Community Corner

California Couples Can Now Get Marriage Licenses Remotely

California couples who have been unable to get marriage licenses due to coronavirus closures can now get them remotely, under a new order.

Bay City News, News Partner
Newly married Tyler and Caryn Suiters kiss following their marriage ceremony performed by Rev. Andrew Merrow in an otherwise empty St. Mary’s Episcopal Church April 18, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia.
Newly married Tyler and Caryn Suiters kiss following their marriage ceremony performed by Rev. Andrew Merrow in an otherwise empty St. Mary’s Episcopal Church April 18, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order this week allowing state residents to obtain marriage licenses remotely due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The order, which Newsom signed Thursday, will allow couples to obtain a marriage license from their county clerk via video conference provided that both members of the couple are state residents and that they can both present a valid form of identification on the video call. The clerk will then email the licenses to the couple.

The state will also recognize marriages performed over video call as long as both members of the couple are present and there is at least one witness to the live ceremony.

Find out what's happening in Across Californiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The executive order will remain in effect for the next 60 days, according to Newsom's office.

Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. — Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

Find out what's happening in Across Californiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Across California