Ukrainian Couples Can Now Legally Marry Online in World’s First Digital Ceremonies

Three couples in Ukraine recently participated in the world’s first weddings conducted entirely through digital technology. This pilot program allows couples to legally marry online, marking a significant step in modernizing public services, with particular importance for servicemen and women who cannot be physically close to their partners due to deployment.

Roman Lozynskyi, a member of parliament who also serves in the military, and Svitlana Kisilova, a social communications lecturer, were the first to utilize this new service. Despite being physically together, they chose to participate in the online ceremony. Their marriage was validated using digital signatures on official documents via Diia, an app developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, used for accessing various governmental services in Ukraine.

Ukraine has become the first country to offer legal online marriage ceremonies, eliminating the need for couples to be physically present. Over 2,500 couples participated in the beta test, demonstrating a strong interest in the service.

“This is a groundbreaking development for the world,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation. “By digitizing the marriage process, we’re creating new opportunities for couples in long-distance relationships or those seeking innovative approaches. Soon, this service will be available to all Ukrainians.”

The Diia app is a key tool within the “State in a Smartphone” project, offering Ukrainians access to government services online. On the app, you can access electronic copies of your ID card, driver’s license, and other documents.

This online marriage program is part of a wider Ukrainian initiative focused on digital transformation, aiming to streamline bureaucracy and citizen services through digital solutions in GovTech within Ukraine.