Politics & Government

Record Set Friday for Marriage Licenses in Santa Clara County

Almost 400 couple got licenses last week and 41 same-sex marriages were performed.

By the end of the business day on Friday, 149 couples were issued marriage licenses in Santa Clara County. According to county officials, it is believed to be the "busiest day ever for issuing marriage licenses" in the county.

For the entire week of July 1-5 (offices were closed July 4), 381 marriage licenses were dispensed. A typical day at the county office sees about 35 couples come in for marriage licenses.

In the four-day period, 41 same-sex marriages were performed, including 27 by Board President Ken Yeager. 

“It has been an honor to perform marriages for so many loving couples this week,” said Yeager.  ”Many of them have waited years for the opportunity to be married. I am proud that Santa Clara County’s government has been so supportive of same-sex weddings. The rainbow flag has flown over the County building all week.”

Part of the reason that Santa Clara County saw the boom in marriages last week is the advent of the Express Marriage Ceremony, which launched on July 1. The Express option allows couples to wed the same day they receive their license for $110 plus a $10 witness fee instead of the usual $79 for a standard marriage license. 

Check out the graphic above to see all the marriage numbers from last week.


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