The Santa Clara County Clerk Recorder’s office continues to see a growing demand for marriage licenses following last month’s court rulings that upheld same-sex unions in California, as the office issued more licenses Friday than any other day in County history, according to County staff.
The Clerk Recorder’s office issued 151 marriage licenses Friday, according to a press release from County staff.
While not all of these were for same-sex couples, the volume of marriage licenses issued daily by the County has surged since the June 28 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals action that struck down the 2008 Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriages in California. Total marriage licenses issued locally last week (minus Thursday’s Independence Day holiday when County offices were closed) was 381, according to County staff. On an average day, the County issues about 35 marriage licenses.
The Clerk Recorder’s office does not keep track of whether marriage licenses are issued for same-sex or opposite-sex couples, County staff said.
Also on Friday, County Board of Supervisors President Ken Yeager officiated 27 marriages for same-sex couples, bringing his total for four days last week to 41, the press release said.
“It has been an honor to perform marriages for so many loving couples this week,” Yeager said. “Many of them have waited years for the opportunity to be married. I am proud that Santa Clara County’s government has been so supportive of same-sex weddings. The rainbow flag has flown over the County building all week.”
And more than 100 couples have taken advantage of the County’s new “express marriage ceremony,” paying an extra fee to get married the same day they receive their marriage licenses, County staff said. The express marriage ceremony option was enacted by the County Monday, just after the Ninth Circuit ruling, which followed a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month stating same-sex couples must be treated the same under federal financial laws.
In preparation for the increased demand, the Clerk Recorder’s Office set up a special line for marriage licenses that bypasses the normal cueing system, County staff said. Since July 1, walk-in couples can purchase a license to have their ceremony performed at the service window for a fee of $110, plus an additional witness fee of $10.
Couples can apply for marriage licenses at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office – 70 W. Hedding St., 1st floor. (There is free one-hour parking in the West Wing parking lot at the corner of Hedding and San Pedro streets)
The County has one wedding chapel for marriages, but will make two additional chapel facilities temporarily available to accommodate overflow. Up to 17 ceremonies per day could be performed at each chapel, if needed. The Wedding Chapel holds 22 people and is located on the Lower Level, 70 W. Hedding St., both elevator and stair access is available.
Marriage licenses issued Express marriage ceremonies
July 1 – 94 – 37
July 2 – 58 – 14
July 3 – 80 – 14
July 5 – 151 – 41
