Virtual, Videoconference Wedding Ceremonies in California
Effective May 1, the Governor of California is allowing, through June 30, the application for a wedding license via video conference. The entire order can be read as a PDF: Executive Order N-58-20.
The highlights:
- Two adult applicants, both in the State of California, can appear before a county clerk to obtain a marriage license via videoconference. The videoconference must feature both live video and live audio. During the videoconference, each applicant must present photo identification (e.g. drivers license)
- The wedding license will be sent to the couple via email or other electronic means.
- This method above can be used for both a public or confidential wedding license.
- The wedding officiant solemnizing the marriage may appear via videoconference as well (live audio and video). One witness must be present (two maximum) where the couple vows to take each other as spouses. The witnesses do not need to be physically present.
- Signatures on the wedding license by the officiant and witness(es) can be electronic (and will have the same effect as an original signature)
This is an all new way to do a wedding! As someone who has officiated over 2,000 weddings, I have been able to make every wedding special - no matter where (or how) it takes place. For a videoconference wedding, my fees can be found under the "Fees" section.
What do you wear to a virtual / videoconference wedding? For couples, where whatever you want! In New York, where they have been allowing this for more than a week, most couples are enjoying getting dressed up for their big day. Some have opted for dressing formally above the waist but otherwise keeping it casual (e.g shorts and sandals). I will be dressed in a suit with a beautiful, virtual backdrop.
Feel free to email or call me with any questions. We will need to wait a few days for county clerk offices to set up their videoconferencing capability, but I am excited to officiate your wedding!
The highlights:
- Two adult applicants, both in the State of California, can appear before a county clerk to obtain a marriage license via videoconference. The videoconference must feature both live video and live audio. During the videoconference, each applicant must present photo identification (e.g. drivers license)
- The wedding license will be sent to the couple via email or other electronic means.
- This method above can be used for both a public or confidential wedding license.
- The wedding officiant solemnizing the marriage may appear via videoconference as well (live audio and video). One witness must be present (two maximum) where the couple vows to take each other as spouses. The witnesses do not need to be physically present.
- Signatures on the wedding license by the officiant and witness(es) can be electronic (and will have the same effect as an original signature)
This is an all new way to do a wedding! As someone who has officiated over 2,000 weddings, I have been able to make every wedding special - no matter where (or how) it takes place. For a videoconference wedding, my fees can be found under the "Fees" section.
What do you wear to a virtual / videoconference wedding? For couples, where whatever you want! In New York, where they have been allowing this for more than a week, most couples are enjoying getting dressed up for their big day. Some have opted for dressing formally above the waist but otherwise keeping it casual (e.g shorts and sandals). I will be dressed in a suit with a beautiful, virtual backdrop.
Feel free to email or call me with any questions. We will need to wait a few days for county clerk offices to set up their videoconferencing capability, but I am excited to officiate your wedding!
COVID-19 Wedding on the Monterey Peninsula (Social Distance Weddings)
Updated May 14, 2020
These are strange times. I LOVE officiating weddings, and I cannot tell you how much I miss (and even took for granted) meeting with couples and being a part of their ceremony. In California, we have had a "Stay at Home" order since March 18. Each county has their own rules and for Monterey County, our "Stay at Home" order is set to end on May 31.
Update: Monterey County is now back to issuing wedding licenses. The only difference from the past is that you must apply online and then make an appointment to come in person (before you could just come in without an appointment and without pre-filling out your application). Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties have the same rules.
Moving forward, the HOPE is that on June 1, weddings with 10 or less people will be possible (still maintaining CDC guidelines). For larger weddings, I am not sure (an idea that come July 1 when we may enter Stage 3, perhaps gatherings of 20 or 25 people with CDC guidelines?).
I know that some of you reading this had a larger wedding planned that needed to be postponed or canceled. If you would like to have a small ceremony now (and still do your larger wedding later), we can make it a beautiful day for you and you can officially begin your new lives together.
Just let us know how we can help.
These are strange times. I LOVE officiating weddings, and I cannot tell you how much I miss (and even took for granted) meeting with couples and being a part of their ceremony. In California, we have had a "Stay at Home" order since March 18. Each county has their own rules and for Monterey County, our "Stay at Home" order is set to end on May 31.
Update: Monterey County is now back to issuing wedding licenses. The only difference from the past is that you must apply online and then make an appointment to come in person (before you could just come in without an appointment and without pre-filling out your application). Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties have the same rules.
Moving forward, the HOPE is that on June 1, weddings with 10 or less people will be possible (still maintaining CDC guidelines). For larger weddings, I am not sure (an idea that come July 1 when we may enter Stage 3, perhaps gatherings of 20 or 25 people with CDC guidelines?).
I know that some of you reading this had a larger wedding planned that needed to be postponed or canceled. If you would like to have a small ceremony now (and still do your larger wedding later), we can make it a beautiful day for you and you can officially begin your new lives together.
Just let us know how we can help.
Updated May 26, 2020
May 26, 2020
New information continues to come through when it comes to COVID-19. Here is the latest that we know:
- For Monterey County, we currently have 7 people in hospitals and a total of 8 deaths. Our county has been very fortunate but, of course, we need to be vigilant.
- Several of the major hotels, notably the Pebble Beach Resorts and Hyatt Hotels, have said that they anticipate opening June 15th, which would signal Stage 3. Weddings are also part of Stage 3.
- Monterey County is currently requiring face coverings to be worn. CDC guidelines suggest that if you cannot socially distance (6' apart), you should be wearing some type of a mask.
- The CA State Parks in our area have mentioned that beach areas may be back open for small weddings as of June 7.
- Most of California is now at the end of Stage 2 (Monterey County should be in that same position by May 30th).
Safety Plans for Re-opening (Anticipated - Wedding Company - See below.
June 12, 2020
We are now allowed to have in person wedding ceremonies with 12 or fewer people present. Some hotels, with social distancing, may be able to do a little bit more as well.
May 26, 2020
New information continues to come through when it comes to COVID-19. Here is the latest that we know:
- For Monterey County, we currently have 7 people in hospitals and a total of 8 deaths. Our county has been very fortunate but, of course, we need to be vigilant.
- Several of the major hotels, notably the Pebble Beach Resorts and Hyatt Hotels, have said that they anticipate opening June 15th, which would signal Stage 3. Weddings are also part of Stage 3.
- Monterey County is currently requiring face coverings to be worn. CDC guidelines suggest that if you cannot socially distance (6' apart), you should be wearing some type of a mask.
- The CA State Parks in our area have mentioned that beach areas may be back open for small weddings as of June 7.
- Most of California is now at the end of Stage 2 (Monterey County should be in that same position by May 30th).
Safety Plans for Re-opening (Anticipated - Wedding Company - See below.
June 12, 2020
We are now allowed to have in person wedding ceremonies with 12 or fewer people present. Some hotels, with social distancing, may be able to do a little bit more as well.
