Love connections now being made official, virtually in Contra Costa County

Couples are not letting the Coronavirus deter them from making their love official, and the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder is doing its part.

Civil ceremonies performed by department staff are being done online via Zoom or FaceTime.

Deborah Cooper, the Clerk-Recorder who officiated the first one May 12 for Matthew Hardy and Amanda Varner of Concord, said “it’s been a big hit” with the proceedings ranging from “somber’’ and “business like’’ to more flamboyant with the parties and family all dressed for a traditional wedding.

“We went away having the best experience,’’ said Hardy , “where I thought it was going be detached and clinical (and bureaucratic).”

They were pleasantly surprised to see 12 different screens with all of their family and friends linked in, including his father in a tux “smiling from ear to ear’’, when they entered the room.

At least one of the parties to the marriage must be a Contra Costa County resident. The couple

must appear together on the video and be physically present within the State of California.  Invited guests may join in to view the ceremony.

This is one service that must be done in person, and as if occurring in the department’s offices, couples must hold their IDs up to the camera.

A computer, tablet, or cell phone with a microphone/camera and an internet connection is required for the ceremony.  No additional software is needed, but the couple must complete required forms in advance.

The new service was made possible after California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order permitting the issuance of marriage licenses and the conducting of remote civil wedding ceremonies via teleconferencing technologies.

Appointments are available Tuesday through Thursday through June. If couples would like more information or to schedule an appointment, email marriages@cr.cccounty.us or call (925) 335-7900.