(a) The acts and deeds of all persons acting for and in behalf of any county clerk in this state in the issuance of marriage licenses prior to January 26, 1945, whether the person was a duly and legally appointed deputy of the county clerk or not, are declared to be as legal and valid as if the licenses had been issued by the county clerk in person.
(b) All marriages solemnized in this state prior to January 26, 1945, pursuant to a marriage license issued by a person other than the county clerk of the county wherein the license was issued or by the legally appointed deputy of the county clerk are declared to be valid. All the marriages shall be as binding and effectual as if the licenses had been issued by the county clerk of the county in person.