Senate clarifies virtual-marriage rules, rejects polygamy or child-marriage concern

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate approved first substitute Senate Bill 81, which adds statutory guardrails to virtual marriages performed under county clerk authority.

Senator Wyler, sponsor of the measure, recounted how Utah county clerks began offering virtual marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic and said the program has attracted couples from across the world. Wyler said the program “is bringing in over a million dollars a year” in certificate fees and said the substitute seeks to prevent misuse: "I don't want Utah to become the Las Vegas of polygamous or child marriages," he said on the floor.

Wyler described the measure as narrowly focused on setting standards to avoid plural or child marriages while preserving a legitimate program that some counties use as a revenue source and a public service. He said he was not aware of opposition after consultation with county clerks and stakeholders.

The Senate voted 27–0 (2 absent) to pass the first substitute. Sponsors said counties and the Lieutenant Governor’s office will continue to have roles in implementing and overseeing counties’ virtual marriage practices.

Why it matters: Virtual marriages have been an emerging service in Utah since the pandemic; the bill aims to preserve the program while clarifying limits to prevent statutory abuses and to protect minors.

What happens next: The bill will be read for third time as passed by the Senate and be transmitted to the House for consideration.