Despite COVID-19, virtual weddings still go on

— from Didier Gincig —

Despite COVID-19, couples are getting married via Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype. 

“With two witnesses (or more), the couple, and myself, the officiant, a virtual wedding is heartfelt, personal, and certainly memorable!” says Didier Gincig, wedding officiant based on Orcas Island. 

Milene Henley, from the San Juan County Auditor’s office, shares, “Under the circumstances, yes, I would consider that to be a legitimate wedding.  The requirements are that the witnesses observe the couple signing the marriage certificate, and that they sign the certificate saying that they did so.  That means that the witnesses must observe – potentially, electronically – the couple signing; and that the certificate would need to be mailed to the witnesses and/or officiant, whoever is participating in a location other than where the couple are, for signing.  The fully signed certificate would then have to come back to the Auditor’s Office for recording.”

A recently married bride who was married at Mukilteo Beach via Zoom expressed her gratitude for the process, “We are so grateful for your willing spirit and adventurous attitude in officiating our zoom wedding yesterday. The result was an unforgettable beginning to our life together!” 

With family and friends unable to travel, they are able to witness the ceremony from the comfort of their own home. In this uncertain time, some couples may want to get married for health benefits or because they want to keep their wedding date as planned. It is certainly an interesting time and an interesting way to be married.

Didier Gincig can be contacted at www.orcasweddingsofficiant.com.