DURHAM (WTVD) -- Monday was the first full day in North Carolina for same-sex couples to legally wed in the state following Friday's historic court ruling that overturned the state's marriage amendment which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2012.
While marriages were performed late Friday in Raleigh, the Register of Deeds Office in Durham County closed before the ruling came down.
Cumberland County's Register of Deeds also closed before Friday's ruling.
Monday, the line for licenses formed early at the Durham County courthouse. Eager couples entered, filled out paperwork, and then Cathy and Kelly Riner-Surles became the first same sex couple licensed to wed in Durham.
"It was really important for us to come to Durham because we live in Durham and this is our home, and this is where we raise our three boys," explained Cathy Rimer-Surles.
"I think today is about us being a family. Legal protections mean a lot to me. It feels very personal today," said Kelly Rimer-Surles.
Friday's ruling followed Monday's announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court that it would not hear any appeal of a July ruling by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond striking down Virginia's ban. That court has jurisdiction over North Carolina.
But approval of Friday's court ruling has not been universal. North Carolina's Republican leadership in the General Assembly - House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate Leader Phil Berger - said they were disappointed. Tillis is currently campaigning for U.S. Senate.
"While we recognize the tremendous passion on all sides of this issue, we promised to defend the will of North Carolina voters because they - not judges and not politicians - define marriage as between one man and one woman and placed that in our state constitution," the Republican legislators said in a joint statement.
Some lining up for same-sex marriage licenses in Durham Monday say they were aware of the opposition, but think acceptance will come.
"We have the love and support of our family. Ultimately, what we are doing here does not take away from anybody else's relationship or marriage. It doesn't detract from their family. It just reinforces ours," offered Janet White.