California Weddings  | Poll Results | Advocate.com

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Results for the following question: Do you plan on getting married in California?

Yes
 54.1%

No
 23.1%

Undecided
 11.5%

Does not apply
 11.3%

Total Votes: 407

Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Anonymous
Utah is very gay friendly, contrairy to the National view because of the LDS Church. Over 25,000 were at Gay Pride. We would like to get married even though it would have no real effect since they did pass a constitutional ammendment against gay marriage here in Utah. Partner and I have been together over 20 years, names are on the house, insurance policies and wills. Eventually the Supreme Court will rule then all benefits of marriage will take effect.

bryan
My partner of 8 years and I are registered domestic partners in CA and paid a lawyer years ago to add legal protections. With neither of us being religious, marriage would be a symbolic gesture unless federal laws change. (Congrats to the folks who want to get married!)

Brian & Stephen
We are getting married in San Francisco on Aug 11th and returning to our home state of Washington to have our union blessed in our Church. It's a shame we can't do all of this at home and that our legal status will only be respected when visiting our families in CA, MA, or NY.

Anonymous
will definitely plan on a trip unless NY Governor David Patterson saves us the trip!

Anonymous
As much as I'd like to, it would have much more meaning if i could do it in my home state.

Chip Thompson
4 pm Sept. 20th, 2008 - 18 years, 5 days, and 3 hours after we met

Anonymous
After nine years together, my husband and I were married in Canada last year (I am Canadian, and we decided to get married near my parent's town). Living in California, we are thrilled that our marriage will now be recognized here, as well. We haven't decided yet whether it might make sense to marry again in California, as a preemptive measure in case the anti-marriage passes in November. If the amendment passes, it might not be retroactive in terms of invalidating California marriages, but may once again cause problems in terms of having our Canadian marriage license recognized here. If we do get married again, it will be a formality only, as our real wedding has already taken place.

Jeff
Not ready to. I've only been with my boyfriend for 4 months. Hopefully California doesn't make a mistake in November or, better yet, I hope other states follow California's example because I'd like to get married somewhere at some point.

Nick Klouda
I would love to get married but I don't have someone I would get married to.

Elaine
Marriage planned fo Oct 4,2008

Anonymous
We got married in 2004, we'll get married in 2008 and if this one doesn't stick we'll get married when the fundies pull their collective heads out of their collective asses and figure out that two guys or two gals getting married doesn't affect them.

Ken
After waiting for equality for over 33 years,my husband and I married this morning at the Riverside County courthouse.

Lieven
I am a Belgian national and my partner is American. We live in Belgium and so we were able to get legally married in Belgium. What a great moment this is in California! We had a big wedding ourselves, including a church service, with a very gay-friendly priest, who blessed our union. Family and friends flew in from the US, Turkey, England, the Netherlands, France, the Czech republic and Spain. We had the BEST day of our lives. Even my two grandmothers, 90 and 82 at the time were there!

Randall Shirley
I've been able to get married in Canada for years (I'm an American who lives in Canada). But my partner and I have not yet chosen marriage. We're fully -intertwined as a couple, and in Canada we're treated as common-law whether we marry or not. So why do we need the piece of government paper saying we love each other?

Jim
After 26 years together, we are ecstatic that our relationship will be "officially" sanctioned by the state, although we feel as though we have been married all this time. Actually, my husband-to-be and I, and his brother and partner, are going to celebrate with a double ceremony in October, officiated by our church minister. What an honor to be a part of history!

Frankie
Though I know I am not ready it brings a great feeling of hope that things can change. I am excited for those that are recognizing their commitments and know that this is a great day for change

Karen
Yes...finally there is some equal treatment coming from my tax dollars!!

Anonymous
Believe it or not, my partner and I may be in a position where we HAVE to get married! How the tide has turned. I am a "stay at home" domestic partner and rely on her job for health benefits. We just received a letter from her employer that as of the end of 2008 benefits will no longer be extended to domestic partners in California now that we can marry! However, if we get married, I will continue to be covered. So I can either go back to work or get married. A slightly different version of a shotgun wedding...

Travis Colten Yocom
My intention is not to live in California; I am very happy that gay people out there can now marry. But I want to someday move away from Indiana and the Midwest to Vermont. I will await the ability to get married there. I have learned recently that Hoosier homos don't seem to care about stable relationships, most of them anyways. They prefer their "Brokeback Mountain" lifestyles of having a beard and having men on the side. Well, I am not a side dish. And living here in the Repressed Midwest will drive an out & honest homo crazy. I long for and live for the day I can marry the man I love and hold his hand or kiss him in public like everyone else can his/her spouse. Only in the more liberal states will that be possible.

Anonymous
Absolutely! We've been waiting 26 years to get married and have been planning our wedding for decades. I've never understood why anyone else should be concerned about who I marry and why it would have any bearing on them. The government has no right to tell me who I can love. I only wish it had happened sooner so that our son could have had married parents while he was growing up.

