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Seattle’s weekend of gay weddings includes Capitol Hill-powered ceremonies, parties

Love is in the air. As Wednesday, December 5th rolls into Thursday, December 6th, changes brought about by the affirmation of R74 become reality. Like many things in life, it will begin with long lines and include some great parties along the way. Here’s what’s next.

Thursday, December 6th — Midnight: First comes, love then comes the marriage license. Same sex couples will enjoy a special midnight opening of the King County’s Recorder’s office as the first post-R74 marriage licenses are issued. Bring photo ID and $64. The license is good for 60 days. It’s not clear how many people will line up outside 500 4th Ave’s room 301 tonight but officials are expecting a big turnout.

502: You can also mellow out and relax before your big day without fear of arrest. I-502 kicks in decriminalizing possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. These Hill entrepreneurs are stocked up for the new world.

Three-day waiting period: While couples are nervously waiting the legally required three days before marriage, they’ll be able to take advantage of some food and drink celebrations. One we know of are Coastal Kitchen’s 74-cent oyster party planned for Thursday from 3p to midnight. You’ll have to wait for Sunday to enjoy a free glass of champagne on the house at Cafe Presse. Sounds like a good way to calm the nerves before heading to City Hall.

Jane Lighty and Pete-e Peterson have become two faces of R74. Here’s their interview with KING TV

Sunday, December 9th
THE WEDDINGS: Seattle’s City Hall will be opened to host hundreds of weddings. The day will be a very Capitol Hill affair. With support from 10th Ave’s The Stranger, local artists are transforming City Hall into a chapel of love:

We are working with local artist Jennifer Zeyl (http://www.jenniferzeyl.com) and Celeste Cooning (http://www.celestecooning.com) to create temporary art installations to provide a beautiful location for each couple’s big moment. These installations will be tasteful, dignified and appropriate to the solemnity and joy of the moment. This is a big day that many have waited years or even decades to enjoy.

We’re also told couples will be toasted with Rachel’s Ginger Beer.

The City’s Get Married FAQ on the ceremonies is here. You can join The Stranger in supporting the cause by donating here.

Seattle First Baptist on Harvard Ave is also hosting a group ceremony at 2 PM on Sunday. You have two hours to sign up — registration closes at noon. This PDF has details.

THE RECEPTIONS: More Capitol Hill-edness will be at play as the post-ceremony parties begin.

The Paramount Theatre will host Love Wins — a free, public reception including sweets from High 5 Pie, Molly Moon’s and, of course, Cupcake Royale.

On December 9th, three days after Referendum 74 takes effect, Seattle City Hall will be open between 10am and 5PM for same-sex couples to have wedding ceremonies. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Seattle Theatre Group (STG), the Mayor’s Office, Washington United For Marriage and Seattle Weekly will host A Wedding Reception for All at The Historic Paramount Theatre on this Historic Day!

We are encouraging all couples, their family and friends, to come to The Paramount for this FREE public reception party and join us in an evening of entertainment, fun, and – what is a wedding reception without cake and desserts. Festivities start off with Mayor McGinn leading a toast, a lovely acoustic set by Mary Lambert and then dance the night away with DJ Wesley Holmes : affiliation – Flammable, Resistance, The Woods. The fabulous actor-writer-singer, Sarah Rudinoff will be the Master of Ceremonies, plus a special appearance by Choklate.

Q nightclub is also hosting a Big Gay Wedding Reception party with a funkier flavor:

Please join Q Nightclub, Dan Savage, & Terry Miller

in celebrating the marriages of

Him & Him 

and 

Her & Her

December 9th, 2012 at 6:00pm

1426 Broadway, Capitol Hill

Dress: Your very own fabulous idea of festive attire

SEATTLE, November 20, 2012— Newly elected presidents have inaugurations. To celebrate Washington State’s new marriage equality law, Q nightclub is having a wedding reception.

On December 9, Q will host a joyful celebration of the first legal same-sex marriages in Washington State. Thanks to the hard work of those who advocated for the passage of R-74 and marriage equality, same-sex couples will be able to begin filing for marriage licenses at 12:01am on December 6, and after a three-day waiting period, can start tying the knot on Sunday, December 9. 

That day, Seattle City Hall becomes wedding central—with four pop-up chapels in the lobby to serve all the patient couples. After the ceremonies, The Stragner’s Dan Savage and husband, Terry Miller, will co-host the party at Q alongside DJ Riz Rollins and special guests. On the docket for the evening: a tearjerker first dance, goofy cake-cutting photos, and champagne toasts galore. 

The party runs 6-10p and is free — though a donation is suggested.

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