Let's first see what online matrimony is not: Online matrimony is where a computer selects and arranges marriages over the Internet! No. Online matrimony does not come any way near this definition. A computer cannot in any way select and arrange matrimonial matches, if the people involved are serious of finding a lasting matrimonial bond. What then is online matrimonial?
An online matrimony service helps prospective brides and grooms to select matching profiles from a database of eligible profiles. It is the same as selecting profiles from print media or matrimonial bureaus, although the search becomes a lot easier with the help of a computer. (Even some marriage bureaus use computers to shortlist profiles.) Along with the selected matches, a brief resume with contact details are supplied to the user - pretty much the same as any other matrimonial service.
We may therefore say that the Internet arranges or sets up the initial contact. This first connection is followed by direct contacts and meetings, just like any other matrimonial method. Referring to online matrimony as virtual marriages is also just baseless as there is no such thing as a "virtual marriage".
