D.C. Gears Up for Marriage License Rush

Same-sex partners can apply for marriage licenses Mar. 3

Same-sex couples in D.C. have been waiting a long time to tie the knot , so a big rush is expected at Superior Court Wednesday, the first day for couples to get their marriage licenses.

"While we don't know quite how large the group is going to be, we are expecting a significant increase in the number of folks applying for licenses that day," Superior Court Judge Lee Satterfield said Monday night.

D.C. resident Cuk Vu and her partner will be among those folks.

"Our plan is to get there bright and early, because we'd like to be some of the first to observe this really historic day," Vu said, while sitting next to her fiancee Monday night.

Protesters are also expected to show up, and some are still making moves to stop gay marriage from becoming a reality in the District. Monday same-sex marriage opponents made a last-ditch attempt by filing papers with Chief Justice John Roberts, asking the Supreme Court to block the law. They're still arguing that residents should have the option to vote on whether to legalize gay marriage.

In the meantime, it's full speed ahead for same-sex partners, but they won't be able to head straight to the altar after Wednesday. All couples have to wait three business days after the application date before they can pick up their marriage licenses, so most who show up on Wednesday won't be able to exchange vows until the following Tuesday at the earliest. But surely many couples will say it's worth the wait.

"I've been a resident of D.C. for 15 years. I've been out as a lesbian for 20 years," said Vu. "And it's really a dream come true to be able to commit to the person I love, and do it here in my community where I live and work."

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