Gay marriage legal utah

Religious Freedom and Same-Sex Marriage in Utah

While same-sex marriage is legally recognized in Utah, the state also upholds laws concerning religious freedom.

Thanks to the State of Utah, there is now a secure, legal way for LGBTQ couples to marry entirely online without ever stepping foot in the United States.At KAZA Law, we have seen firsthand how this process has changed lives. The license is valid for 32 days from the date of issuance, and the marriage must be solemnized within this period.

Before this landmark ruling, Utah had its own legal journey regarding marriage equality. This section stated that: “(1) marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman; and (2) no other domestic union, however, denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.”

In response to this Constitutional Amendment, and to the legislature’s new policy, three same-sex couples filed suit against the Governor and Attorney General of Utah and the Clerk of Salt Lake County challenging the provisions of Utah’s laws relating to same-sex marriage.

Herbert ruling in January 2014, pausing further marriages, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision. As it stands now, the 10th Circuit Court’s opinion is the controlling opinion, which makes Utah’s same-sex marriage ban unenforceable. The Supreme Court’s subsequent refusal to hear Utah’s appeal in October 2014 effectively allowed same-sex marriages to resume, solidifying their legal recognition prior to the nationwide Obergefell decision.

Rights and Protections for Same-Sex Spouses in Utah

Same-sex spouses in Utah possess the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as opposite-sex spouses under state law.

Utah 2013). Id. The Court then went on to hold that the ban on same-sex marriages was not narrowly tailored and that there was no compelling state interest involved. This marriage certificate can be used in immigration filings such as:

• I-130 Petitions for Alien Relatives
• I-485 Adjustment of Status applications
• Consular Processing cases

Important Reminders

• Save all documents, receipts, video confirmations, and emails
• Use Utah County for the easiest and fastest online processing
• Ask your officiant if they will file the marriage certificate (most do)
• KAZA Law does NOT assist with scheduling weddings or coordinating with Utah officials

Pride Month Special

In honor of Pride Month, KAZA Law is offering $500 off all LGBTQ marriage-based green card cases initiated in June 2025.
If you were recently married in Utah or are planning to use this process to start your immigration journey, this is the perfect time to begin.

At KAZA Law, we are proud to support LGBTQ couples navigating the U.S.

immigration system. In the Circuit Court’s opinion upholding the District Court’s ruling, the Circuit Court similarly held that the right to marry “is a fundamental liberty” and therefore is a right that deserves the protection of the Equal Protection Clause. This legal status was established by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v.

Marriages can be solemnized by various authorized individuals, including:

• Ministers
• Rabbis
• Priests
• County clerks
• Judges
• Certain public officials

Two witnesses, aged 18 or older, must also be present at the ceremony.

Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages in Utah

Same-sex marriages legally performed in other states or jurisdictions are fully recognized as valid in Utah due to the U.S.

Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v.

In 2019, Utah repealed its defunct sodomy provisions from its state constitution.

Have you lived in or visited Utah?

Share your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Utah.