When COVID-19 came and New Jersey was shut down, Governor Phil Murphy issued an executive order allowing marriages to be performed legally online.
With the pandemic over and New Jersey returning to normal, Assemblyman Don Guardian wants to make saying “I do” in front of a computer a permanent thing.
When Murphy’s pandemic executive orders were rescinded, so too were online weddings.
Guardian’s bill permitting virtual vow exchanges in New Jersey, a pandemic-era response to upended wedding plans and Covid-19 restrictions, passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
“Virtual weddings are convenient and cost-effective. This is one pandemic-era concept that everyone can come together on. It deserves a permanent blessing here in New Jersey,” Guardian (R-Atlantic) said.
The bill (A2347) would not only allow marriage and civil union ceremonies to be conducted through live audio-visual technology, but also permit couples to obtain their licenses virtually
“There are couples with immunocompromised family members or friends living around the world who are still incorporating some virtual element to their nuptials. Allowing people to livestream their love for one another is the modern alternative to traditional big gatherings. This bill is about giving people choices,” Guardian said.