Anonymous
Got married in Canada, and it's recognized in New York where we live. No need to burn any jet fuel to go cross-country. Congrats to the CA Supremes for having the balls (and ovaries) to do the right thing by us. Other states turning the decision over to the legislatures and/or voters is nothing but mob rule.

Justin Bieller
Me and my boyfriend plan on getting married the first week of July while we are on our vacation in Cali. Then we plan on having a ceremony back home in Missouri. We are both so amazingly excited about it!

Mark in Tampa
There wouldn't be much point to getting married in CA. There is no way my state (Flori-DUH) will ever recognize a same-sex marriage, no matter where it is performed. Besides, the right wing army of evil will probably get their way and the whole thing will be repealed in November. I don't expect to see same-sex marriage become a reality in my lifetime, at least not in this miserable country.

Leon
Until it comes to our home state of Pennsylvania I do not see the purpose.

Raymond
Albert and I have been together since 1976 and married in Toronto in 2003. I am dual national Canada/US and Albert is US. Our son Wade is 5 1/2 years old. It is wonderful to know that our marriage is recognised in several European countries, South Africa, and now, yes, MA and now CA. I want to honour our Canadian marriage although I would love to remarry....the same man, but I will resist it. Besides, when you marry abroad, you do not need to remarry to have legal rights.

Anonymous
I would like to be married in Australia, but we will wait and see what happens here!

Anonymous
I can't wait to be married! I am so grateful to the Judges of the California Supreme Court for their wise decision to not only grant us the right to marry, but also not to restrict that right to residents of California - as MA has done. Now, if only we could get the other states to wake up and realize that we are whole, normal people who deserve the same rights as the heteros.

Andy Kivilaan
This is a civil right issue. While I can understand the argument from gay rights advocates that we don't want to mirror straight institutions, the only reason marriage is straight is because we've been excluded from this option. My partner of 11 1/2 years and I will be flying from Texas to San Francisco in July - we have an appointment to get our marriage certificate and a minister will be conducting our ceremony on the steps of City Hall. I'm tired of riding in the "back of the bus", I'm ready to sit in the front seat and enjoy the view.

Anonymous
Our 38-year relationship will finally be validated.

Dr. Mark Pope
My partner and I have been talking about this ever since the Supreme Court decision. We live in St. Louis and already have our domestic partnership, but we want more and we want to support our brothers and sisters in California in the general election. We'll also be sending money to fight the anti-gay forces.

Anonymous
We plan to get married this summer in California and then file a petition in GA to have it recognized.

Jennifer and Theresa Sooknemizell
After fifteen and a half years together, we can finally get married. We are so totally excited.

Anonymous
Already legally married in Belgium after having our 2003 Canadian Marriage recognized by the Belgium Civil Authorities. At least one country in the world recognizes the reciprocity...it would be nice if the USA would recognize it alongside the other European Union countries, Canada, and now Norway.

Anonymous
We're coming from Virginia (with our two-year-old son) to get married in Sacramento.

Anonymous
Getting married in San Francisco on July 17. We are both Texas residents!

Anonymous
We married in 2004--that marriage is now null and void...guess we will try again.

Barry
My partner and I just returned from a vacation in San Francisco. We were too early for Pride, but were impressed at how much the entire city is gearing up for it! We were so inspired, that we "proposed" to each other right there, and made the decision to return next summer for our wedding and honeymoon!

Andy Schaidler & Brian Buchberger
in San Fran, right before Dore Alley Fair, on the 10th anniversary of our original commitment ceremony in Wisconsin!

Glenn A. Helwig, M.D.
We must make a stand and should be united!

Kenneth Brown
My partner and I just booked all our arrangements for an October marriage in Tahoe. We are currently residents of Maryland and want to add our names to the list of those who are positively impacted by this ruling.

Ed
I would love to, but my partner of 24 years is not too sure, sooooooo, I guess I can only hope he comes to want to.

Dave
I live in Massachusetts where same sex marriage has become, well... commonplace. Word to the wise... while being able to get married is a wonderful thing and the right to do so is as it should be, dont rush to the alter just because you can. As same sex marriage has become normal here, so is same sex divorce. And whether it hetro or homo.. divorce aint pretty. Be sure its the right thing for you before you say"I do"

Bill
I dont have to go to California... I live in Massachusetts.

John R. Selig
My husband and I married over 4 years ago in Canada so we are already married. But we are part of the fight for beating back the amendment in California and working to make same-sex marriage legal all over the United States

Alan Stoll
We are residents of Oak Park, IL and we really want to get married in our home state.

