How to Get Married in the New States

Here's the rundown of same-sex marriage laws in the three new states:  Delaware, Rhode Island and Minnesota:

Delaware

• first date to apply: July 1, 2013 
• Waiting Period: 24 hours after license is issued
• Witnesses: 2
• Blood Test: None 
• Divorce Decree Required: Yes
• Fee: $50 for state residents; $100 for non-residents
• Where to Apply: Office of the County Clerk of Peace

Rhode Island

• first date to apply: August 1, 2013
• Waiting Period: None
• Witnesses: 2
• Blood Test: None 
• Divorce Decree Required: Yes
• Fee: $24
• Where to Apply: City or Town Clerk's office in the city where the marriage will take place

Minnesota

• first date to apply: August 1, 2013 
• Waiting Period: 5 business days after license is issued (can be waived with a court order)
• Witnesses: 2 
• Blood Test: None 
• Divorce Decree Required: Yes
• Fee: $40 or $110, depending on if you've taken premarital education classes 
• Where to Apply: A County Registrar's office

Getting Your Parents Excited About Your Wedding

Since the laws are rapidly changing (yay for Delaware, Rhode Island and Minnesota, not to mention some new countries), I'm going to resurrect some of my old how-to style blog posts.  This one is an oldie but a goodie: how to get your parents excited about your gay wedding.

Start here with the first step: Be Patient

Step two: Share your excitement.

Step three: Ask for advice (not money).

Step four:  Excitement is contagious.

Step five: Ask for money (if you need to).

Step six: Give them a project.

Step seven:  Distract them some more.

How are your parents feeling about your gay wedding plans?