Wedding By Teleconference Is 'A Hit' In Contra Costa County

MARTINEZ, CA — Just days after announcing it would perform civil marriages over Zoom or FaceTime, Contra County Clerk-Recorder Debi Cooper says her office is booked for the remainder of May and into June after more traditional wedding ceremonies have been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently issued an executive order allowing the issuance of marriage licenses and announced that wedding ceremonies can be conducted by teleconference. Cooper told Patch in an email Wednesday that she anticipates the county to continue to conduct weddings by teleconference until the order is lifted.

“It’s been a big hit so far,” Cooper said.

In addition to teleconference weddings, Cooper’s office has also conducted drive-up ceremonies, which, along with those held over Zoom or FaceTime, is a great alternative to more traditional weddings during this unique time, Cooper said.

Under county guidelines, at least one of the two people getting married must be a Contra Costa County resident and the couple must appear together on the screen and must be physically present in California at the time of the ceremony. Ceremonies will be overseen by staff members from Cooper’s office.

Cooper officiated one of the first weddings her office conducted over teleconference. With the bride wearing a beautiful gown and the groom wore a suit while their family attended by Zoom dressed for the occasion.

“It was a festive affair,” Cooper said.

Other than a computer, tablet or cell phone with a microphone and camera and an internet connection, no additional software is required for the license or the ceremony.

The clerk-recorder's office does ask that the couple complete the marriage forms in advance of the ceremony. Marriage service appointments are currently available Tuesday through Thursday, during the month of June.

Couples who would like more information or to schedule an appointment are asked to email marriages@cr.cccounty.us or call 925-335-7900.