Christina Rose Mallory
As a 45 year old lesbian, and a GLBT rights activist from the 80's’; I am over whelmed and brought to joyful tears by the legal recognition that our right to love and marry another human being finally caught up with the lifelong commitments many of us in the GLBT community has already made to each other! Deeply In love with the woman of my dreams for eight amazing years; together we have raised 6 healthy children and two grandchildren, striving to be positive roll models for our children by demonstrating and reinforcing the sanctity of commitment; instilling love as being the glue to hold together any relationship. I always made clear to our children, that when that day comes that you say “I do”, it comes with responsibility that is more than a piece of paper. Marriage; for me, has never been about that piece of paper, though the symbolism of legitimacy is the grand reward. It is saying to the world; my ability to love, to commit my life to a person, is just as valid as any others on the planet. The years that we have strived for equality, the mile stone that seemed only instead a few steps long are coming about in my lifetime, and I thank all those who have sacrificed before me. The harassment and the loss of life to hurtful hands of prejudice may never end due to the ignorance of some, but thank you to the diligence of many.... we can move closer to acceptance from the cold expressions of tolerance...to the joyful warm words that say “I do”. Christina Rose Mallory, CATC Founding member O.C.C.P. (Orange County Cultural Pride, Inc.) 1988-1999

Anonymous
Who gives a shit?

Dave Marsh
We're one of the 4,000 couples who got married in SF four years ago, and will keep trying until it sticks. Also, with the pending ballot initiative to modify the CA Constitution to deny gay Californians equal rights in the state, we feel it's important to get married again before the potential ban can be passed. That way, our marriage may remain valid indefinitely, even if new marriages wouldn't be approved thereafter. I think it's highly unlikely that the CA Supreme Court would annul (at least I'm hopeful it wouldn't), ex post facto, any valid marriages performed before such a change to the CA Constitution occurred.

Anonymous
We were already married in Canada nearly three years ago. I'm happy that the marriage will now be recognized!

barb
We married in 2004 and are thrilled by the California Supreme Court's intelligent and strong opinon granting our civil rights to be married. Heading up to San Francisco again ... this time it's legal and they can't take it away. I hope the country clerks are flooded with gay couples between now and November. The tide has turned toward equality as we have been promised by our constitution: separation of church and state. Thanks to Mayor Newsom for his bravery and sense of justice for all.

Brenda
My partner, Leah, and I are getting married in California in Oct. this year. We are planning a beautiful wedding in her parents' backyard. I can't wait to marry the woman of my dreams. I love you, baby!

jwpsonoma@sbcglobal.net
This Tuesday at 2:oo in Santa Rosa, CA!!!

Robert
I am 18 years old now and wouldn't be getting married anytime soon if I were straight. I do plan to marry later on in my life and I'm ready to fight now for my right to.

Randall Tarpey-Schwed
Although my husband and I were married in Canada five years ago (we have been a couple for 18 years), we will be married in a civil ceremony in Marin County, California next Friday, June 20. It's important to make a political statement and be totally "out" about being a same-gender married couple, so we wanted to get married right away.

Shane
Definately!! California once again opens the door wide and sets the standard for the rest of the US!! I'm very proud to be a Californian and to finally get this opportunity.

James
Julian and I have been together for 21 years. We live in Ventura, California and we are getting married in October! (prior to election day) We are having a "California" theme in honor of, and thanks to our great Golden State! We are so excited, he's already making the guest list and ordering the flowers, I am going to arrange the caterer and the music. Our friends, families and our church community are excited too! (the church ladies wanted to form a committee, we told them no!) I can't believe we are getting legally married in our own church and having the reception in our church community hall. Is a dj hokey? I have been practicing the chicken dance and the hora for the reception. We will be at the County Government Center on Tuesday to cheer on the couples, (gay and straight) who are coming to get licenses. Hooray for Love, and Hooray for our great state of California!

James "JJ" from Ventura
We live in Ventura, California and are getting married in October! (prior to election day) We are having a "California" theme in honor of, and thanks to our great Golden State! We are so excited, he's already making the guest list and ordering the flowers, I am going to arrange the caterer and the music. Our friends, families and our church community are excited too! (the church ladies wanted to form a committee, we told them no!) I can't believe we are getting legally married in our own church and having the reception in our church community hall. Is a dj hokey? I have been practicing the chicken dance and the hora for the reception. We will be at the County Government Center on Tuesday to cheer on the couples, (gay and straight) who are coming to get licenses. Hooray for Love, and Hooray for our great state of California!

Anonymous
We've been waiting a long time for this! We have been together for 13 years-- registered as domestic partners when it became available and are planning a small wedding in July now that it's legal.

Cease
We live in South East Michigand and already have an eight yeat old Vermont Civil union - we would more likely do a Canadian wedding since Windsor is just next door. but we haven't.

Stephen
We would love to, but it will just be a symbolic jesture since it will mean nothing back in our home state of Alabama. We have been "married" for 11 years this June, without the rights and privileges of our straight neighbors and friends.

