Gay Marriage on Hold at Least Until Wednesday

U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker disappointed proponents of gay marriage Thursday by putting on hold at least until next week a decision on whether to allow the unions to go forward in California.

Walker lifted a stay of a ruling he made last week that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, but kept a hold on gay marriages until Aug. 18.

Gay couples will not be allowed to marry until then. Walker is allowing opponents to issue their appeal. Depending on how the court rules, gay marriages could resume then, or it could put off gay marriages indefinitely.

Last week, Walker ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional and said same-sex marriages should begin immediately, but agreed to stay his ruling while he considered the legal arguments on both sides.

Proposition 8, which prohibits gay and lesbian couples from getting married in California, was approved by the state's voters in November 2008.

Following Walker's ruling last week, Gov. Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown filed motions asking that same-sex marriage resume.

Kings Road Park in West Hollywood began preparing for wedding ceremonies Thursday morning. The city of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office were also prepared to perform marriage ceremonies.

Members of the city council had been deputized and were ready to perform civil ceremonies. Civil ceremonies contain no religious elements and can be performed at a courthouse, lawyer's office or venue of your choice.  

To obtain a civil ceremony, a couple must first visit one of L.A. County's branch offices and obtain a marriage license. The closest branch is the Beverly Hills Branch office located at 9355 Burton Way. Once a marriage license is obtained, couples can go to Kings Road Park and have a civil ceremony performed.

To learn more about how getting a marriage license, click here.