Junia Ribeiro (L), 51, and Patty Oh, 43, celebrate as they leave the King County Administration Building shortly after getting their marriage license in Seattle, Washington December 6, 2012. A law legalizing same-sex matrimony took effect in Washington state on Thursday, and officials geared up for a flood of marriage-license applications from gay and lesbian couples eager to exchange vows. Washington made history last month as one of three U.S. states where marriage rights were extended to same-sex couples by popular vote, joining Maryland and Maine in passing ballot initiatives recognizing gay nuptials. In Washington state there is a three day waiting period after receiving a marriage license before a couple can get married. The first same-sex weddings will happen in Washington on December 9. REUTERS/Marcus Donner (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY)