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Same Sex Couples Tie the Knot in San Diego County

Dozens of same-sex couples are getting married at the San Diego County Administration building today. It is the first day the County Clerk legally performed same sex marriages, after the California Su

Same Sex Couples Tie the Knot in San Diego County

(Photo: Peggy Higgins and Ellie Kennedy were one of the first couples to get married in San Diego this morning. Alison St John/KPBS )

Dozens of same-sex couples are getting married at the San Diego County Administration building today. Today is the first day the County Clerk legally performed same sex marriages, after the California Supreme Court overturned the State ban last month . KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

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As each couple emerged from the building, marriage license in hand, they were greeted by a crowd of cheering supporters. About half the couples chose to go ahead and have a wedding ceremony on the spot . Ellie Kennedy was one of the first to tie the knot. She says she and her partner Peggy Higgins already had a commitment ceremony in Las Vegas.

Kennedy : This to me feels so much different because it’s legal and its recognized in the eyes of the state, we have friends here and it’s amazing… it just validates the love that we have for each other .

  County Clerk ,Greg Smith, says he assigned 78 employees to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Smith : We’re following the law and here’s the key we want to treat all couples with dignity and respect.

  A small protest on the other side of the County building didn’t interfere with the weddings parties on the lawn next to San Diego Bay. Alison St John, KPBS news