Meck Co. issues marriage licenses to same-sex couples

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday was a day of celebration for same-sex couples in Mecklenburg County. The courts started issuing marriage licenses early in the morning, after gay marriage became legal in North Carolina.

There was an initial rush of people Monday morning coming uptown for marriage licenses, followed by those who were getting married immediately.

READ MORE: Judge strikes down NC gay marriage ban
 
It was a day that many of the same sex couples who showed up at the Mecklenburg County courthouse thought they'd never see.
 
Jen Kolb and Allyson Creel have been together nearly 15 years.

"I'm shaking. I'm just, I can't believe this is happening. We've waited so long for this and it's here," said Kolb.

Channel 9 was there as dozens of couples waited for the Register of Deeds office to open at 8 a.m. When the doors opened, they flocked inside where clerks were ready to hand out applications for marriage licenses.

SPECIAL SECTION: Same-sex marriage
 
Then, as they emerged from the building with licenses in hand, many couples stepped right into the courtyard outside to be married -- complete with wedding day jitters.

But the nerves gave way to joy as the couples said, "I do."

RAW VIDEO: First gay marriage ceremony in North Carolina

A few protesters had a lot to say, especially when ceremonies were being performed. But for those getting married, it was as if the naysayers didn't even exist.

North Carolina joins 19 other states and the District of Columbia that already allow same-sex marriages. The Supreme Court's decision not to hear appeals on same-sex marriage bans paved the way for 10 more states to be added to that list -- including South Carolina.

Bans remain in place in 20 other states, but they're all being challenged.

The majority of North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in 2012.
 
On Sunday, Hickory Grove Baptist Church Pastor Clint Pressley reiterated he supported the ban and talked about the ruling during his sermon.
 
"It is our belief marriage is a creation ordinance between a man and a woman," said Pressley. "I want to make sure our people stay close to what the Bible says and how they respond to a world that thinks and acts differently. We don't rely on the legal system to provide morality for us. We stand outside of that answering to another authority. That authority is God and His will is the Bible."
 
Equality North Carolina was outside the Mecklenburg County and Courts building Monday morning to support and help same-sex couples receiving a marriage certificate.

WSOC