Ruth Debra
My partner of almost 17 years and I plan to marry before the November election. We are proud and thrilled to live in CA and are determined to defeat the constitutional ban which would write discrimination into our Constitution. We are encouraging everyone we know to vote and contribute to Equality for all.

"sexy"
I plan on getting married here but not for a few years. At least 6 years. That is the amount of time my partner has signed up for in the military. Don't ask don't tell may not be a big issue in the gay community but maybe after this marriage hooplah service members and their families can get some attention

Anonymous
Not at this time. If it were to extend to my home state, Missouri, absolutely. I want to get married when I get all the legal rights and privileges and obligations that come with it. Where I live. St. Louis

John
My partner and I will celebrate our 14th anniversary the very day California will begin issueing marriage licenses, but we have no plans to tie the knot!

Anonymous
Yes! And, should the court's ruling be upheld by the CA electorate in November we will plan to move to Palm Springs. With us comes our small business, employees, and investments. Good bye Minnesota state income taxes. We'll gladly pay higher CA state income taxes to live where we are welcomed.

Daniel Schmidt
Hopefully it won't be overturned in November.

Michael Feldman
Never in my wildes dreams did I think I would be planning my wedding complete with marriage license, rabbi, reception--the whole nine yards! It's a whirlwind, but I couldn't be happier. I have found that from jewelry store clerks, to synagogue personnel, to friends, relatives and coworkers, all are thrilled that this is happening.

Bob
Single and live in WI - where there is a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage AND civil unions.

David Gauthier
Yes, this is very important to me. While this may be short lived, we must take the opportunity to live as equals among the heterosexuals. Only in 'out' numbers will the world understand how many of us there are. With constant exposure, we, the gay, become less of a mystery; more of ‘just like everyone else’. I hope the next generation of gay, does not live in fear, or being marginalized.

Moik & Max
My partner and I have been together for 29 years. We can't wait to get married this summer! We live in Culver City near West Hollywood. It is going to be a wonderful wedding season!

Brad
I may be gay but I think the gay community is a long way away from having monogomous relationships within the community and the last thing we need to do is contribute to failed 'marriage' statistics. We're fighting for something that I have not seen the gay community exihibit the ability to take seriously. How many friends do you have that are involved in "open" relationships, that is not a marraige in my eyes and does not even come close to qualify as one.

Gerry Knifley
As american citizens we are the last people to be denied full benefit of our rights. I would like to have the right to marry my partner in any state in the union. But I do not feel I need a peice of paper to make him any more or any less my husband after 8 years together I already have a marriage.

Jay Felzien
My partner and I just celebrated our 21st anniversary. We've been domestic partners since 1999. Yes, we plan on getting married. In fact, I called the Sonoma County Clerk's office today and they emailed the revised applicaiton for marriage license to me; it shows "Party A" and "Party B".

Allison
My "wedding" anniversary will always be June 2, 2001, as that's the day I committed my love to the woman who is my life and my partner. However, we will be in the tiny clerks office in rural Modoc County to pick up our marriage license. After years of denial, we will marry - because we can and because it's important for those around us - supporters and those less so, to see our marriage out there. To see we are no different from anyone else in dreams or reality. Perhaps then, they will say, "what's the big deal"

lisa
july 28 to be exact :)

Kenneth M. Scott
My partner and I have been registered as Domestic Partners since 2004, and this will complete our access to equal rights under the law in California. We were both thrilled at the State Supreme Court ruling. By the way it's not like we're a young couple. I am 69 and my partner is 67. We just want to get married.

Anonymous
what do we have to do? - we live in delaware.

Anonymous
My partner and I will have been together 17 years on September 5, 2008. We have already made an appointment in San Diego, Ca, to apply for our marriage license on June 18, 2008. We will be getting married on September 5th our 17th anniversary.

Robert
Maybe Boston

Alan
And, the whole family is accepting. They will all be at the Little River Inn for the ceremony this summer. Finally!!!

Anonymous
Until marriage is a protected right in ALL states and is recognized by the Federal government, I will not be participating. I can have a committment ceremony locally (Florida) with the same rights and benefits of a "legal" Claifornia marriage certificate: absolutely none.

Paul Leonard
l & my partner married in P-town , Mass 3 years ago . We now live in Atl. Ga , as far as it goes l`m married . l`ll tie the knot again if & when if the need be in Ga.

Michael Harwood
If my partner and I marry in California, it will also be recognized in our home state of New York. However, since he is a foreign national here on a work visa there are complications - getting married implies that he intends to stay in the US which would not be an issue if we had federal marriage rights.

Anonymous
We were married in Canada; therefore, no need to marry in California.

Lindsey
Since we live in Ca. and have been together for many years, it's a no brainer. However, we are still debating whether to get hitched before November. We don't want to get married AGAIN and have it taken away AGAIN.

