City of West Hollywood in Conjunction With the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Clerk Will Begin Historic Issuance of Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at West Hollywood Park

Business Wire, June 12, 2008

Recent California Supreme Court Ruling to Legalize Same-Sex Marriages Goes into Effect

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- In a monumental moment in the history of the United States, the City of West Hollywood in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Clerk will begin to issue marriage licenses and perform civil ceremonies for same-sex couples on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard in West Hollywood. In May, the California Supreme Court granted same-sex couples in California the right to marry. West Hollywood City Councilmembers and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick-off the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses at 9 a.m. at West Hollywood Park.

In order to obtain a marriage license:

* Both parties must provide valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, resident alien card). If a person's ID does not contain their full legal name they must provide a certified copy of their birth record or a social security card.

* Both parties must appear to apply for and pick up their marriage license. There is a fee of $70 for the marriage license. The fee for a civil marriage ceremony is $25. (Cash, check or money orders will be accepted.)

* If a person has been divorced within the last two years they must bring in a certified copy of their divorce decree.

Starting on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 same-sex couples can apply for a Marriage License online at www.lamarriage.lacounty.gov. It is easy and saves time. Click on "Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies." Once the online application is completed, they can come to West Hollywood Park to pay for and pick up their marriage license and if desired, arrange for a civil marriage ceremony. (There will be NO camping in the park the night before June 17, 2008.)

On Friday, June 20, 2008, marriage licenses and appointments for civil ceremonies will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the auditorium at West Hollywood Park. On Saturday, June 21, 2008, civil ceremonies will be conducted by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at West Hollywood Park. Appointments can be made in advance by calling (323) 848-6409. Marriage license will not be issued on this day.

Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has been one of the most ardent advocates for the legal rights of same-sex couples and the right to marry. It was one of the first cities in the country to pass a resolution in support of same-sex marriage. The City, along with a number of other cities in California, filed an amicus brief in the case in support of same-sex marriage rights. The City of West Hollywood is known throughout the world for its pioneering efforts on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) rights and established one of the first domestic partnership laws in the country in 1985.

For more information, please visit www.weho.org/marriage or, if you would like to be updated via email, please submit your email address by visiting www.weho.org/lists and choosing "Marriage License Information" from our available lists or call (323) 848-6409.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: MEDIA PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE ALONG SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD.)