| We eloped to San Francisco on March 9, 2004. The plan started when Mayor Gavin Newsom began marrying same-sex couples on Valentines Day, February 14, 2004. We were vacationing in Monterey, California when we first heard this news and, on Sunday, February 16, 2004, we drove into San Francisco to see if we could get married. Unfortunately, the lines were incredibly long and there was no way we would be able to get married that day. But it was an amazing sight to see so many people lined up, hoping to marry. (Click HERE to see photos.) We hardly wanted to leave. We must have felt just like those people that were at the first March on Washington – we felt that one day we would look back on that moment the way many look back on the fateful speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. |
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| Later, we learned that we could make an appointment to be married. The first available appointment was for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9th. We took it, even though we were concerned that the marriages would be stopped before then. But we just hoped for the best. |
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| After work on March 8th, we climbed in the car with our two dear friends, Charles and Dominic, and headed for San Francisco. We arrived at around 1:00 a.m. and checked into a hotel for the remainder of the night. |
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| The next morning, we put on our suits and started our day. We began with brunch with our friends. Then we toured the Palace of Fine Arts. It was a lovely morning and a wonderful time to enjoy the scenery and contemplate the momentous occasion that was about to unfold for us. |
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| After a few hours, we headed off to City Hall for our 3:00 p.m. appointment. When we got there, the long lines from the previous weeks were gone as the city had instituted an appointment only process. But they had been replaced by anti-gay protestors and religious fanatics who shouted at us while we entered the building. We just ignored them, not wanting anything to ruin our special day. |
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| We checked in at the Clerk’s Office and began our paperwork, which required all sorts of information about the “1st Applicant” and the “2nd Applicant.” We were assigned a number and waited to be called. When it was, we were sent off to see the marriage commissioner, Donald Byrd. He asked where we would like to be married and we selected the top of the stairs in the City Hall Rotunda. It was a beautiful setting, made all the more spectacular when several friends arrived in time to share the moment with us. |
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| The ceremony was very traditional, including the vows. You know, “do you take this man to be your spouse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health” and all of that. Of course, we both said, “I do.” And we exchanged rings as tokens of our commitment. Then we were pronounced “spouses for life” and our friends cheered. |
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| Afterward, we went to the Recorder’s Office to record our certificate and obtain the final “seal of approval.” We were legal – at least for the moment. We then went outside and, to our pleasure, all of the protestors were gone and there remained only friends and supporters to congratulate us on our nuptials. We blew bubbles and took photos, anything to remain in that moment a little longer. |
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| It was truly joyous. We look forward to the time when we can do it again without risk of having it stripped away because of societal prejudices or religious condemnation. Until then, we will continue to celebrate the union we share together, irrespective of legal recognition. And we are so glad that we can still share that with you. |
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| Click HERE to see pictures of the wedding. |
