Same-Sex Couples Eager To Wed As Historic Date Nears
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In one week, city and town clerks across the state will begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses when the Marriage Equality Law takes effect, and plenty of people say they want to be among the first in the city to tie the knot knowing they will be part of history. NY1's Michael Herzenberg filed the following report.Astoria residents Russell Krueger and Jose Zuleta have spent 14 years as a couple, and they've got pictures to prove it -- from Peru to Paris.
"He was always supporting me in every crazy idea that I could have," Zuleta said.
"Little by little we just gelled. I can't imagine my life without him now," Krueger said.
Next Sunday, Krueger and Zuleta will be among the first gay New Yorkers to apply for a marriage license. Then the following Sunday they will say their vows near Belvedere Castle in Central Park.
In an event billed as the New York City Marrython on the 31st, a group calling themselves Rainbow Wedding Clergy plan to officiate as many individual same-sex weddings as they can.
"We are looking forward to an influx on gay marriage and hosting many events here," said Ballroom Off Fifth Events and Dance Studio owner David Rosario.
Like dozens of other businesses that advertise wedding services on gay friendly websites, Ballroom off Fifth hasn't felt a huge influx of business yet, but they're hopeful.
"It just takes a little while for everybody to bite the bullet," Rosario said.
Krueger and Zuleta aren't waiting anytime at all though. They say they've waited long enough.
"We're formalizing it. It's just kind of a security blanket for us that we can be recognized as any couple," said Krueger.
NY1 couldn't find too many same-sex weddings scheduled for next Sunday, because the law requires couples wait 24 hours after they get their license before getting married.