LAKEPORT – With the California Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriages going into effect on Monday at 5 p.m., county officials have been gearing up to issue marriage licenses and perform civil ceremonies.

On Monday, Cathy Saderlund, the county's assistant auditor-controller, said the County Clerk/Auditor-Controller's Office would be ready to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples during normal business hours on Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is located in room 209 on the second floor of the courthouse at 255 N. Forbes.

The California Supreme Court's decision last month makes California the second state – the first was Massachusetts – to legalize gay marriage.

Because the clerk's office has limited staffing and only one computer capable of issuing the marriage licenses, couples must make appointments to come in and go through the half-hour-long process, she said.

Saderlund said the office currently has some appointments pending for couples planning to come in and apply.

While the clerk's office hasn't yet started issuing licenses, there has been a lot of work to do in modifying every one of the marriage-related forms the department handles, which are done in both English and Spanish, Saderlund explained.

Lake County's clerk also offers civil marriage ceremonies upon request, which is a service that a county an offer but that the state doesn't require, said Saderlund.

A deputy county clerk presides over civil ceremonies, she said, which are conducted by appointment only and are scheduled on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, based on availability of the Board of Supervisors chambers.

“In 2006, we performed 152, in 2007, 114,” she said.

Anticipating higher demand due to the new marriage ruling this week, the clerk's office has extended its hours and will take appointments for ceremonies on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saderlund said applications can be downloaded from the county's Web site, completed in advance and brought in for processing.

The cost for a marriage license is $64, with a confidential license costing $70, according to the clerk's office Web site. Marriage ceremonies cost $35. The department accepts cash only, no credit cards or checks.

Forms and additional information can be found at www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/DepartmentDirectory/AuditorController/County_Clerk/Marriage_License.htm or by calling our office at 263-2311.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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