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Coronavirus means videoconference weddings now OK in New York

An executive order on Saturday permits virtual marriage ceremonies.

Stephen Shankland Former Principal Writer
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
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Stephen Shankland
2 min read
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says online wedding ceremonies now are possible in the state because of the coronavirus response.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says online wedding ceremonies now are possible in the state because of the coronavirus response.

Michael Brochstein/Getty Images

Add weddings to the list of things you can do online during the coronavirus pandemic, along with dinner parties, schooling, concertscabinet meetings and of course dating, as people try to get stuff done despite stay-at-home rules. The state of New York now permits marriage ceremonies via videoconference.

"We are today signing an executive order allowing people to get their marriage licenses remotely and also allowing clerks to perform ceremonies over video," said Melissa DeRosa, an aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during a press conference Saturday.

"Video marriage ceremonies -- there's now no excuse when the question comes up," Cuomo quipped. "You can do it by Zoom."

New York has been the US state hardest hit by COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. A key part of the response to try to curtail the virus' spread have been social distancing actions like staying at home as much as possible.

Watch this: Coronavirus lockdown: Why social distancing saves lives

The pandemic has disrupted our existence in countless ways, but life goes on despite the hardships. Videoconferencing tools like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Skype, Apple Facetime and Microsoft Teams have surged in use as people have signed on for business, school and personal connections.

With weeks of shelter-in-place orders past, lockdown is now becoming the new normal. Videoconference business meetings may not be a stretch for many office professionals, but now society at large is coming up with ways to hold funerals by videoconference, move classes online and, yes, get Zumped -- that's when your romantic partner breaks up with you via Zoom.

Our new reality now that coronavirus has sent the world online

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First published April 18, 10:46 a.m. PT.
Correction, 11:22 a.m.: Cuomo's first name is Andrew.