SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Same-sex couples were married Monday at the County Administration Center in San Diego for the first time since the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, under which Proposition 8 was struck down as unconstitutional.
Couples lined up outside the building early Monday to be married with San Diego's scenic waterfront as a backdrop.
Stephanie Torres and Susan Hartman, together for 21 years, were the first to be married. They wore Hawaiian shirts and sandals.
"The roller coaster of life," Torres said. "We're here, we're happy and we're very happy with the Supreme Court decision and equal rights."
In November 2008, voters approved Proposition 8, which effectively banned same-sex marriages by defining marriage as a legal union between and man and a woman.
A federal judge found the law unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court justices rejected an appeal by supporters of the initiative, leaving the lower court ruling to stand.
On Friday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals waived a 25-day waiting period for the ruling to take effect.
Val Wood of the county Assessor/Recorder/Clerk's office, said her office has been inundated by phone calls. She told City News Service that couples need an appointment to buy wedding licenses and arrange for a civil ceremony done by county employees.
On Wednesdays this summer, however, walk-ins will be accepted, and everyone who has their required papers in order before 5 p.m. that day will be married, according to Wood.
"It's going to be very popular this Wednesday, because there will be a lot of couples," Wood said, adding that all walk-ins need to have proper identification.
THIS IS A STORY UPDATE. For an earlier version, read below.
SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Starting Monday, July 1 same sex couples will be able to make appointments to get marriage licenses in San Diego.
The county has a strict appointment only policy for marriage licenses. However, Wednesday is a walk-in day and huge crowds are expected. The rest of the week is by appointment only.
Couple obtaining a marriage license by Wednesday could sign up to be one of 10 same-sex couples to exchange vows at the fair on the Fourth of July.
The 10 couples and six guests will be treated to a reception which will include cake, a photographer, dinner, drinks, flowers and a band.
Click Here to sign up for the drawing.
