Same sex couples wed in California

LOS ANGELES, June 18 (UPI) -- Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples are tying the knot in California now that the state is permitting same-sex couples to get married.

Among those who took out licenses on the first day they were available was "Star Trek" actor George Takei who plans to wed his longtime partner Brad Altman, The Los Angeles Times reported.

A Times survey of California counties indicated that more than 2,300 marriage licenses were issued statewide Tuesday, the vast majority of them to same-sex couples.

Los Angeles County issued 648 licenses and performed 279 wedding ceremonies, said Dean Logan, county clerk.

Orange County issued 121 licenses and San Diego County issued 230, surpassing a record set on Valentine's Day in 2005.

One striking aspect of the couples that turned out Tuesday was the longevity of many of their partnerships, the newspaper said.

Warren Wood, 69, and Dough Hairgrove, 68, said they had been together for 47 years.

"This is a major step and we are thrilled to be part of it," said Hairgrove.