Reader questions and answers on gay marriage (California)

By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

With gay marriage set to begin in California on Monday, The Times is answering readers' questions on the subject. You can submit questions at ron.lin@latimes.com. Check out full coverage of the debate about the gay marriage issue at latimes.com/gaymarriage.
Also available: The Times' gay marriage page on Facebook.

Here is a sampling of questions:
What will civil marriage commissioners say when giving the wedding vows? Here's the wording recommendation from the County Clerks Assn. of California: "By virtue of the authority vested in me, as a Deputy Commissioner of Marriages for the County of XXX, I now pronounce this couple united in marriage under the laws of the state of California.

"My partner and I had a civil union in Vermont. Can we get married in California now?Yes. If you are unmarried, you may get married in California.

Where can I apply for a marriage license?Both would-be spouses must appear in person at a county clerk's office with photo identification and cash, check, or money order to pay for the license fees and, if desired, a ceremony.

Here's the process for counties in Southern California:

Los Angeles County: No appointment is needed to apply for a marriage license. Wedding ceremonies at the county clerk's office in Norwalk are on a first come, first served basis only on Tuesday and June 21; appointments are required at all other times and locations. It costs $70 for the license and $25 for the ceremony. Starting on Monday at 5 p.m., applicants can begin to fill out the application online, but must come into a clerk's office to receive the license.

Orange County: Appointments are accepted but not required. The license costs $61.50, and the ceremony $28; debit cards are also accepted. Those who start their application online before arriving at the clerk's office are given priority.

Ventura County: Appointments recommended but walk-ins are allowed. The license costs $97, the ceremony $45, and the certificate, once the wedding is completed, is $13. You may start the marriage application here and go to the right-hand corner, and click on the "marriage application" tab.

(Continue for other counties)

ron.lin@latimes.com

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Times staff writer Jean-Paul Renaud contributed to this report.