Go get married! Lane County to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses at 1 pm today!

Federal Judge Michael McShane ruled at noon today at the U.S. federal courthouse here in Eugene that Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconsitutional. That’s not the only good news. By 12:20 Lane County had send a press release announcing the Lane County Clerk’s office will begain issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples at 1 pm and “The Clerk’s Office will also officiate for same-sex couples wishing to marry, according to the press release below, which also asks people to remember that the clerk’s office also has to handle tomorrow’s elections.

Lane County to Begin Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

Contact: Public Information Officer Anne Marie Levis, 541-915-4659

Under direction from the Oregon Vital Records Department, the Lane County Clerk’s Office will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Clerk’s Office will also officiate for same-sex couples wishing to marry.

“Our staff strive to provide the highest level of customer service as we go through the expected influx of marriage licenses. In addition to issuing marriage licenses, our staff is also responsible for Tuesday’s election,” said Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart. “We appreciate the understanding of couples awaiting this important moment.”

Marriage Information

Where:

Deeds and Records Office, inside the Lane County Courthouse, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene

When:

Licenses are sold from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Weddings are performed most mornings, and slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase of a license is required before time for a wedding ceremony may be reserved.

Cost:

License: $60

Waiver of three day waiting period: $10

Marriage Ceremony: $100

Certified copy of completed license (proof of the wedding, needed for name changes): $4

According to the Oregon Health Authority Center for Health Statistics, same-sex couples have the option of choosing between marriage and a domestic partnership, which has been available in Oregon since 2008. Couples who are in a domestic partnership may marry their current partner. Someone in a domestic partnership who wishes to marry another person must dissolve that partnership prior to any marriage. Same-sex couples who were married in another state do not need to take any action: their marriage is already recognized under Oregon law.