Here’s one thing coronavirus won’t stop in Tarrant County: Weddings (tiny ones)
There’s one thing coronavirus won’t stop in Tarrant County.
Weddings.
Tarrant County officials made sure on Tuesday that couples who want to get married still can, even with the stay at home order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
There are conditions, though.
Couples must have a small ceremony — no more than 10 people, which includes the person performing the wedding — and anyone attending must practice social distancing.
Tarrant County commissioners specifically added weddings to the list of activities that may occur before they approved a five-page executive order calling on residents to stay at home until April 7 except for critical work and errands.
This came after Tarrant County Clerk Mary Louise Nicholson told commissioners that her office was still issuing marriage licenses, which are good for 90 days.
“We have appointments lined up for weeks,” Nicholson said. “It’s backed up.”
Commissioners decided to add a provision to make sure that no couple is denied the ability to get married in Tarrant County.
Officials stressed that couples may have a small service now and a big celebration later.
The provision notes that weddings may not be held inside a county building, which is where many Justices of the Peace typically perform the ceremonies.
But they said ceremonies could, however, be on county property such as the lawn or in the parking lot.
“You just can’t have a crowd,” County Commissioner Roy Brooks said.
