Township Opens Offices For Same-Sex Marriages Over Weekend

The West Orange Health Department opened Saturday to take applications for same-sex marriages, according to the West Orange Township.

“I am pleased to announce that West Orange is now accepting applications for same-sex marriages," Mayor Robert D. Parisi said. “As soon as the ruling came down we started to get calls from couples who wanted to apply for marriage licenses.”

On early Monday morning, officials across the state presided over New Jersey’s first same-sex marriages as the clocks struck midnight. Applicants were able to get a waiver at the Essex County Court House, according to the West Orange township.

According to the township, Under New Jersey law, all people wishing to be married must file a marriage license application at least 72 hours in advance of the ceremony. Any couples who filed the appropriate state-required paperwork on Saturday will be able to be legally married Tuesday.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker was among those officiating same-sex marriages.

Gov. Chris Christie dropped his appeal of the court ruling to allow gay marriage in the state.

Paperwork can be picked up at Town Hall (room 203), located at 66 Main Street. One of the applicants must be a West Orange resident. The fee is $28 cash or check. Call 973-325-4121 for more information.