Coronavirus: Ministry launches online wedding ceremonies

The move is part of efforts to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic

Roxanne, 25, a French lawyer working in Belgium, and Nicolas, 28, a real estate agent, attend their wedding ceremony despite the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Brussels, Belgium April 11, 2020. Only the witnesses were allowed to the ceremony. REUTERS/Johanna Geron
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The UAE’s Ministry of Justice has launched an online marriage service to allow couples to tie the knot.

Prospective brides and grooms can log on to a website to submit their documents and choose their preferred cleric.

Once paperwork has been approved, a date is set for the online ceremony, conducted via video link.

Following the service, clerics ask for the couple’s digital signatures before issuing a marriage contract.

Officials then file all the necessary documents with law courts to record the marriage.

The new service comes as part of a range of measures introduced to help residents during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Authorities in the country have issued a widespread ‘Stay at Home’ order as part of efforts to protect public health.

As a result, many routine services offered by the government have been forced to adapt.

“The smart judicial system facilitates legal procedures for people,” a statement from the ministry said.

“This service in particular aims to preserve the public’s health and safety.”