Susan Holm
Gives me hope.... living in Florida, I know it won't count, but it means that in the largest state, we are legal.

bruno b bereshnoy
It's time to officially declare our 28-year relationship as a marriage. We will marry in California, and may eventually even return to the Eureka state to live out our lives. For the first time in my life I'm able to say that I'm proud of being an American.

Joe
Do my partner and I want to get married - Yes! But we are unsure whether to wait until after the November election outcome. If we get married before November, and even if our marriage remains valid should a ban be made constitutional, it is a bitter situation when our friends cannot them enjoy the same status.

Brian
After almost 33 years together my partner and I wish to get married as soon as it is legal. Maybe if enough couples marry people will see that the world does not end and they might not vote for a constitutional amendment.

Anonymous
Canadian Citizen married in Canada

Anonymous
My partner (whom is British) and I plan to move to and then 'wed' in the UK (where there is a FEDERALIZED form of marriage equality).

Linda
Yes we do! We believe that it is important to support the Supreme Courts decision to proceed for Marriage equality for all in California. By not doing so would only say that it's not important to us as a whole.

Dov O'Nuanain
I am in favor of freedom and equality for everyone, except for Mormons of course (yuck-yuck). My real fear is that "equality" of marriage will eventually lead the Supreme Court to allow polygamous marriage which is inherently unequal for women. Just like "separate but equal" is not legal, so we may, hopefully, be free from polygamy in the future.

Mark Gilley
In my mind my partner and I would be hypocrites if we didn't. We've told our family that we are for all intents and purposes married, we went to the California Secretary of State's office to get a Domestic Partnership agreement, so now it's time to really have the same rights as everyone else. It is a natural step on our path to equality. And did I forget to say I love him?

Michael Butler
I was never one for commitment ceremonies. Always scoffed that my partner of 16 years and I were already married. This is different, however. I'm so proud of my home state.

Anonymous
We have been together 25 years, so what's the point; our commitment is pretty obvious without the ceremony; I feel no need to ape a heterosexual tradition

Anonymous
My Domestic Partner and I plan to wed but not before the November elections. It would be too painful for us to be married one day and not the next if the people of California decide that we are still second class citizens who can pay the same taxes but cannot have the same privileges that those taxes give other people.

Ginelle
I think it is totally amazing that in our lifetime, gay marriage is becoming a reality for so many people in so many places. Who would have known fifty years ago that such happiness could exist such as the happiness to be legally recognized as loving committed couples, taking care of each other and our families, and loving each other, hopefully for the rest of our lives despite our sexual orientation. It is truly a blessing that our long struggle against hate and discrimination is finally bearing fruit in such places as The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, South Africa, Canada, Massachusetts and now the Golden State of California. The struggle is far but over, future generations will have their difficulties, I am sure, but our legacy will be that we paved the way to freedom, dignity and respect.

Cecelia Burnett
We don't plan to get married until we can do so legally in our home state of Maine. Although I'd like to see couples from all over the country get married in CA and travel home and sue their states for recognition of their marriages! Wouldn't that be fun!

Anonymous
My partner and I were married in Portlan, OR when it was legalized, but having our license 'rescinded' and our license fee returned was painful. We've also had a commitment ceremony (in CA, no less) in 2003, so we consider ourselves married already. Now we just wish our government did. Cynthia & Dawn

Jonathan Hollander
My parter and I were "married" in Florida. We will be going to California to show our support for marriage and to remind Florida to vote against our own constitutional admendment this fall.

Anonymous
My woman is from Connecticut, so we may wait until DADT is gone, then decide whether to do a Civil Union in CT or Marriage in CA. Ideally, DADT and DOMA will be buried together and we can get Married! :) in CT w/her family (and some of mine) in attendance. :)

David & Scott
Our plan is to drive in from Phoenix, have a ceremony in Palm Springs and then on to Baja for our honeymoon.

Gary Evenson
We will ask all friends and relatives to not send a gift but donate to one of the groups that will try to defeat the constitutional ammendment.

Matthew Lloyd
Yes we will...with bells on.

Anonymous
We plan on waiting until after November, just to see how it all turns out, but marriage is definitely in our future in this state in the near future.

Todd Butler
We've been together for 48 years and it's about time to end the engagement and finally get married!

Anonymous
My fiance and I planned a trip up to Canada this summer before the law passed in California... maybe the entire nation will be granted the same rights at some point soon...

Steve Encarnacion-Kilgore
We have three domestic partnerships (One from NYC, one from Huntington, NY and one here in California where we currently live). None of these domestic partnership agreements come close to what legalized marriage in California would give us. We just hope it sticks.

Kathy B.
I was all ready married in California in 2004. I see no need to do it again. That was such an amazing time in history. Getting married was something I had never considered before that point. Although at the time I did it because I wanted to be a part of that social change movement, I do have to say that our relationship felt different after that in ways that I can't even describe.

