Cuomo: Couples can marry by videoconference during pandemic

On Saturday, Governor Cuomo issued a directive allowing marriages to be performed via videoconference to help reduce the infection rate amid the coronavirus crisis.

Among other conditions, the order requires the following be met:

The couple to be wed must present valid photo ID during the videoconference.

The town or city clerk, the witness(es), the person to solemnize the marriage, and the couple must interact with one another. No pre-recorded ceremonies are allowed.

The couple must affirm that they are present in the New York state jurisdiction where the marriage is to take place.

The couple must send a legible copy of the signed marriage document by fax or email to the town or city clerk, the witnesses, and the person to solemnize the marriage on the same date it was signed.

Local town and city clerks may provide further guidance.

If a couple’s marriage license has or will expire during the Covid-19 pandemic, the state is waiving the 60-day waiting period to obtain a new license. It is also waiving all fees to obtain a second marriage license.

– Scott Brinton