At 12 p.m. sharp, news broke that the state of Oregon ended the ban of gay marriage. Outside of the U.S. District Court Clerk on 8th and Ferry street in Eugene, couples and activists alike celebrated the news with hugs, kisses and tears of joy. Quickly after, couples headed to the Lane County Courthouse down the street at 8th and Oak to begin lining up to receive their marriage licenses. About 50 couples were already waiting after the ruling, and the court began granting same-sex marriages at 1 p.m.
Eugene couple Stehpanie Steele, left, and Amy Stinnet, right, hold each other after hearing the news. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Long time couple Bruce Carlson, left, and Matthew Friday, right, kiss for the cameras prior to being the first couple married in Lane County. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Gay rights activist Mary Koons cries tears of joy, explaining how everyone deserves to get married. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Eugene resident Eric Gates, right, and close friend Rebeca Morales embrace in celebration of their right to now marry their partners. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
28-year long couple Bruce Carlson, left, and Matthew Green, right, exchange rings at their wedding ceremony in The Davis Restaurant & Bar. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
University of Oregon sophomore Adrianne Box smiles up at the courthouse after hearing the news. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Courthouse volunteer Tori Morris, left, goes over the marriage license process with couple Jesse Nordhaard, center, and Penny Moore, right. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
28-year long couple Bruce Carlson, left, and Matthew Green, right, embrace after being the first same-sex couple to be officiated by a pastor in Lane County. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Eugene resident Celeste Chillemi announces the news to the crowd outside of the courthouse that the ban on gay marriage in Oregon is over. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
United Methodist Church pastor Warren Light shows the crowd of people the rings that will be exchanged between long time couple Bruce Carlson and Matthew Friday. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Couples and gay-rights activists wait in the Lane County courthouse for the first Lane County same-sex couples to be married. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Eugene residents Lisa Williams, top left, and Jodi Wiktorowski, top right, pose with their children prior to solidifying their thirteen-year partnership with a marriage license. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Eugene residents and partners of 28 years Bruce Carlson, left, and Matthew Friday, right, take a photo together prior to being the first same-sex couple to be married in Lane County. Oregon’s gay marriage ban is struck down as a Federal judge finds it unconstitutional on Mon., May 19 2014. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)