How to Get Hitched if You're Gay
Saturday/January19/08
A procedural guide for Massachusetts, Connecticut,
New Hampshire and Vermont
A Washington Post wire service story lays out
the nuts and bolts on how gay couples may get
married in Massachusetts or enter into a civil
union in Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont.
These are the only four states in the United
States that allow marriage/civil unions between
same-sex couples.
Massachusetts requires both parties to appear before a town hall of any city in the Commonwealth and fill out a form. Both parties must prove age and residency. A license is issued after three days. A ceremony must occur within 60 days. Gay residents of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Mexico can get married in Massachusetts. Otherwise, they can get married there only if they declare that they intend to move to Massachusetts.
The civil union rules for Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont are much more simple: One or both parties appear before an official to complete a form; the ceremony must take place within 60 to 90 days, depending on the state. There are no residency restrictions.
The story includes links to resources to learn more about gar marriage/civil unions and contacts if there are any problems with officials or paperwork.
Massachusetts requires both parties to appear before a town hall of any city in the Commonwealth and fill out a form. Both parties must prove age and residency. A license is issued after three days. A ceremony must occur within 60 days. Gay residents of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Mexico can get married in Massachusetts. Otherwise, they can get married there only if they declare that they intend to move to Massachusetts.
The civil union rules for Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont are much more simple: One or both parties appear before an official to complete a form; the ceremony must take place within 60 to 90 days, depending on the state. There are no residency restrictions.
The story includes links to resources to learn more about gar marriage/civil unions and contacts if there are any problems with officials or paperwork.
