Summary

King County issues 623 marriage licenses in the 3 days since a marriage equality law went into effect. The first wedding of a same-sex couple takes place Sunday at 12:01 a.m. at the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.

Story

In the three days since a new marriage equality law went into effect, King County has issued an unprecedented 623 marriage licenses. A special licensing event concluded today at the Recorder's Office, with 63 couples receiving marriage licenses. Marcus Overall and Cassidy McCray of Auburn were the final couple processed, just before the office closed at 4:30 p.m.

"I could not be more enthusiastic and proud of our effort to meet the demand of this historic three-day service event," said Norm Alberg, director of the King County Records and Licensing Services Division. "We executed a very complex plan to meet unprecedented demand – and from the feedback it appears we exceeded our customers' expectations."

The Recorder's Office will resume its normal schedule on Monday, Dec. 10. In addition, couples will be able to obtain marriage licenses at King County Community Service Centers beginning on Monday. For a list of Community Service Center locations and hours of operation, visit www.kingcounty.gov/CSC.

"I want to thank our Recorder's Office staff, the other amazing professionals and leadership across the Department of Executive Services, as well as the outpouring of support from our more than 150 volunteers," added Alberg. "This is a terrific example of King County truly demonstrating its values and vision – of being a diverse and dynamic community, where all people have the opportunity to thrive."

First wedding of same-sex couple tonight at 12:01 a.m. in the King County Courthouse

Sarah and Emily Cofer will be the first same-sex couple to legally marry at the King County Courthouse. King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu will perform the ceremony tonight at 12:01 a.m. at the Courthouse located at 516 Third Ave. in Seattle.

Sarah and Emily have been together for more than ten years. In 2010, they had a commitment ceremony in Hawaii with their close friends and family. Nine months ago, the couple had a baby girl, and Judge Yu performed the second parent adoption.

Also getting married tonight at the Courthouse is Brendon Taga and Jesse Page. They were the second couple to receive a marriage license from King County Executive Dow Constantine when the marriage equality law took effect on Thursday morning.

Marriage equality coverage on King County social media

King County has posted more than 150 photos from Dec. 6 to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KingCountyWA. Couples, volunteers, and community members are encouraged to tag themselves and share this historic day with family and friends.

A timeline of the first days of marriage equality is on Storify at www.storify.com/KingCountyWA, and photos are on Instagram at www.instagram.com/KingCountyWA.

For more information about marriage licensing in King County, visit www.kingcounty.gov/marriage.