consider using a virtual "guest book" where people can leave well-wishes, memories, or photos from the ceremony. This can serve as a fun keepsake after the wedding.

6. Virtual Wedding Invitations and RSVP

Sending digital invitations is one of the simplest aspects of hosting a virtual wedding, but it’s also an important one. When creating your wedding invites, consider incorporating unique elements that reflect the virtual aspect of your event, such as animated invitations or a fun video message from you and your partner. You’ll also need to include clear instructions on how to access the ceremony and any additional links for virtual activities, such as a post-wedding celebration or after-party.

Checklist Tip: Make sure to send out reminders to your guests a few days before the wedding to ensure they know how to join and are prepared for the big day.

7. Making the Ceremony Interactive

While a traditional wedding involves physical interactions, virtual weddings offer creative ways to engage guests without having them physically present. You can invite guests to submit video messages or well-wishes before the ceremony, which can be played during the event. You could also have a live chat feature running during the ceremony so that guests can comment or send congratulations in real-time. This interactive element will make your virtual wedding feel more engaging and personable.

Checklist Tip: Set guidelines for the chat to ensure it remains respectful and doesn’t become overwhelming during the ceremony.

8. Virtual Wedding Favors and Gifts

Even though your guests can’t be physically present, you can still send them thoughtful gifts as a thank-you for attending your virtual wedding. Consider offering virtual wedding favors such as downloadable wedding albums, customized e-cards, or even digital gift cards. For a more personalized touch, you could curate a playlist of your favorite wedding songs or create a virtual scrapbook that shares highlights of your love story.

Checklist Tip: Mail out your virtual wedding favors ahead of time or email them shortly after the ceremony to show your appreciation.

9. Capturing the Moment: Virtual Wedding Photography and Videography

Just because your wedding is virtual doesn’t mean you can’t capture the moments. Hiring a professional photographer or videographer to stream and document the event will ensure that you have high-quality memories from the day. Make sure they are well-versed in streaming and videography for virtual events to ensure they capture all the key moments in the best way possible.

Checklist Tip: Consider live-streaming the ceremony for those who couldn’t attend, or creating a post-wedding video compilation to share with loved ones afterward.

10. Post-Wedding Celebration: Virtual Reception Ideas

Your wedding day doesn’t have to end after the ceremony. You can extend the celebration by hosting a virtual reception for your guests. This can include a virtual cocktail hour, a dance party with a DJ or live band, or a casual "meet and greet" where everyone can chat and enjoy each other’s company. You can even set up a virtual photo booth for guests to take fun, themed pictures during the celebration.

Checklist Tip: Ensure you have clear instructions for joining the reception, and have moderators on hand to manage any technical or interactive aspects of the event.

Tablet displaying a webpage with images and text on a wooden table next to a glass of green liquid.

CONCLUSION

The rise of virtual weddings has completely transformed the way couples celebrate their big day. While many might have initially seen online ceremonies as a temporary solution due to external circumstances, they’ve quickly become a preferred option for couples looking to tie the knot in a way that fits their unique needs. Virtual weddings allow couples to embrace creativity and innovation while also bringing people together, no matter how far away they may be.

One of the biggest benefits of virtual weddings is the ability to include loved ones from all over the world. No longer do couples have to worry about travel limitations or budget constraints that could prevent family and friends from attending. By hosting an online wedding, you open the door for more intimate participation and give your loved ones the chance to celebrate with you, even from afar. This sense of inclusivity and connection is something that’s hard to replicate in a traditional in-person ceremony.

Despite the digital nature of the event, virtual weddings still offer all the joy, emotion, and beauty of a traditional wedding. With careful planning and a little extra thought, you can craft an unforgettable virtual wedding experience that mirrors the same sentiments of love and joy. Whether it’s through the use of personalized decor, interactive features, or meaningful moments like the virtual guest book, every detail can be carefully curated to make your online ceremony unique.

The most important thing to remember when planning a virtual wedding is that it’s about more than just the technology. It’s about creating a special moment that represents the love you and your partner share. Virtual weddings may lack physical presence, but they’re full of heart, and they’ve proven that love and connection transcend any screen.

From choosing the right platform to engaging your guests, there are many steps involved in planning a virtual wedding, but with the right tools and a little creativity, it can be just as special as any other ceremony. It’s all about personalizing your experience and making sure your loved ones feel involved, whether it’s through virtual gifts, live chats, or heartfelt toasts.

Ultimately, the rise of virtual weddings is an exciting chapter in the evolving landscape of weddings, one that highlights the power of technology to bring people together, no matter where they are. With the tips and advice outlined in this article, couples can confidently plan their online ceremony, knowing that their special day will be just as magical, if not more so, than any in-person event.