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As the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay on same-sex marriages in California, allowing them to resume on Friday, Long Beach prepares to be one of only two L.A. County cities to temporarily offer civil-marriage ceremonies at its city hall.

According to City Clerk Larry Herrera, he and his staff have been appointed deputy civil-marriage commissioners for the next 60 days, which allows them to solemnize marriages from their office at City Hall. Couples seeking civil-marriage ceremonies will still have to go to the County Clerk’s Office to obtain their licenses but can avoid waiting for an appointment for a County-employed commissioner in lieu of the recently appointed ones at Long Beach City Hall. 

“City Hall is just a convenience option for those who just want to get it done quickly,” said Herrera. “Appointment of our staff may also help the Registrar deal with a possible overflow of licensees wanting a civil-marriage ceremony. As to how many persons will choose the City Hall option, I cannot say at this time.”

Ceremonies will be performed in the back room of the City Clerk’s Office and will be conducted free of charge by the City. When a license is obtained from the County, a $25 civil-marriage fee is processed, and the couple can at that time state their intention to have the ceremony at Long Beach City Hall. The County will then alert Herrera’s office and make an appointment for the couple.

West Hollywood is the only other city in Los Angeles County that will be providing this service, according to County officials.

Judges, congressmen and retired magistrates, in addition to authorized authorities of religious denominations, also can solemnize a marriage. Mayor Foster also is authorized to conduct civil ceremonies.

“Coming from county government work, I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time,” said Herrera of having himself and his staff appointed deputy civil-marriage commissioners. “I had asked the County in the past to deputize us, but maybe this temporary experiment will lead to something more long term.” 

Though the 9th District Court’s lift on its stay allows counties to immediately begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses, the L.A. County Registrar’s seven offices–the only places where marriage licenses can be obtained–are closed until Monday, July 1. 

For more information on how to obtain a marriage license in L.A. County, visit http://www.lavote.net/clerk/marriages.cfm. Additional reporting by Brian Addison.

Read more:

Long Beach Same-sex Marriages FAQ

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