COVID-19: Hitched with Virtual Wedding Services

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-58-20. This order, among many emergency actions, authorized the issuance of marriage licenses and performance of marriage ceremonies through videoconference. Dedicated to offering as many safe options as possible, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen took on the opportunity to make marriage services more accessible. The department first had to create a virtual process for this service though, as it was specifically intended to take place only in-person. This was an opportunity to re-invent the wheel as an entirely new process and procedures had to be created using available technologies to meet the challenge. The department’s IT team was integral to this effort, from modifying our existing computer systems to operate without paper document copies, to utilizing new and efficient technologies like Zoom and Adobe Sign. The creative joining of our existing technological resources and online services allowed the department to construct a process that is operationally effective, cost effective , and simple. More importantly, this creative use of technology allowed high risk individuals, first responders, and many others who were unable to visit our offices in-person to access essential government services.