Chief Deputy Recorder and County Clerk Diana Bradrick addressed attendees at the Hillcrest Town Council meeting Tuesday and fielded questions about the new process for marrying same-sex couples. Same-sex marriages will begin Tuesday, June 17, and more than 300 couples have registered to marry so far.

“What I thought I would do is go over some basic information as a sort of introduction and then give you the opportunity to ask all the questions you may have,” Bradrick said to those who gathered at the Joyce Beers Community Center in Hillcrest. “The process for the marriage application, license and ceremony is the same as has been used traditionally.”

There is confusion, however, among same-sex couples, Bradrick said, because they have not been permitted to marry in the past.

Gender neutral forms – eliminating the references to “bride” and “groom” – have been created, and forms now ask for the information of Party A and Party B.

Bradrick shared answers to frequently asked questions regarding the marriage process. For example:

Each party must be 18 years or older to marry. If one partner is under 18, he or she must contact the San Diego County Juvenile Court.

To purchase a marriage license, both partners must appear together at the San Diego County Clerk’s office and present valid and current photo identification with the completed marriage license application. The application can be accessed online at www.sdarcc.com. A driver’s license, passport, military identification card or state identification card are acceptable forms of identification.

A public marriage license costs $50; a confidential marriage license costs $55. Confidential marriage licenses can only be released by court order, while public licenses are public record.

A marriage license is valid for 90 days. Couples may have a civil ceremony at the clerk’s office for an additional $50, or go to a church, chapel or other location.

Couples need to bring at least one witness to purchase a public marriage license; if couples do not have a witness, one will be provided at no extra cost.

For a $50 fee, the clerk’s office will appoint a friend or relative as Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a day. The temporary commissioner will receive instructions on completing the marriage license and a script for marriage vows. The option typically takes several weeks so couples are encouraged to plan accordingly.

The San Marcos and Chula Vista offices are by appointment only, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Downtown office (County Administration Center) will have an appointment and walk-in counter open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 17 to June 20, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 23 and after. The Kearny Mesa office will be open to issue marriage licenses and conduct ceremonies by appointment and on Saturdays only from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 and after. There is typically a wait at the Kearny Mesa office. Walk-ins should be prepared to wait at all locations. For appointments Downtown, call 619-531-5088. For appointments in Chula Vista, San marcos and Kearny Mesa, call 858-505-6197.

Couples are encouraged to print and fill out a marriage license form online before arriving.

Bradrick also encouraged couples interested in marrying to schedule an appointment.

“We are now taking appointments for ceremonies and license applications,” she said.