Viewfinder: First same sex marriage license in La Paz County issued

“I can barely believe this day has come,” said Lindee Woody as she entered the La Paz County Superior Court complex on Kofa Avenue in Parker, AZ.

Woody and her partner of more than 14 years Cherre Hooper say they have been waiting for this day for many years. “Literally my whole life I could only imagine this as a possibility,” Lindee said. “It was just so out of the question. Today is a historic day for many of us who have been waiting for such a long time.”

Friday was that landmark day for many couples around the state who were lining up at court clerks’ offices in anticipation of the ruling that makes Arizona the 31st state in the union to get marriage equality. On the same day, the federal government announced it is extending legal recognition of same-sex marriage to another 5 states, with more to come.

“It is impossible to express how much this means to us. We could have done this in other states, but, to walk into our La Paz County offices and receive equal treatment in regard to our relationship is all we have ever wanted. We have been asked many times why we didn’t just get married somewhere else and the answer has always been twofold. Our marriage in another state would not have been recognized in Parker and, much more importantly, Parker is our home. We’ve raised our kids here, own our home here and love the community here. We are so happy. Really a dream come true. Thanks everyone that wanted this for us. We have always felt your support. No date set yet but… we now can and will be married!”

-Lindee Woody

Court clerk Megan Spielman led the couple in their oath while employees watched history take place in their office. Tears and smiles were all Lindee and Cherre could muster at times as they duly paid the appropriate fee for the document that had eluded them for so long.

They say they will wait to have a ceremony until their family can be there.

Parker Live has heard from other couples in La Paz County who intend to tie the knot also. Photos via Melissa Wright Photography.