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Marriage Applications Soar as Gay Couples Prepare to Be Wed

By DNAinfo Staff on July 5, 2011 8:36pm  | Updated on July 6, 2011 7:00am

By Jill Colvin

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MIDTOWN — Online applications for marriage licenses soared Tuesday as same-sex couples were allowed to register in NYC for the very first time.

As of 5:30 p.m., the City Clerk's office had reported a 20 percent uptick in online applications versus last Monday, June 27, City Council spokesman Jamie McShane said.

But despite the interest, the clerk’s website still appeared to be having problems adjusting to the change.

Throughout the day, same-sex couples trying to register encountered forms that forced them to identify as either "bride" or "groom," leaving some frustrated with the process.

By Tuesday evening, the forms had been updated, with applicants able to register as either "Bride/Groom/Spouse A" or "Bride/Groom/Spouse B."

By Tuesday evening, the forms had been revised to read
By Tuesday evening, the forms had been revised to read "Bride/Groom/Spouse A" and "Bride/Groom/Spouse B."
View Full Caption
www.nyc.gov

But there still appeared to be some kinks, as certain section headers retained their old titles as applicants clicked through the form.

New York became the sixth state to allow same-sex couples to marry June 24, when the state Senate passed historic gay marriage legislation.

While couples can register now, they will still have to wait to receive their actual licenses until July 25, 30 days after the Marriage Equality Act passed in the state Senate. Couples must then wait another 24 hours before their official ceremonies at City Hall.