Couple: Philly Mayor Set to Perform Gay Weddings

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.

U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III sent the state's same-sex marriage ban to "the ash heap of history" Tuesday, making Pennsylvania the 19th state to legalize gay marriage. Couples who got licenses that day will be eligible to marry Friday under the state's three-day waiting period.

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.

They had their own ceremony 10 years ago, with more than 100 friends and relatives, in the converted church where they lived. Hennessy, 51, runs a photography business, while the 42-year-old Keith works in sales for a publishing firm.

"We already had decided years ago we were going to be in a committed relationship, but it's nice to get recognition," Hennessy said.

Despite their new wedding date, they won't be the first same-sex couple married in Pennsylvania. Allegheny County Judge Lawrence O'Toole has issued two waivers this week, allowing couples to skip the three-day wait.

The county fielded 290 marriage license applications Tuesday and Wednesday, after averaging 10 a day in recent weeks, county spokeswoman Amie Downs said.

A number of same-sex couples have asked Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto to perform their ceremony, spokesman Timothy McNulty said. None are scheduled for May, but some are expected to be scheduled next month.

Joe Parisi and Steven Seminelli were among the couples receiving the first licenses Tuesday in Philadelphia. They, too, got a call about being married by the mayor. But they decided to stick with their original plan, to be married at the city's historic Christ Church - where some of the nation's founders also wed.

"We are very honored and flattered for the (mayor's) invitation," Seminelli said. "However, we prefer a more intimate celebration, which will be at our church."