PENNSYLVANIA: Philly Mayor To Officiate Today As Marriages Officially Begin

While a few couples have already married after being granted waiting period waivers by judges, today is the official start of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania. The mayor of Philadelphia has reportedly offered to officiate for hometown couples.

Catherine Hennessy and Kristin Keith rushed to get a marriage license in Philadelphia this week, even though they didn't plan to marry right away. Those plans have now changed. Thanks to an unexpected offer from City Hall, they have moved up their wedding to be married Friday by Mayor Michael Nutter, Hennessy said. "When the mayor calls you and says he wants to marry you, you don't say no," Hennessy said Thursday. Several Philadelphia judges have announced plans to be at City Hall both Friday and Saturday to officiate weddings. Nutter's office would not confirm his plans, and said he has no public appearances scheduled. However, spokesman Mark McDonald said his schedule could change. Hennessy and Keith are among the 18 gay or lesbian couples who got licenses before City Hall closed on Tuesday.