Anonymous
Finally!

Brian B
While the idea is appealing, until we get the Federal benefits of marriage, it feels like nothing more than a symbolic gesture at this point. Not to underestimate the power of that gesture, but it is the benefits that matter the most to me.

Jason
Viva California!

Wayne Pawlowski
It won't be valid ("legal") in our home state (FL) but we figure it can't hurt and it adds credibility to our "claim" to be a couple if we ever need it...perish the thought.

Eric & Keith Evans
My partner of 6 years and I have made our reservation to marry at the S.F. city hall on 06/27/2008 We held off the domestic partner thing the 5 years we lived in Palm Springs just for the very reason we wanted to be MARRIED! We now live in Reno, Nevada and when the law passed on my partners birthday it was the best gift we could have hoped for. We both came from prior long term relationships me 16 years his 11 years so we are so ready to have this relationship recognized AS a marriage finally! Next we want to work to have it legalized here in Nevada! We are so glad and blessed to lived to see this history in the making and to be a part of it! We do! Keith is even taking my last name!

Mike Johnson
We're hoping you run a piece spelling out what procedures we out-of-staters must follow so that we can fly into San Francisco from Nashville, complete the licensing process, have the ceremony in a civil office, and then get outside to enjoy a long weekend in the city. This couple has longed to do this for our entire thirty-seven years together.

Michael Ferguson
Already married in Canada which is recognized in New York, where we live. With all the hoopla of Gov Pattersonson's directive to state agencies, people forget that the not so liberal state of New Hampshire has as part of their civil union law a provision that all same-sex marriages be viewed as civil unions with the same benefits as marriage under state law.

Paul
However, if I HAD a partner, I definitely would.

Dave in Colorado
No, I'll get married when I meet someone I want to spend my life with and it will be in my own home state. There is still a lot of work to do.

Anonymous
Yes! We are thrilled Ca has no residency requirements too! My partner and I recently went on a cruise and found out that the cruise lines will conduct your LEGAL marriage in California in port then you can take your cruise! Its very affordable! We are planning our wedding now. They take care of all the details including location, music, wedding planner, officiant, flowers, etc... What could be better?

Anonymous
Yes! We have the date set for the 20th of June. We have two children and we couldn't be happier.

Anonymous
I've been married since it became legal in Ontario Canada in 2003. It's nice that Californians can now 'catch up'. It's been legal in all of Canada since 2005.

Richard T. Nolan
As retired Florida residents in our 70s, there would be no transferable benefit. At this point in our 53 years together, we have no interest in having a marriage ceremony anywhere unless legal benefits would result. (We've already had an Episcopal Church liturgy celebrating our decades as a couple.)

Steve McPherson
My partner Erik Price and I have an appointment at the Santa Ana courthouse on June 24th! Ya! Thanks to all who supported us in the fight.

Anonymous
While we would love to, it won't be acknowledged in our home state of Pennsylvania. At this point in our lives we want this to mean something to us in our daily lives. We will wait until the day when we can be married where we live.

Meredith
I'd consider it. My only concern would be if the laws start changing elsewhere if our marriage were to fail, what would we have to do to get divorced since being married is not currently recognized where we live. If us getting married could begin to change the laws elsewhere, however, it might be worth any potential headache.

Wendy & Vicki
We've been together for almost 15 years and we got married at our UCC church 2 years ago. Yes we plan to go (from CO) to keep pushing the local, state and federal governments to do that right thing!

JT
We will wait until after November to make sure no one can take it away from us.

Anonymous
Maybe one day...

Anonymous
We're flying there from Dallas on the morning of the 17th to get hitched.

Ted Mowery
Hear ye, hear ye! Ted and Paul plan to get married in June just as soon as we get the marriage license. Oh happy day! We've waited 37 long years for this day to arrive and it's finally here. We can't wait to hear the preacher say these magic words: "Those whom God has joined together in holy matrimony, let no man put asunder." (And the same applies to the November CA Proposition!) Our time has finally arrived! Now no one can ever rain on our parade!

Suzanne Vogt and Kat Elliott
We can't wait to plan the trip!

keith andrews
We'll wait for Texas.

Anonymous
Already married ... in wonderful Canada!

Michael
My partner and I have been together for approximately fifteen years, and we became domestic partners two years ago. We did not take the plunge a couple years ago, but we are planning to proceed now. We just need to find the right place and the right minister to assist our service in San Jose, CA.

ERIC
I'M NOT PLANNING ON GETTING MARRIED ANYTIME SOON. MAYBE IF IOWA OR ILLINOIS GETS THEIR HEADS OF OF THE SAND. MAYBE SOME DAY I'LL GET TO VISIT CANADA AND GET MARRIED TOO.

