After a year or more of planning the most perfect wedding to celebrate your love, imagine your disappointment when the venue manager calls you to say, "We're closed because of the coronavirus." It's estimated that an estimated 800,000 couples recently received that heartbreaking news and have had to postpone or cancel their dream weddings.

However, many couples are finding creative ways to move forward even if it means putting off the party until a much later date. Some couples have managed to find officiants who will still perform the ceremony even while social distancing. One New York City couple had their wedding performed on a street corner while their officiant conducted the nuptials from his third-floor window and dozens of onlookers witnessed the ceremony and cheered from their own open windows. Another couple found a friend who was willing to be ordained on the internet to perform the ceremony and videotaped their vows to each other to be played at a rescheduled party a year later. Then an upstate couple said their vows in her church, normally closed for services, with just the pastor and their parents present and then exited the doors to see a dozen cars lined up and friends (all socially distant) wearing masks and cheering.

Couples are also finding ways to get married virtually. Depending on your local laws, you might be able to have a civil marriage ceremony virtually; the states of California, New York and Colorado and the District of Columbia recently (and temporarily) relaxed their rules and now allow residents to obtain a marriage license remotely and allow clerks to perform ceremonies via videoconference. A NYC Hall press release just announced "Project Cupid." "For the first time in our City's history, New Yorkers will be able to obtain marriage licenses online, and it was our pleasure to build out the technology to enable that," said Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications Commissioner and Citywide Chief Information Officer Jessica Tisch. For states where virtual weddings are not permitted, many couples are having commitment ceremonies instead.

Specialty retail jewelry chain Jared just announced that they are giving away approximately 1,000 free virtual weddings. "We've learned that countless couples across the nation who've been impacted still want to celebrate their wedding day in a big way, but need support to bring their special moment to life," said Bill Brace, chief marketing officer and Jared executive general manager. For a limited time couples can register for a virtual ceremony at https://Jared.com/VirtualWedding. They will be able to reserve their ceremony date and customize additional elements including invitations, theme, guest list and more. Official #LoveCantWait virtual ceremonies will begin late in May, and can accommodate up to 100 devices (at-home computers or smartphones). Jared is planning additional surprises and delightful moments for couples throughout the campaign.

Virtual weddings can be in-person with the officiant (check local rules) or a virtual meeting, the same options go for witnesses. Although not designed for legal ceremonies, http://www.virtualvow.com/ offers free virtual wedding ceremonies. Invite your friends, enjoy a classy interactive wedding ceremony, and have your "married status" available to show to everyone. Again, this does not perform legal ceremonies but allows the couple to demonstrate their commitment to each other "in front" of important family and friends. An ordained reverend is informed about each and every marriage even though it is not official.

During this crucial time of lockdowns and social distancing to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19, a virtual wedding holds appeal for many couples, though most are still planning to throw their gala when they are able. Even after the lockdown, adding a virtual table to a conventional wedding ceremony will be a way to include those who cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. By having a computer or smartphone area set up, your guests can even interact, make toasts and send congratulations.

The resiliency of couples getting married despite a global pandemic is inspiring. May this commitment only grow stronger as the years go by.