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Posted on Tue, Oct. 07, 2008

California relents, returns 'bride,' 'groom' to marriage forms

Jennifer Garza | Sacramento Bee

last updated: October 07, 2008 01:15:04 PM

Rachel Bird and Gideon Codding have thought of themselves as bride and groom since their August church ceremony.

Now the state of California agrees.

The Roseville couple had refused to sign the state's new marriage license forms which had replaced the words "bride" and "groom" with "Party A" and "Party B." Because of this, their marriage was not recognized by the state. The two sued.

On Monday, California state officials, saying they had heard from residents all over the state who want to be identified as "bride" and "groom" on their marriage license, said the state forms will be changed. Again.

Couples filling out the license soon will have the option of declaring themselves bride and groom, bride and bride or groom and groom. They also can leave the space blank.

Read the full story at sacbee.com.