John
While I am thrilled for the people of California, my partner and I do not live in their state. As neat as it will be to get married legally somewhere, the simple fact remains that the moment we get back to our home state, the marriage still won't be recognized. It feels almost like a novelty souvenir you'd pick up on vaction than something worthwhile.

Jim Gallagher & Steven Barker
When we heard the decision, my partner and I immediately began making wedding plans. We had the location picked out, attendants picked out, wedding colors selected and the dj booked even before we proposed to one another. For both of us, it was simply assumed that we would be getting married. After 20 years together, we can sometimes read each other's minds--4 days after the Court's decision we came to the realization that in order to be engaged to marry, someone had to propose marriage. It wasn't the most romantic proposal (no flowers, no bended knee), but the whole week had been so over the top emotional, exciting and romantic, we needed a little normalcy. We looked at each other & very simply & quietly popped "the" question. Each of us knowing the answer would be yes.

Stephanie
Yes I do plan to marry my partner and best friend. It has been a long time coming. I hope the California rulling will open people's eyes and see that we are hard working, loving and raising families just like themselves.

Tricia88
WE LIVE IN FLORIDA, BUT WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS HISTORIC MOMENT. THE FLIGHTS FOR JULY ARE $600 EACH, THE MINISTER IS $250, AND THE HOTEL IS ANOTHER $250 A NIGHT! SO FOR FOUR DAYS OF GLORY, WE'LL SPEND ABOUT $2,500 IN CA ON A TIGHT BUDGET. AND THEY DON'T THINK GAY MARRIAGE WILL HELP GET THE STATE OUT OF DEBT?! GUESS AGAIN. WHOOSH! WHAT WE DO FOR LOVE!

Anonymous
We got married in Mass in October of 2004

Anonymous
We're already married in Massachusetts and Canada.

Tim Jones
Together now for almost 34 years, my partner and I are marrying in San Francisco City Hall on July 29, 2008 at 1:00 pm. We were one of the more than 4,000 couples in 2004 who married in this great city, and only six months later were voided. We are not rushing out the first day because we figure we have at least until the 4th of November to tie the knot. We are honoring my parents' wedding anniversary (both now passed) as part of our celebration, by marrying on their special day. My mother, on her deathbed, let me know she knew I was gay by telling me that marriage was not for everyone. At the time I was engaged to marry a woman. What a mistake that would have been. It was her way of letting me know that she knew. Little did she know that in my lifetime, I too would marry and know the happiness that she and my father had known. I always said that Henry, whom I met 2 months after my mother's passing, was her gift to me. Tim Jones San Diego, CA

Anonymous
I'm already married in MA. :)

Jessica
Absolutely! Now that it is legal for all couples to honor their love and protect their families with the sanctity of marriage - you bet we are!

Erik H
My partner and I have been together for nearly 13 years. We met in Denver, where we lived together for the first three years of our relationship. Subsequently, we moved to San Francisco in 1999. Do we plan to get married? We are somewhat private and skeptical people and have always viewed marriage as a heterosexual institution. However, now that the possibility of same-gender marriage MAY become real in California, we might have a small ceremony in our beautiful, small back yard for a handful of close friends and family members in October 2009. This will be the year and month of our 14th anniversary, and we look forward to celebrating our enduring love with those who are closest to us and finally obtaining the rights the straight couples take for granted….

G & S
Yes my partner and I have been together for 17 years. Since we can't get married in GA, we will be asking family and friends to make the trek to Cali for our wedding which we are starting to plan now.

Melanie
Can't wait, never thought I'd see this opportunity in my lifetime. Thank you, California Supreme Court and Chief Justice George. Thank you, San Francisco and Gavin Newsome. I'm from Colorado, formerly from Florida, two states with problems where gays are concerned. Good luck to everyone who wants to marry.

Michael - Omaha, NE
My partner and I went to Canada 4 years ago. We wanted something that Bush could not take away from us. The US is not ready to recognize same-sex marriages from another country let alone another state. Why rush to CA to marry, when the state you live in will not recognize the marriage.

Xero
I'm currently not partnered, but am happy for all the couples that will now be able to plan the weddings that up until now they had been only dreaming of. Who knew that the conservative members of the California Supreme Court were really "activist judges" in disguise?

Anonymous
I don't believe the State should regulate what is in its essence a religious ceremony. CIVIL UNIONS held solely in front of a judge is the only route for a society that truly believes in "separation of church and State."

Arthur N. Siegel, O.D. & Dennis Lowry
We've been registered domestic partners in California since that first became legal. We had hoped to get married on December 6th (our 33rd anniversary). With the anti gay marraige initiative now on the November ballot, we will have to push up the wedding date. From what I gather, in case the hateful inititive does pass, it will not negate the marraiges performed prior to that. So, I guess we will have to set a wedding date sometime between June 17th and election day. We plan on a small, intimate and romantic ceremony.

