The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the economy, ruined graduation plans, shuttered businesses and thrown the health-care system into turmoil.
But it can’t stop love. Or, as of recently, marriage.
In counties and cities across the country, engaged couples can now obtain marriage licenses online, a departure from decades-old protocol that required both parties to apply in person. In some locations, like Cook County, Illinois, the online application is only for couples “who have an urgent need to be legally married (e.g., hospice care or legal issues) or those with a wedding quickly approaching within the next 30 calendar days.” But in Washington D.C., New York City, California and dozens of other places, the virtual application process is available for anyone who’s in love and ready to take the next step.
