The King County Recorder’s office, which issues marriage licenses, is preparing for Dec. 6, the first day same sex couples in Washington can legally marry. After voters approved Referendum 74 this month, licenses will be issued starting Dec. 6 and can be used starting Dec. 9.

Due to this, the Recorder’s Office, in the King County Administration Building, located at 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle, is the only location in King County where couples can obtain a marriage license and will be open for extended hours. On Thursday, Dec. 6, the office will be open from 12:01 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 7, the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 8, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Couples will be able to line up in the Administration Building’s North Plaza, off of James Street, two hours before the office opens each day. All couples applying for marriage licenses will need to wait in the official queuing area those days.

To reduce delays, couples can download the application ahead of time, available on the King County website. The marriage license application fee is $64.