From the cyber chapel to cyber rings, cyber guests and cyber vows, it is now possible to tie the knot simply by logging on to the Internet.

From cyberfriends to cybersex and cyberlove at first sight, it seems that relationships in the 21st century cannot truly exist without an online presence. With the expansion of Internet dating sites like RSVP and Matchmaker.com, the World Wide Web is officially a prime hunting ground for friendship, flirtation and even true love.

Despite this continuing trend, surely there is a point at which the stages of a relationship can progress no further in the e-realm. A first date? A romantic getaway? A ‘meet the parents’? A proposal?

Apparently not.

Welcome to the era of cybermarriage, where saying "I do" online was never quite so easy.

Yes, it seems the virtual wedding industry has well and truly established itself in the online community. And whilst these web ceremonies may not be legally binding, they spare none of the extravagance associated with traditional nuptials. From the cyber guests to the cyber rings, the cyber cake and the cyber speeches – it’s everything a virtual bride and groom could want!

Why get married online?

So why are such a large number of loving (or not so loving) couples opting to share their intimate vows on the World Wide Web? Is this trend characteristic of a new generation of exhibitionists seeking their fifteen minutes of fame? Or could it be a symptom of an increasingly isolated society, in which lonely individuals are escaping online to live out their desires?

For Michele Metts, originator of the Cyber Wedding idea and owner of chatalot.com, the answer is simple: "Having your wedding online can incorporate a level of fantasy that would not be cost effective in real life – you could marry in a castle or even the Taj Mahal!"

Indeed there appear to be very few limits when conducting one’s nuptials in the cyber community. A deluxe wedding at the Chatalot website, for example, will include 24-hour private chapel reservation for 60 guests, a reception room, wedding announcement, custom setting, photos of the happy couple and a reserved honey moon suite for two weeks… all for the bargain price of US $50. This includes the ability to personally select a chapel, with choices ranging from an enchanted castle to a country cottage and a Las Vegas-style 24-hour church.

With an increasingly fast-paced 20th century lifestyle, no doubt this ability to jet set across the world all in the time it takes to connect to the Internet is particularly appealing.

Cyber weddings also provide a unique opportunity for those who, due to personal or legal constraints, are unable to conduct their nuptials in the offline realm. After all, not everyone can afford an internationally renowned wedding planner, gold plated invitations, private island, exclusive fireworks display and 15-carat diamond ring à la Donald Trump.

Is online marriage legal?

Whilst it is perfectly legal to get married online, a cyber marriage does not equal one in the real world. In other words, whilst it may demonstrate dedication and commitment, an Internet wedding is not recognized as legally binding. In order for online nuptials to be legitimised in the offline realm, a marriage licence, granted by a legal entity such as a Registrar of Marriages, will be required.

Despite this fact, with the rise of websites such as Second Life and the increasing number of real-world activities gaining an online presence, perhaps the legitimisation of e-marriages is not far off. After all, with the possibility of getting hitched in minutes at a 24-hour church after a vodka-fuelled night out in Vegas, surely conducting a legal ceremony on the Internet is not all that shocking.

Virtual Divorce

It’s a hard fact of life – not all relationships are meant to be. So, whilst your online wedding may not be legally binding, an official virtual divorce is still an option. And, luckily for the sparring couple, the process of separation is significantly less bloody than that in the offline world. Indeed, many websites are known to offer a one-stop shopping experience, with both cyber preachers and cyber divorce attorneys available on demand. Quick, simple, effective and all completely free of charge!

So, if you are planning your dream wedding but haven’t quite got the money or man to form a perfect real-life event, maybe the answer is simply to connect to the Internet. Who knows, with the time, stress and money that may be saved, perhaps e-weddings really are the way to the future.

Sources:

• www.chatalot.com
• http://www.virtualvow.com/faq.php
• http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/1068/index.html
• http://www.angelfire.com/mb2/cyberwedding/