Father David Neven, Coptic Church
I have no life partner at this time, but I agree with the California Court.

K
I do not believe that marriage will be legal after November so while in the future I would like to get married here, I won't have that chance unfortunately. Sad, but true.

CAROLINE G. McMASTER, TAMPA, FL
I would, if the marriage were considered legal in Florida. However, Florida probably will be the last state to legalize same sex marriage. I've hit the half century mark. I don't see this becoming legal, in Florida, in my lifetime. Caroline McMaster

Anonymous
Maybe...but it won't be recognized in our home state so it seems a bit pointless.

Dennis
All Californians need to come together in November and defeat this religious fundamentalist Constitutional Amendment. It is my right as a tax paying citizen to get married if I want to, and not have this decision made by bigots and selfish hypocrites!!!!!

Glen
Yes, and I live in California. I also have been waiting over 22 years for this day!

Josh Kaplan
My partner and I waver on this. Of course we would love to be married to each other - but is it worth going to California to do so only to return to Minnesota where we will still not be recognized as a married couple? A big part of us is optimistic (naive?) enough to say that we will wait until our marriage is recognized everywhere, not just in a select few states.

Brady
After 3 years together, the domestic partnership, and just crazy happiness - my partnr and I will marry on June 20th. This is by far and away the best moment of our lives together. Thank you California - and please, we beg, keep it legal!

Anonymous
I have nobody to marry, and at age 63 I am not likely to find anyone.

Thom
Yes...and also eventually in his Province in Canada...can't believe it's becoming a reality, and how quickly some would have it taken away from us just as quickly...

Wayne
Yes, though we're going to wait and see whether the ballot initiative passes, which would nullify the state supreme court's ruling. No sense in putting on a big celebration if the voters decide to deprive us of our rights.

Anonymous
Since we already have domestic partner registration in our state (Washington State, we feel more compelled to fight for full marriage rights at home.

Brian in Arizona
I say no since we are residents of Arizona and it wouldnt do us any good. Until my state and the Federal government recognizes same sex marriages along with the benefits of marriage, we have no plans of tying the knot. Until that time, we will continue to support those who do get married and we will continue to "tithe" a portion of our income to GLBT organizations who work toward equality for our community.

DENNIS
ATTN ALL LGBT CALIFORNIANS AND OUR STRAIGHT ALLIES--WE ALL NEED TO COME TOGETHER AS ONE IN NOVEMBER AND FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS AS TAX PAYING CITIZENS OF THIS FREE COUNTRY. EVERYONE DESERVES THE CHOICE TO GET MARRIED, AND NOT HAVE THAT DECISION MADE BY SELFISH HATE MONGERS, BIGOTS, AND RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISTS.

Kevin Olomon
Well, sure- I'd like to, but it all depends on whether Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson accepts my proposal of marriage, or not. (Hee-Hee!)

Leo
I have been with my partner for twenty-seven years. I have looked forward to the law giving us the same rights as every other citizen has. Yes we will get married, it is the protection our family needs.

Previous Polls

November 19, 2008
Pride and Prejudice
Is gay the new black?

November 6, 2008
The Economy
Are you afraid of losing your job?

October 22, 2008
Harvey Milk
Has there been a gay leader comparable to Harvey Milk since Milk's death?

October 9, 2008
International LGBT Rights
Do you think the next U.S. president will champion LGBT rights on the international stage?

September 24, 2008
The High Cost of Being Gay
Can you afford to be gay?

September 10, 2008
Job Stability
Do you think the company you work for is financially sound?

August 28, 2008
Proposition 8
Is the defeat of California's Prop. 8 worth it if Arizona's antigay Prop. 102 passes?

August 13, 2008
A Gay President
When do you think the U.S. will elect a gay president?

July 30, 2008
Jesse Helms
Do you think Jesse Helms's style of bigotry will work in politics anymore?

July 16, 2008
Obama and Faith
Do you support Barack Obama's plan to give federal money to faith-based charities if LGBT-friendly programs get equal access to it?

July 2, 2008
Silver Foxes
Do you find gray hair sexy?

June 19, 2008
It Takes a Village
Is Your Family a Village?

June 4, 2008
California Weddings
Do you plan on getting married in California?

May 7, 2008
Religion
Do you still practice the same religion your family did when you were growing up?

April 23, 2008
Thomas Beatie
Did Thomas Beatie's going public with his pregnancy hurt the transgender movement?

April 9, 2008
Cleaning Up the Planet
Who is most responsible for cleaning up the planet?

March 26, 2008
LGBT Artists
Are you more likely to support an artist if he or she identifies as LGBT?

March 14, 2008
Caution in Expression of Identity
Should LGBT teens exercise caution in expressing their identity?

March 6, 2008
Politics
Would you vote against a pro-gay GOP senator to seat a Democrat?

February 22, 2008
MRSA
Have you ever had a MRSA infection?