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Marriage Ceremonies Go Virtual in San Bernardino County

Arek Socha/Pixabay

Couples wishing to get married during the COVID-19 shutdown have a new option in San Bernardino County with online video marriage ceremonies. 

“I now pronounce you married. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

That’s Melissa Garcia, Chief Deputy Recorder for San Bernardino County performing their first ever video wedding for Yucca Valley residents Trent and Crystal Bell on May 11.

On April 30, when Governor Gavin Newsome, gave counties across the state the authority to perform weddings online, Garcia and her team sprung into action. Eleven days later she held the first ceremony on a platform that resembles your typical video conference call.

“It’s a very nice feeling to know you’ve helped them accomplish that and share in the joy they are experiencing,” said Garcia.

In the first week over two dozen people a day have called in to make appointments. That just about equals the requests they were receiving for in person marriage appointments—which they limit due to social distancing guidelines.

Now, there are just a few rules to get hitched online. One party must be a county resident and the couple has to be together in the same room in California in order to say I do.

“More people are wanting to partake in the video marriage service because they can have their family, friends, guests attend on the video conference as well,” said Garcia.

That’s right, with the simple share of a link you can invite guests. Garcia says people want to continue  their lives with everything going on with the pandemic so the county is pleased to be able to offer this new service.